Bike Rack That Will be Able to Fold Up on 2009 Toyota RAV4
Question:
Hello, Will the Thule Helium rack have enough clearance for the spare tire of a 2009 Toyota RAV4 so it can be folded up when not in use? I’m looking for a hitch-mounted, platform/tray style bike rack that can provide access to the side-swinging rear door of the RAV4, at the very least when the rack is unloaded bonus points if it can be done with the rack loaded.
asked by: Gino L
Expert Reply:
There are quality bike racks which extend enough to fold up and not interfere with the spare tire of your 2009 Toyota RAV4, but the Thule Helium will not be able to. The reason is, this rack measures 5" from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack when folded up, and the hitch that fits your '09 RAV4, the etrailer # e98864, measures 5-1/2" and 6", respectively, from the hitch pin hole to the back of the spare tire.
The options I recommend for a high-quality bike rack that is much more likely to allow you to fold them up, and also open your RAV4's door are from Kuat and Saris.
- Saris SuperClamp EX 2-Bike Rack # SA4025F
- Kuat NV 2.0 2-Bike Rack # BA22B
Both of these are wheel-mounted racks whose arms fold down, and the Kuat measures 6-5/8" to the closest part of the rack when folded while the Saris measures 7-1/4". The Kuat has a 3-1/2" rise in the shank and the Saris has a 5" rise, which you'll want to keep in mind as well.
These two bike racks are going to be the best options for a platform rack that allows you to fold the rack up and open your hatch, and I have added links below to video reviews of each for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Saris SuperClamp EX Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 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
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Saris
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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