Recommendation of Trunk Mounted or Hitch Mounted Bike Rack for 2020 Toyota RAV4  

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Expert Reply:

I will start by saying that a trunk mounted bike rack like the Yakima Fullback 2 # Y02634 is safe for your back window and are quite commonly used on a variety of different vehicles where the owner does not have a hitch installed and doesn't want to have one installed. However, the downside to a trunk mounted rack is that when it is attached you don't have access to the rear cargo area of the vehicle; a lot of hitch mounted bike racks have a tilt away feature that's great and will allow you access to the rear cargo area of the vehicle.

If this is a feature that is important to you, your best bet would be to install a hitch like the Curt # C13416, which will provide you with a 2" receiver that can tow a trailer or be used to carry hitch mounted accessories like a bike rack. The rack that I recommend using with a hitch receiver is the Kuat Sherpa # SH22G. This rack tilts away from the vehicle to allow access to the rear cargo area, and because this is a platform rack, it's lower to the ground and will be easier to get the bikes on and off. It also mounts the bikes by the wheels instead of the frame, so it does not require the use of a bike frame adapter bar, which is commonly required with frame mounted bike racks.


I've linked some review and installation videos of these parts for you to have a look at, as well. I've also linked all of the bike racks that would fit in a 2" hitch for you to have a look at, in case you're looking for something a little different.

expert reply by: Erik B

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