Can a Class III Reciever Hitch be Used to Attach a Yakima Bike Rack on a 2004 Toyota Rav4

Question:

i was wondering if this part can be used to attach my Yakima bike rack that i currently have or if it is designed only to tow come cargo? I have a RAV4 2004 and wanted to install a bike rack, i do notr like the ones that are mounted in the roof and since i have my yakima rack that i used with my honda CRV i wanted to know if i wiould be able to continue using it. I plan to haul two bikes.

asked by: Jackson T

Expert Reply:

Yes, you would be able to use the Curt Class III Max-Frame Trailer Hitch, item # 75125, to haul 2 bikes with your 2004 Toyota Rav4.

If your Yakima bike rack is designed for a 1-1/4 inch, and you do not have an adapter for it to work in a 2 inch receiver opening, you can use the Brophy Trailer Hitch Adapter 2 inch to 1-1/4 inch, item # HT02 to carry the bike rack in the Curt Class III Max-Frame Trailer Hitch, item # C13524. If your Yakima rack is a trunk mounted rack then it will not work on the Rav4.

You will also need to measure the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole on your rack to the back of the upright. This distance will need to be greater that the distance from the hitch pin hole on the hitch to the farthest back part of the rear mounted spare tire for the bike rack to work on your vehicle. On a 2007 model this measurement is 7 inches but you will need to check your 2004 model, which could have the wider spare, to be sure the bike rack will fit. Normally this is not a problem on the Rav4.

Finally make sure that the weight of the bike rack and bikes does not exceed the lowest rated item in your system. You will need to check the hitch tongue weight capacity the vehicle tongue weight capacity and the bike racks carrying capacity.

expert reply by: Robert G