Recommendation of Trunk Mounted or Hitch Mounted Bike Rack for 2020 Toyota RAV4
Question:
Hi I have a 2020 toyota rav4. Is it better to get a hitched bike rack over a trunk rack? The trunk rack you show is on the window.. which seems not too safe. does it matter which bike rack to get once the hitch is installed? thanks!
asked by: Robin
Expert Reply:
I will start by saying that a trunk mounted bike rack like the Yakima Fullback 2 # Y02634 is safe for your back window and are quite commonly used on a variety of different vehicles where the owner does not have a hitch installed and doesn't want to have one installed. However, the downside to a trunk mounted rack is that when it is attached you don't have access to the rear cargo area of the vehicle; a lot of hitch mounted bike racks have a tilt away feature that's great and will allow you access to the rear cargo area of the vehicle.
If this is a feature that is important to you, your best bet would be to install a hitch like the Curt # C13416, which will provide you with a 2" receiver that can tow a trailer or be used to carry hitch mounted accessories like a bike rack. The rack that I recommend using with a hitch receiver is the Kuat Sherpa # SH22G. This rack tilts away from the vehicle to allow access to the rear cargo area, and because this is a platform rack, it's lower to the ground and will be easier to get the bikes on and off. It also mounts the bikes by the wheels instead of the frame, so it does not require the use of a bike frame adapter bar, which is commonly required with frame mounted bike racks.
I've linked some review and installation videos of these parts for you to have a look at, as well. I've also linked all of the bike racks that would fit in a 2" hitch for you to have a look at, in case you're looking for something a little different.
Products Referenced in This Question
Cable Locks and Hitch Lock for Kuat Transfer 2 Bike Rack
- Bike Locks
- Cable Locks
- Keyed Unique
- Steel
- Black
- Kuat
more information >
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Yakima FullBack 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 4 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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