Recommended Trunk-Mount Bike Rack For 2015 Toyota RAV4

Question:

Hi - I frequently rent smaller SUVs - Rav4 and Chevy Captiva were 2 recent possibilities quoted by the car rental company. Can you recommend a bike rack that has the best chance of fitting the most cars? I am thinking trunk mount, since not all rentals have hitches. Any suggestions? the car rental company wont promise a make/model in advance,

asked by: JJC

Expert Reply:

You are right that a trunk mount bike rack would be the best option. I called my contact at Thule and they told me the structure of the spoiler and glass on the rear hatch prevent a rear mounted carrier from being used and they do not have a carrier that will work for the Captiva.

The bike rack I recommend for the RAV4 is the Thule OutWay # TH45JV. This bike rack uses 2 rubber coated straps instead of the 6 straps normally found on most trunk mount bike racks.

For a 3-bike version of the OutWay you would need part # TH56BV. The weight capacity for this carrier is 99 lbs.

The 2-bike carrier has a 66 lb weight capacity, and it folds flat for easy storage when not in use.

Another nice bike rack that is designed to fit the RAV4 is the Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top, part # HRF2-3. This is designed for vehicles that have a rear spoiler and will work with most vehicles that don't have a spoiler as well. This carrier holds 3 bikes that weigh up to 35 lbs each.

If you are planning on carrying bikes with alternative frames like kids bikes or women's bikes I recommend using an adapter bar like part # 64005. This attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and allows the bike to be carried more level in the carrier while providing additional ground clearance. I have attached a product review video for this adapter bar.