Trailer Hitch and Bike Carrier to Transport 4 Bikes on a 2000 Toyota RAV4
Question:
I need a trailer hitch for my 2000 Toyota rav4 and a 4 bike rack. my rav 4 has the rear spare tire,,, ready to buy- Curt Trailer Hitch c13524 and ???? bike rack. please let me know which rack will support the 4 bikes. Thank you.
asked by: Julio O
Expert Reply:
To carry 4 bikes on your 2000 Toyota RAV4 you will need to install a 2-inch Class III hitch. My recommendation is the Curt # C13524 since it includes all required hardware and requires no drilling. With this hitch you will need to use a stabilizing strap # 1805. I have linked the written instructions, an install video and a helpful article to assist with your installation. A torque wrench like # ALL944001 will be needed to tighten the fasteners to the specs noted in the instructions.
When we installed this hitch on a 2003 RAV4 we found that the hitch pin hole was 10-inches from the rear-most edge of the spare tire cover. This means you'll want to select a rack with enough clearance to avoid the rack or bikes coming into contact with the vehicle.
You can use the linked page to view 4-bike racks that fit a 2-inch Class III hitch. You can choose from hanging-style or platform style racks. For a cost-effective hanging rack that tilts we offer the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR which gives 13-1/2-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the upright bar. If you prefer a platform style rack the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 4-Bike Platform Rack # HR1400Z will fit well on your RAV4 and it can be used a either a 4-bike rack or as two separate 2-bike racks. Note this rack will not fold up on your car. If access to the rear of the car is important you might consider the Yakima FullSwing # Y02465 which swings out of the way of the rear hatch even when loaded with bikes.
The linked article on hitch racks will help you consider the best option for your particular type of bikes.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Powerbuilt Dual Drive Torque Wrench - 3/8" and 1/2" - 10 to 150 ft-lb
- Automotive Tools
- Wrenches
- Torque Wrench
- 150 ft/lbs
- 1/2 Inch Drive
- 3/8 Inch Drive
- Powerbuilt
more information >
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Heavy Bikes
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Swing-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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Instructions
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