Originally Posted by heathermomster
Called Swagman today and was advised to attach a 4"-7" hitch extension to my CRV. Otherwise, none of their bike rack hitch receiver products will work on my CRV. The hitch extender reduces the towing capacity by 50%.
Since you already need an extender (presumably to clear the spare tyre), you might want to consider getting one that's also an adapter to for a 2" hitch rack. This way, if you ever get another vehicle with increased towing capacity, it will most likely come with a 2" receiver and you can use the same rack. Also, note that many hitch racks for 1-1/4" receivers are note rated or recommended for more than two full-sized bikes. You're probably fine with two full sized and a kid's bike but you might be pushing it if you go to three full sized bikes... especially if they're not ultralight roadbikes and especially since you've just increased the leverage arm on that hitch. Granted a 2" hitch rack with an adapter mounted on a 1-1/4" hitch won't buy you anything right now in terms of load carrying capacity but if you ever upgrade to a vehicle with a 2" hitch receiver then you won't need to replace the rack.