Is Adapter Needed For Saris Bones Bike Rack For 2016 Toyota RAV4 & Bike

Question:

I have a 2016 Rav4 and am looking at the Saris Bones 2 bike rack - would I need an adaptor of any sort for my 2017 Trek Lift mens e-bike to level it? Thanks.

asked by: Jeryce B

Expert Reply:

Yes, you would need an adapter for your 2016 Toyota RAV4 as well as your Trek Lift ebike for the Saris Bones 2-Bike Rack # SA805BL. What you would need are the Hatch Huggers for Saris Trunk Mount Bike Racks # SA3035 and the Bike Frame Adapter Bar # 64005.

That said, based on my research it looks like your bike weighs 45 lbs with the battery on, and 40 lbs with the battery removed, and that would be too heavy for the 35-lb capacity of the Saris Bones and the adapter bar. There isn't a trunk-mount rack with the capacity for your bike, even with the battery off, so I highly recommend adding a hitch and hitch-mounted rack instead, to ensure your very nice bike has the support it needs when you're transporting it.

I know it's not the exact option you were looking for, but it is the safest way to carry your bike, so for your 2016 RAV4 what you can do is first install the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13406.

Then you'd need a bike rack that is able to handle the 45 lb weight of your Trek Lift, and the rack that will work that is the best value is the Curt 2-Bike Platform Rack # C18085.

The Curt rack has a 45 lb per-bike capacity so it will be able to carry your Trek Lift, and has a 10 inch rise in the shank for the best ground clearance to keep your rack and bike safe.