Recreational & Family - Need help choosing a car rack

I just found this forum and am hoping you can help. I am a "dummy" when it comes to mechanical stuff, but willing to learn. I have an older Honda CRV and am looking for a bike rack that can fit 3 bikes so our family can drive out of the city and enjoy the trails at the edge of town. I see that most models of bike racks require a trailer hitch which our car doesn't have. How and where would I get one installed, and it is expensive? Also what brand of rack would you recommend for a medium budget?

I would appreciate your feedback on this. Thank you!

Hi
Welcome to the forum.

IMO a hitch mounted rack is better then a rack that hangs off the car, more so for more then two bikes.i would also look for racks that put the tyres in trays as you put different type of bikes on them and protect them banging against each other better.
I had my hitch put on at my local dealership but I am sure if you have a mechanically inclined person around you could do it at home. I have a Hidden Hitch on my van. We do not have the electronics wired as we do not plan on towing anything in the near future,if we needed to we go back and have it retro fitted.

I have an Hollywood SE1400 and I very happy with it,the bikes do not move while I am driving. The arms fold down easily with the bikes off if you need to get into the back of V. Other members have recommend Swagman racks.



Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider SE 4-Bike Platform Style Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) by Hollywood Racks
Permalink: http://amzn.com/B000QJC4AY

Uhaul installs tow hitches-- they were the cheapest I found I called around for estimates locally. It was about $150 for the hitch and installation without the electrical wiring (which you only need if you are going to tow a trailer). Once you have the hitch installed, I would look on your local craigslist for used racks. I like ours because the bikes are supported at both the top and bottom (the tires set in "trays"), so they don't swing around.