Recommended Bike Rack To Clear the Rear Spare Tire on a 2012 Toyota RAV4

Question:

Presently using a hanging hitch rack on 2012 rav 4. Bikes are step thru and bang together. Looking for tray type. My car gas hard cover spare tire and a swinging back hatch door

asked by: Deb B

Expert Reply:

The best way to make sure you don't have any issues with the rear spare tire on your 2012 Toyota RAV4 would be to measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outer edge of the spare tire. If this distance does not exceed 6-1/2" then I recommend the Hollywood Racks TRS 2-Bike Platform Rack part # HR3000 which is a wheel mount bike rack so your deep drop tubes won't be an issue at all. This platform style will also be a ton easier to load your bikes onto.

The Hollywood Racks TRS comes with an anti-rattle hitch pin for increase stability, has a folding feature to take up less space while not in use, and it is partly made of aluminum so it is both lightweight and corrosion resistant. If your trailer hitch does not provide enough clearance then please let me know how much you need or you can just install the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13149.

I saw that you mentioned you had a swinging back door. Unfortunately, most bike racks will need to be removed in order to use this feature. However, we do have one option for you that won't need to be removed in order to swing the hatch open and that is the RockyMounts BackStage 2 Bike Platform Rack part # RKY10002. This bike rack has a swing away feature that will allow access to your rear cargo area without having to remove the bike rack.

expert reply by: Conner L