What Rack Do You Recommend to Hold My RadRunner 1 E-Bikes on My 2012 Toyota RAV4?

Question:

Need rack that can hold heavy ebikes. I have 2 radrunner bikes that are 65 pounds each

asked by: Barb

Helpful Expert Reply:

The absolute best option for your 2 RadRunner 1 bikes without the need for a hitch extender to clear your spare tire on your 2012 Toyota RAV4 is the Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches # S94FR. Also, in addition to the 70-pound per-bike capacity, the E-Spec will completely avoid your rear cargo platform by attaching to the frame. This will bypass any necessary risk of damage to the platform. As far as theft deterrence, the E-Spec comes with locks to protect your bike and the rack itself. In order to use the E-Spec, you will need a Swagman Bike Frame Adapter bar # 64005 for each of your bikes. You will also need Fat Tire Cradles # S64679.

If you want a a great solution that will require a hitch extender like the Brophy Hitch Extender - 7" # HE06 (thus reducing the weight capacity of your hitch by 50%), I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider # HLY64FR. You will need the adapter because there is not enough shank length on the RV Rider to clear your spare tire on your RAV4. However, there are lots of benefits of this rack. In addition to the 80-pound per-bike weight capacity, you will not need the bike frame adapter bars are the fat-tire cradles. I went ahead and attached a photo of a neighbor using the RV Rider without a bike frame adapter bar with a RadRunner Bike.

With both of these options, you will need a hitch receiver. A great hitch is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish # e98864. Since the center of the hitch pinhole to the end of the spare tire is 8 inches, you will have plenty of room with the shank of the E-Spec and with the hitch extender on the RV Rider. Also, if you choose to use the RV Rider with this hitch, you will still have 262.5 pounds of maximum tongue weight which is plenty to hold the RV Rider and your two bikes. I recommend confirming with your owner's manual to make sure your vehicle can hold that much weight on your hitch.