Will the RockyMounts Westslope 3 Bike Rack Fold Up on a 2011 Rav4 with a Spare Tire?

Question:

Thank you for your response. Would it be possible to run the Westslope 3 rack with a 2" hitch extension? This would likely give me the clearance needed to fold the unit up flat when not in use, correct?

asked by: Jordan B

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. If you have a compatible 2-inch hitch like the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" # e98864, the distance between the center of the hitch pin hole to the end of the spare tire on your 2011 Toyota RAV 4 is about 8 inches. With that distance, the RockyMounts WestSlope 3 # RKY10223 will interfere with the spare tire because there is only 5 inches from the center of the hitch pinhole to the rack when it is folded up.

With that being said, a great alternative rack is the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # HR200Z. The Trail Rider has an impressive shank length of 12-1/8 inches from the center pinhole to the closest part of the rack when folded up. It also has a 45-pound per bike weight capacity compared to the 40 pound per-bike capacity of the WestSlope.

expert reply by: Bob C

Jordan B.

1/1/0001

Bob C.

7/6/2021

A 2-inch hitch extender will definitely give you the clearance length you need. For an economic extender that will get the job done, I recommend the Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long # C45791. With the Curt extender, you will have a total shank length of 13 inches when combined with the WestSlope 3 to clear your spare tire on your 2011 Toyota RAV4. However, it must be noted that by using a hitch extender, you will be decreasing the maximum weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50%.