Troubleshooting Bike Rack Hitting Driveway with etrailer Hitch Installed on 2012 Toyota RAV4

Question:

I have a 2012 Toyota RAV4 on which I installed trail hitch part code e98864. I then installed a RockyMounts Backstage bike rack. What I found was when I loaded my car for a trip the bike rack scraped the ground going out of my driveway. Is there some kind of adapter to raise the 2” hitch location up a bit so the end of the bike rack is higher off the ground? Or any other suggestions ?

asked by: Rick S

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your purchase of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98864 for your 2012 Toyota RAV4!

The RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack # RKY10002 is a great bike rack but it does stick out a bit further than a standard bike rack since it has that swinging arm. I have some options for you but the best thing you can do with your current setup is to enter and exit your driveway diagonally to help with that clearance.

You can add a high-low adapter but these will reduce the weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50% plus they will make your bike rack sit further out so I don't know if the added length will counteract the increased height. Something like the Gen-Y Hitch Replacement Shank # 325-GH-503 would probably be best since it has a bit more height.

Aside from this the only other solution would be to swap out your bike rack for one that doesn't sit out quite as far, but I'm pretty sure you want to avoid that.

expert reply by: Jon G