Bike Carrier for 4 Bikes that Allows Rear Door to Open on a 2005 Toyota RAV4

Question:

Hello, which 4 bike rack do you recommend to have access to the cargo area of a 2005 RAV4? Thank you

asked by: Adele

Expert Reply:

Your 2005 Toyota RAV4 could have either a 1-1/4 inch Class I trailer hitch or a 2 inch Class III trailer hitch.

If it has the 2 inch receiver opening then the only option that is going to allow you to swing open the rear door is going to be a bike carrier that also swings off to the side like the Thule Apex # TH9027XT. It will swing off to the side, with or without bikes loaded, allowing you to open the rear door. I have included a link to a video showing how it works.

If your RAV has the smaller 1-1/4 inch receiver then there are no swinging bike carriers that will work. Also, on a Class I trailer hitch, you are limited to carrying 2 bikes maximum.

To add a 2-inch trailer hitch you can use # C13524. I have linked a video showing how the hitch installs.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my son's bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.