Recommendations for the bike carrier rack for Accord 2003

Hi,
I need a recommendations for the bike carrier rack for my accord 2003.
I know the followings are my choices in the order of preference.

1)Hitch mount: I believe this is the best option as the rack is mounted on
the hitch. But I do not know where to get it installed specifically in
Toronto, Mississauga area (pricing information also appreciated). Any one
has any comments on this option. Does Honda dealers do this job?
2) On the trunk: I have read people mentioning about the truck and paint
damages so I am reluctant towards this option
3) On the roof: I do not think I want this as it looks scary option

Any feedback on this will the appreciated

Thanks

RK

 

I have a 2004 4 dr accord, and I went with a hitch mount. I had u-haul
install it and it cost about $100 US.

I then got a thule 2 bike rack
http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=22&sku=937.

This setup works quite well and the bikes a very stable. I also added the
zip stick http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=12&sku=950.
This also works quitel nicely.

Something to keep in mind, my accord, and I'm guessing your to, is rated for
1,000 lbs. It is not reccommended to carry more than 2 bikes on a reciever
hitch rated for 1,000lbs. When you move the bike's weight away from the
hitch, it begins to cantilever, and effectively increases the wieght of the
bike beyon their abslolute weight.

I also looked at the roof and the trunk, the roof one woudl be a pain to
take on and off and you have decreased gas mileage, the trunk one is just a
scratch waiting to happen.

Good luck,

Hugh Graham

 

This one from Draw-Tite is excellent! I hauled three bikes, it was sturdy,
and no scratches on the car or bikes. But make sure you secure all moving
parts win bungee cords, etc.

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=E&Product_Code=40134&Category_Code=BRF



G-Man

 

I replaced a 94 Jetta with a 2003 Accord. Had a Thule roof rack, two
fork mounts, a small ski box and a fairing which was great for the
Jetta, so I just bought new feet and bars for the Accord. I could get
two bikes and the box on at the same time.

Bottom line: stay away from it. Poor fit, short bar if you buy the one
they recommend. Now i can only get one bike and the box, or two bikes.
The only upside is security with the locks and the bikes/box are very
secure on the roof rack.

If I had it to do over again I think I would go with a hitch mount.

As an aside, I don't care for the Accord much. Very little trunk room,
the folding back seat doesn't give you much as the connecting opening is
so small. Not much fun to drive either (compared to the Jetta).

John

 

I can't help but wonder why did you buy the Accord then?

I know what you mean about Jettas, they were fun to drive. I've always
had Hondas, but all my friends had at one point or another a Jetta or
Golf, ranged from an 85 Golf to a 97 Jetta TDI, with many models in
between. I drove them once in a while and I learnt how to drive stick on
an 89 Jetta. But compared to my old 94 Accord EXR (auto transmission)
they were worse handling, slower, and far less reliable even at the same
mileage. However, because all the VWs I drove had a manual transmission,
they were more fun to drive than my Accord sometimes.

In short, I think you are being unfair to the Accord, because you could
have found out all those shortcomings you mentioned during a test drive.
And there was a reason you decided to buy it over a new Jetta...

Cosmin

 

Hi Cosmin,

You're absolutely right. I was having a lot of mechanical problems with
the Jetta and I went with the Honda as a reaction. I wanted a dependable
car and I'm sure the Honda will be dependable. I didn't pay attention
to the other things that are so evident now, but I understand from other
forums and reviews that the redesign in 2003 was meant to emphasize the
Accord as a sedan and it lost some handling/driving ability.

The trunk never registered with me until I tried to fit something into
it..

My Thule rack just doesn't seem to fit correctly even though I've been
able to get it on and it seems secure.

Quibbles.

John

 

Thanks Hugh for the feedback.

I think I will have to go with something similar to your set up.
One more question on the u-haul hitch, do you know which particular unit you
got it installed ? (part # 24730 or # 24995)
Just to be sure

Thanks

RK

 

Not sure of the part number, but my hitch is the kind that needs to be
bolted to the wheel well in the trunk. this actually results in a fairly
unobtrusive hitch. You do not have the big cross member as you would with
the kind of hitch that attaches to the holes in the unibody.

Hugh