Can Spare Tire Cover of 2012 Rav 4 Be Installed Over Adapter Tube of Yakima SpareRide Bike Rack

Question:

can the spare tire cover be put back on OVER the extension for the bike rack?

asked by: Jean B

Expert Reply:

If the tongue that joins the adapter plate to the bike rack extends past the face of the tire, you wouldn't be able to re-install the spare tire cover.

The stock tires on your RAV 4 are likely smaller than P235, so it would use the short tongue. In that case, you most likely would be able to reinstall the cover. The short tongue measures 3-1/4 inches long. There's a measurement you can take to check this. Have a helper hold a yardstick or other straight edge across the face of the spare tire. Then, measure the distance from the rear mounting pad of the wheel that would touch the spare tire mount to the straight edge your helper is holding. If this distance is 3-1/4 inches or less, you'll be able to reinstall the spare tire cover with the adapter installed.

expert reply by: Mike L