Bike rack advice please.

[goliath6900]

I am planning to buy a trunk bike rack. It is actually for my double stroller. I found one in amazon but I'm not sure if it would be feasible since my 2005 mdx has a spoiler. The strap might break it. Can anyone advice me on this. Thanks. here is the rack that I found

Amazon.com: #805 "Bones 2" Bicycle Trunk Rack (2 Bike): Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: #805 "Bones 2" Bicycle Trunk Rack (2 Bike): Sports & Outdoors

[littleazn248]

yakima highlite 2

Do you have a hitch? It sounds like you don't, but if you do this is my favorite bike rack.

[goliath6900]

@ littleazn

I don't have a hitch but will probably consider as a last option.

[acuramdx4me]

Do it right and get a hitch, then get a nice sturdy locking yakima rack. It will be a great investment and something you can always use on other vehicles as well. I have messed with the bones system by saris just to have it scratch the sh*t out of my trunk lid and , although it never happened to me, people can steal the entire rack and whatever you have on it way too easy. Just my .02$

[goliath6900]

@acuramdx

Thanks for the advice I was also worried that it might damage the paint. Thanks again. Which type of hitch did you use and what brand?

[carguy07]

[quote=acuramdx4me;505461]Do it right and get a hitch, then get a nice sturdy locking yakima rack. It will be a great investment and something you can always use on other vehicles as well. I have messed with the bones system by saris just to have it scratch the sh*t out of my trunk lid and , although it never happened to me, people can steal the entire rack and whatever you have on it way too easy. Just my .02$



X2, I hated my saris, love my hitch. I got a Curt class III, works great. You might want to see if you can even go with a class I or II hitch if you never plan to tow anything. Like this: MDX, Pilot Trailer Hitch 1-1/4'' CL1 Curt 117730 | eBay

[goliath6900]

@carguyo

Thank you for the info. Is this image the only piece I need or do i need the whole assembly where I can attach the image you posted. I'm not planning in towing anything. Thanks again.

[carguy07]

The part in the picture is all you would need. For some reason they don't list the class I past 2003?

http://sitepro12.sitepro.com/masterl..._11773_INS.pdf

Weird since as far as I know the mounting holes are the exact same.

Here is how an OE Acura hitch mounts there.





Maybe the access holes are not there to fish in the nuts?

[goliath6900]

@carguy07

I'm also planning on attaching a cargo mounted hitch. How many pounds do you think can I load? It says on the manual 2000 lbs trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight. Is it the tongue weight that i should be concerned about? I'll check tomorrow if there is an access hole for the nuts. Thanks for the picture and the manual.

[carguy07]

Yep tongue weight, you would not want to put a lot of weight in a basket using that hitch. Also keep in mind that a class I hitch uses a smaller 1 1/4" vs 2" receiver. This will limit your choices some for cargo carriers and even bike racks. They do sell adapters to make 2" accessories work, but then you are extending the distance even more and reducing the amount of weight you can put on it.



How to Load a Cargo Carrier

[goliath6900]

@carguy

thanks for all the info and the link for the "how to load a cargo carrier". I checked yesterday and access holes are there for the nuts.

[littleazn248]

I'm using a valley hitch or uhaul hitch. They are both the same just re branded versions of each other. Currently I can only haul like a class 2 b/c i have no trans cooler. IMHO if your gonna get a hitch get the real deal not one like that class 1 curtis hitch. Main reason being peace of mind. Class 1 hitches can't hold more than two bikes, you also can't haul some slightly heavier trailers. The MDX has no problem hauling those so I would just get a class 3 hitch off the bat.

One of the reasons I never went with those hatch mounted bike racks is just plainly they're stupid. You're gonna have to unload your bikes to open the hatch. You also scratch up your paint (as mentioned above). Currently i can still fold down my highlite with one bike on it and access the hatch. A hitch mount is also much more convenient and secure. I just slide it in and lock it up easy.

[littleazn248]

One thing worth noting however, the factory MDX hitch has more mounting points than the valley hitch. They are both still rated for class 3 however. Main reason I chose the valley hitch was price. The factory hitch was $200 more than than the valley hitch and this is considering if your dealer will just let you buy the hitch alone, otherwise its $800 more.

[goliath6900]

@littleazn

Thanks. after reading your post, I called Uhaul and they have a hitch(3500 lbs max trailer weight) for my mdx for $156 and $35 to install. Around $190 out the door. Is this a good deal?

[littleazn248]

yea that's about what I payed plus you get a lifetime warranty.