How Can I Carry 4 Bikes Ranging From 44l Lbs To 52 Lbs On My 2009 Toyota RAV4 2.5L

Question:

I would like to have a “Hitch Mounted Platform Rack” for 4 bicycles. The 4 bicycles have weights of: 1. 52 lbs e-bike, 2. 44 lbs commuter bike, 3. 44 lbs commuter bike, and 4. 32 lbs mountain bike The transportation vehicle will be a 2009 Toyota Rav4 2.5L 4WD SUV To transport the 4 bicycles, I am considering the purchase of a Kuat rack system consisting of : 1. A Pivot v2, 2. A NV 2.0 Hitch Rack, and 3. A NV 2.0 2-Bike Add-On Is this configuration feasible? With this configuration, what is the required tongue weight TW required for the trailer hitch? In the event that a 4 bike configuration exceeds load limits and is therefore, not feasible, can three 3 bicycles be transported with weights of: 1. 52 lbs e-bike, 2. 44 lbs commuter bike, and 3. 44 lbs commuter bike This would be with a Kuat configuration of: 1. A Pivot v2, 2. A NV 2.0 Hitch Rack, and 3. A NV 2.0 1-Bike Add-On Is this configuration feasible? With this configuration, what is the required tongue weight TW required for the trailer hitch? Thank You in Advance for Your Prompt Reply,

asked by: Walter W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your 2009 Toyota RAV4 maximum tongue weight is the lower of these two weights, your hitch receiver's maximum tongue weight and the maximum tongue weight according to your owner's manual. I did some research and your 2009 Toyota RAV4 with a 2.4 L engine is 150 lbs. Unfortunately, there is no configuration where you can carry the 52 lb ebike and two 44 lb commuter bikes. After adding the weight of these bikes, your bike rack would have to weigh 10 lbs or less. The best option you have to carry these bikes on your vehicle is to tow them on a trailer. Your vehicle's maximum gross trailer weight is 1,500 lbs.

Something like the Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer - 58" Crossbars - 400 lbs, part # MAL53FR, will allow you to attach bike roof rack carriers. I am a big fan of the Inno Tire Hold II Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On - Aluminum, part # INA389. Each tray has a weight limit of 50 lbs, so it is perfect for your bikes. You might think this would be a problem for your e-bike, but it is not. We always recommend the removal of the battery when you are transporting your e-bike. If you removed the battery, you will be under the weight limit of the rack. This trailer has a 2" ball mount.

I have included product description links and video review links below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith