Recommended Trunk and Hitch Bike Racks for 2015 Toyota RAV4

Question

Question:

I am new to cycling and am excited to get a bicycle rack so I can take my bike with me. I have a 2015 RAV4. I used your search and read the reviews, but I am still confused. I want to get a bicycle rack that is light as I am a woman and it would be easier for me to handle, easy to install, and secured. I am interested in the back rack, but I am also worried about the straps may be in the way for my back window wiper. What would be the best choice for me? Thank you!

asked by: Heather

0

Expert Reply:

All trunk-mount type bike racks that attach to the back of a car with straps or cables prevent use of a rear window wiper. This is just the nature of the beast. Trunk-mount racks also do not allow you to open your trunk/hatch when the rack is in place.

If you want to be able to use your rear wiper and to be able to open your rear hatch with a rack installed then a hitch-mount rack is the better way to go. Hitch racks use the hitch and the car's steel frame - its strongest part - to handle the weight of the loaded rack, rather than the car's rear door and hinge, which were really not designed to take that weight. I recommend the etrailer 2-inch hitch # e98864 (the lowest cost option) for its no-drill bolt-on installation and its appealing black matte finish. It includes the hardware to mount it and the whole process is shown in the linked video.

With a 2-inch hitch installed you can choose a compatible rack that meets your preferences. We offer both hanging style racks and platform style racks like # S64650 that require less lifting to get the bike mounted. I recommend the Swagman XC # S64650 for you, along with hitch lock # S64031. This rack will be really easy to handle, as you will see in the linked video, and it will not require a bike adapter bar # UB01 that may be needed with a trunk-mount rack.

If you prefer a trunk-mount rack for one or two bikes then the Thule Passage 2 carrier # TH910XT is a good choice. With this rack you can use Security Strap # TH533 and cable lock # e98891. If your bikes do not have a horizontal top tube you will need the adapter bar to mount them properly on the trunk rack; please see the linked video.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Answer 1

The etrailer Class III Hitch Receiver Hitch #e98864 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit your 2016 Toyota RAV4. For the 2016 (to current) model years of the RAV4, there is actually a unique series of installation steps that deal…

view full answer...

Answer 2

For an all-around hitch for your 2011 Toyota Rav4 a 2 inch Class III hitch will be the way to go since they have higher towing capacities and more accessories built for them. The hitch I would recommend is the etrailer #e98864. This hitch has the…

view full answer...

Answer 3

You won't have any difference in the durability of the powder coat between the matte and glossy finishes, but the matte color definitely hides any dings, dirt and scratches better than the glossy finish will. I do know that we've had…

view full answer...

Answer 4

I recommend the etrailer 2-inch trailer hitch #e98864, for your 2014 Toyota RAV4 for three reasons. The cost is lower than the 1-1/4 version, a 2 inch hitch receiver will be more compatible with hitch accessories in the market, and you will not…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Sometimes our website does have issues which can be really frustrating but we do have hitches that fit your 2016 Toyota RAV4 like with the Curt part #C13406 which has great towing capacities and since only hitch opening hangs below rear bumper…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Your 2017 Toyota RAV4 can be fitted with either a 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch or a 2-inch Class III and you are wise to go for the 2-inch hitch since it will both have a higher capacity and have more available accessories made for it. I suggest the…

view full answer...

Answer 7

For your 2018 Toyota RAV4 and your Thule Apex bike rack, I strongly recommend the etrailer Class III Custom Hitch, part #e98864. This hitch will give you plenty of clearance and allow you to access your rear hatch. It will be able to handle your…

view full answer...

Answer 8

We can ship to Canada, I attached a link to our shipping page for you to check out. As long as you have a 2-inch hitch on your 2009 Honda Pilot and 2017 Toyota RAV4 the Yakima LongHaul RV Bike Rack part #Y02476 will fit and work well. The Pilot has…

view full answer...

Answer 9

When looking at capacities you will always go by the lowest rated component in the system. Since the tongue weight capacity of the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is 150 pounds that is the capacity you must go by even if a hitch can handle more. Since you…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hitches, like most other optional items available from an auto dealer, can be sourced for a lot less money through an aftermarket manufacturer. The hitches we offer for your 2016 RAV4 Hybrid, all shown on the linked page, cost a lot less than what…

view full answer...

Answer 11

For your 2017 Toyota RAV4 the etrailer hitch part #e98864 is a confirmed fit and will be your best option. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch opening that will have plenty of capacity and will work great. I attached an install video for this…

view full answer...

Answer 12

We have not found this to be true, and I checked with Curt, who has confirmed that both the 1-1/4" Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C12108 as well as the 2" Curt Trailer Hitch #C13149 are fits for a 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure. I have…

view full answer...

Recommended Trunk and Hitch Bike Racks for 2015 Toyota RAV4

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching