Height Adjustable Spare Tire Mounted Bike Rack for 2010 Toyota Rav4
Question:
Hi, Is the Yakima SpareTime or Thule Spare Me Bike Rack hight adjustable by a couple of inches so that the bike can sit higher and not cover the number plate on a 2010 Rav4? if not, is there another brand you can recommend? Regards
asked by: Eman
Expert Reply:
Neither the Thule # TH963PRO or the Yakima SpareTime # Y02599 are height adjustable. However, either rack will allow you to shift the rack a bit to the side to center the bike better on the rear of the vehicle on vehicles with off-center rear tires like your RAV4. This could move the rack enough so that the bike didn't cover the license plate.
Keep this in mind- even though a portion of the bike might block the plate a bit, the license plate will still be plenty visible. I've never received a report of anyone receiving a traffic ticket because they were carrying a bike on the rear of their vehicle that obscured the plate.
Between the two spare tire mounted bike racks, I prefer the Yakima SpareRide. Not only is the rack less expensive, but in my opinion it looks better than the Thule Spare Me. If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance. I'll link you to a video showing how the adapter bar works.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Dual Arms
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Dual Arm
- Folding
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Arms
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Dual Arm
- Folding
- Hanging Rack
- Yakima
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Can Bikes with Fender Fit on RockyMounts AfterParty Swing Away Bike Rack
- Q&A: Best Spare Tire Mounted Bike Rack Comparison Thule Vs Yakima
- Article: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide
- Q&A: Difference Between 205/65-10 and 20.5 x 8-10 Trailer Tire Sizes
- Q&A: Can the Yakima SpareRide Bike Rack be Used on an RV Spare Tire
- Article: Carrying Bikes While Towing a Pop-Up Camper Trailer
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Using Yakima SpareRide Bike Rack Part # Y02599 on Rear of Camper
- Q&A: Installation/Removal of the Surco BT300 On a Jeep Wrangler
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Article: How to Choose a Spare-Tire-Bike Rack
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: RV Propane Troubleshooting | Common Propane Issues and How to Solve Them