Class III Hitch & 4-Bike Hitch Rack Recommendations for 2017 Toyota RAV4
Question:
Im interested in a bike rack for a 2017 Toyota RAV4. I havent put a Reese hitch on it yet but plan to install a class III receiver. Possibly a 4 bike rack.
asked by: Shanna S
Expert Reply:
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 etrailer # e98864. It has the same qualities and capacites as the Curt option # C13149, but it has a more attractive matte black finish and a lower price point. It is a win-win. An installation video is linked for you.
This hitch gives you the flexibility to choose almost any 4-bike hitch-mount bike carrier you want to use, because the hitch pin hole is recessed under the bumper only 3-inches, less than most. This means that any hitch bike rack with at least 4-inches of clearance will fit and work well for you.
The linked page displays all 2-inch hitch-mount 4-bike racks, which include hanging style racks and platform style racks such as the Saris Freedom 4 # SA4414B. You can refer to the linked article on hitch racks to help in selecting one that suits your style of bikes. I really like the Apex because you can swing it over to the passenger side - even when loaded with bikes - any time you need access to the RAV4 cargo area. A good tilting rack option from Thule, which is at a lower price than the Apex, is the 4-bike Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR, shown in the linked video. This rack does not include locks but they can be added. For a hitch lock to secure the rack use # THSTL2 and for a cable lock to secure the bikes use # e98891.
Please feel free to tell me about the types of bikes you need to carry and anything else such as a specific budget you are working within and I will be glad to offer specific recommendations that make for the best fit.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike
- Cable Locks
- Utility Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Steel
- 10 Feet Long
- etrailer
more information >
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Saris
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 >
Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Rack Specific Locks
- Keyed Alike
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Threaded Pin
- For Thule Racks
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
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