Hitch Carrier for Two Electric Bikes Carried on 2011 Toyota RAV4 with Rear Spare Tire

Question:

My Rav 4 has the full spare tire on the back. Im think I want a rack that swings out for access to rear storage of vehicle. I have two eBikes of approx 50 lbs apiece. I like the RockyMounts BackStage 2 Bike Platform Rack - 2inch Hitches - Tilting - Swinging. Will that be OK? I have purchased the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2inch from you previously. I have been using the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack for 1-1/4inch and 2inch Trailer Hitches which I also bought from you but it wont hold both of my eBikes together. So, is the RockyMounts 2 bike swinging rack a good choice for me?

asked by: Norman S

Expert Reply:

The RockyMounts BackStage 2 Bike Platform Rack # RKY10002 does provide enough weight capacity for your two 50-lb electric bikes, and it does offer the swing-away feature that allows you vehicle cargo area access without having to unload the bikes.

Please note this rack is a wheel-mount type that uses a front-wheel hook to secure the bikes. This type of rack is not suitable for bikes that have a front fender, please note.

This rack provides 8-inches of clearance from its hitch pin hole to the nearest part of the rack so you'll want to measure the distance from your RAV4 hitch pin hole to the outer edge of the spare tire. This will let you know if the rack will clear the tire.

We also offer two dedicated e-bike carriers, neither of which swings away but both of which tilt. The Thule EasyFold 2 Bike Platform Rack # TH903202 handles 65-lbs per bike, 9-inches of clearance from its hitch pin hole to the upright bar and it includes a built-in loading ramp which is a definite plus with heavier e-bikes. Thanks to its aluminum and ABS plastic construction the rack weighs only about 45-lbs, as compared to the RockMount's 75-lbs!

I suggest you refer to the linked article that will show you how to measure the RAV4 to determine how much clearance you need for a rack to clear the spare.

expert reply by: Adam R