Recommended Platform Bike Carrier For 2016 Toyota RAV4 Carrying Heavy Cruiser Bike

Question:

I am looking for a rack to carry two bicycles, one is a cruiser that is fairly heavy. I want to minimize the physical effort needed to put the bike on the rack. It would be helpful if the rack could stay on the car instead o having to reattach it each time I want to use it. Help!

asked by: Miriam O

Expert Reply:

The bike racks that are the most user-friendly will be hitch mounted platform racks. Platform racks are easier to load and unload and there is no hassle with making sure the bikes are even in the carrier when loaded.

The bike carrier I recommend is the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Platform Rack, part # TH903202. This bike rack is lightweight at only 45-lbs and can handle heavy bikes that weight up to 65-lbs each. This carrier is strong enough to even handle electric bikes as well. The rack tilts forward with a foot release lever that makes it easy to load and unload the bikes, and even has a telescoping ramp to make loading the heavier bike much easier. This rack can tilt the rack with the bikes loaded for access to the rear cargo area of your RAV4. This carrier also comes with a One-Key lock system that secures the bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle.

Another option for a platform-style bike rack is the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE, part # HLY84FR. This bike rack also has a tilting design that makes loading and unloading bikes easier and it has a weight capacity of 80-lbs per bike. The bike rack folds up when not in use and has bike locks that secure the bikes to the rack and a hitch lock to help deter theft of the carrier.

If you prefer a hanging bike carrier, the weight of your cruiser bike may pose a problem. Most of the hanging bike carriers have a limit of 37.5-lbs per bike like the Thule Swing, part # TH9027XT you came from.

If you do not have a trailer hitch on your RAV4 I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish # e98864. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2-inch receiver opening.