Recommended Spare Tire Mounted Bike Carrier For 1999 Toyota RAV4

Question:

My daughter has a Toyota Rav 4, I think it is a 1999......I want to get a bike rack for her car, which would you recommend, and do they need to be professionally fitted?

asked by: Ning C

Expert Reply:

I checked out 1998, 1999, and 2000 RAV4s and with the spare tire mounted on the back of the vehicle I recommend a spare tire bike carrier like the Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Carrier, part # Y02599 Installing a spare tire carrier eliminated the need to install a trailer hitch, so you can save a bit of money.

The SpareRide mounts to the spare tire holder on the back of the RAV4 and has a weight capacity of 35-lbs per bike. This carrier can be folded down when not in use, and has a handy bottle opener at the end of both carrier arms. This bike rack has a lock that secures the carrier to the wheel hub and a locking cable system that secures the bikes on the rack.

When 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.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L