Trunk Mount Bike Rack Recommendation for 2015 Toyota RAV 4

Question:

we have a 2015 Toyota Rav4 and it looks like this would be the best rack to carry 3 bikes. we are planning a family vacation where we will need to pack gear as well as the bikes. my question is this, can the hatch be opened after the bikes are taken off with the bike rack installed on the car or do I have to take it off to access the gear in back?

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

The bike rack should be removed from the vehicle before opening the rear hatch. The struts that hold the liftgate up aren't rated for too much more than the weight of the liftgate. If the extra weight of the bike rack caused the struts to fail and the liftgate to unexpectedly shut, causing injury. Also the extra weight of the rack could damage the hatch if it's shut too hard.

According to Hollywood Racks, their Over-The-Top # HRF2-3 bike rack isn't a fit for your Rav4, but I have a good solution for you.

I'd recommend the Thule OutWay part # TH56BV because the rack doesn't use the buckles and straps that other trunk mounted bike racks use. The OutWay uses retractable cables that can be tightened or released with the twist of a knob or the flip of a lever. This allows the rack to be installed or removed in seconds. The retractable cables are lockable to secure the rack to the vehicle, and the rack also provided an integrated cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack. Since you'll need to remove the rack to access the cargo in the rear of the vehicle, might as well use a rack that's very easy to install and remove.

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.

expert reply by: Mike L