Maximum Number of Bikes on a 2013 Toyota RAV4 with Roof Racks

Question:

How many of the rocky mount tomahawk roof rack bike carriers can I fit on my 2013 Toyota Rav?

asked by: Dea

Expert Reply:

This depends largely on the weight of your roof rack and bikes. The total weight of the bikes plus the racks plus the roof rack system is going to determine the actual number of bikes you can carry.

According to my research, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 has a rated roof capacity of 101.2lbs. You should always confirm this number before employing the roof rack on your vehicle by checking in your owner's manual.

Each of the Rocky Mountain TomaHawk Roof Bike Rack, part # RKY1222 weighs 18lbs. The lightest rack I could find is the Inno Aero, a kit with part # INXB100-108 and part # INXS100 , coming in at 14lbs.

At this point, you have roughly 70lbs left for your bikes, less if you have two racks, as well as needing to provide the space for each bike to load easily (About 17 inches)

A way you could save weight is by using a fork-mounted bike rack that requires removal of the front wheel like the Rhino-Rack Mountain Trail, part # RBC035 . This lets you eliminate some weight from the bike rack by removing the front wheel.