Can Thule Spare Me Bike Carrier Be Used On A 2010 Toyota RAV4 With Backup Camera

Question:

I see that you say that the Thule Spare Me rack will fit a 2010 Toyota Rav 4. I thought I read somewhere that this rack could not be used if the Rav had a backup camera. Could you advise me on this? Also, I will be transporting road bikes, and since they are womens specific design bikes, I heard the Thule arms were too far apart to accept them. Do you have any information on this?

asked by: Mary

Expert Reply:

The Thule Spare Me 2-Bike Carrier, part # TH963PRO is a fit for your 2010 Toyota RAV4, if it is not equipped with a spare tire mounted backup camera. I spoke with my contacts at Toyota dealerships and they told me that the RAV4 did not have a factory backup camera mounted on the spare tire. When the carrier is installed, you have to remove the spare tire and install the mounting plate which protrudes through the center of the tire. The carrier is then mounted to the mounting plate.

When the carrier is installed the wheels or frame of the bikes you are carrying could block the backup camera view, but would not prevent you from using the TH963PRO carrier.

The arms of the carrier measure 16 inches from inside arm to inside arm. This rack holds two bikes and has a weight capacity of 75 lbs total.

If you are carrying womens bikes or those with alternative bike frames I recommend an adapter like part # TH982XT. This adapter attaches to the seat post and the handlebar stem and allows the bikes to be carried more evenly on the carrier and also provides more ground clearance.

I have attached a link to a video and also an article for these items I mentioned.

If you wish to consider other options for carrying bikes on your RAV4 I would be glad to help. You may want to consider a hitch and then a hitch mounted carrier. I have linked you to a product page for hitches that fit your vehicle.

I have also attached a link to our product page for hitch mounted bike carriers, and also an article that explains how to determine the clearance for a hitch carrier when you have a rear mounted spare tire.