Recommended Bike Carrying Option for 2013 Toyota RAV4
Question:
Good afternoon, I know nothing about hitches, bike racks. Senior citizen here in California, wanting drive, park and bike in other areas aside from my home. And. want the safest bike rack. Please suggest away. Thank you!
asked by: Rosa D
Expert Reply:
The easiest and most secure way to transport a bike with your vehicle would be a hitch mounted bike rack.
Let's begin with the hitch. For a 2013 RAV4, I'd recommend the etrailer brand Class III hitch, part # e98864. This hitch features a 2 inch hitch opening which is the most common and will give you the most flexibility in choosing hitch mounted accessories like a bike rack or cargo carrier.
The bike rack you'll need will depend on how many bikes you're wanting to transport and what kind of bikes they are. I really like the Hollywood Racks Destination, part # HLY94FR. The Destination can carry two bikes weighing up to 35 lbs each. Because the rack holds the bikes from the bottom of the wheels and uses an adjustable clamp that can hold the bike frame from the seat post or the top frame tube, the rack can accommodate all types of bikes without issue. Usually, having step through framed bikes or bikes with fenders can limit the type of bike rack you can use, but the Destination is very flexible and can handle just about any bike with ease, unless it's a heavy electric bike or a fat bike with tires wider than 3 inches.
The rack is also very light, at about 20 lbs so it's super-easy for one person to handle by themselves.
If you click the provided link, you can see a demonstration video for the Destination bike rack I recommended.
The Malone RunWay trunk mount bike rack you looked at, part # MPG2142 is a fit for your vehicle, and if you're on a tight budget it's a good alternative. Trunk mount bike racks can be time consuming to install and remove, and have the potential to scratch the vehicle if incorrectly installed which is why I usually recommend the hitch mounted option.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Malone Runway Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Malone
more information >
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