Bike Rack for 2013 Toyota Highlander That Allows Rear Hatch Access
Question:
Im looking for a bike rack that will allow me to open up the back hatch with it on. Will the 3-bike # HRF2-3 allow me to do that?
asked by: Angela M
Expert Reply:
The Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top 3 Bike Rack # HRF2-3 is a confirmed fit on your 2013 Toyota Highlander and it works well on many similar vehicles that have a roofline spoiler. These spoilers are not meant to bear any weight or pressure and so that straps of most trunk-mount bike racks which would contact the spoiler would be an issue. This rack poses no such concern thanks to its unique arched design that prevent strap-to-spoiler contact.
However, any trunk-mount type bike rack brings with it some limitations: rear wipers cannot be used with trunk-mount racks; and rear hatches and trunks cannot be opened while the rack is installed.
Another option for bike transport, one that is generally considered safer for the vehicle and for the bikes too, is a hitch-mount type rack. Naturally this requires that the vehicle have a trailer hitch installed.
Our 2-inch USA-made hitch # e98858 mounts to your Highlander with no drilling using included hardware. This hitch fits both hybrid and regular versions and you can keep your full-size spare tire with the hitch installed. The hitch offers a high 750-lb tongue weight rating which means it can handle even the largest hitch-mount racks.
The one I recommend for giving you full rear-of-vehicle access is the Yakima FullSwing # Y02465. This 4-bike carrier is shown in the linked video. It swings away from the rear of the vehicle (to the passenger side) even when it is fully loaded with bikes so you never lose access to the cargo area.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Swing-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Yakima
more information >