3-Bike Rack Recommendation for 2011 Toyota RAV4
Question:
I would like to be able to put 3 bikes on my Toyota RAV4 2011 what are the best options? Thank you
asked by: MIke
Expert Reply:
In order to transport three bikes on your 2011 Toyota RAV4 I suggest a hitch-mount type carrier rather than a spare-tire-mount type such as the Thule # TH963PRO. that you referenced.
Hitch mount racks will use the strongest part of the vehicle - its frame - to bear the weight of your carrier and loaded bikes, rather than the spare tire mount which is not really designed to carry too much more weight than that of the spare tire itself. If you still prefer a spare tire mount type I suggest # BT300 from Surco.
Your RAV4 can be equipped with either a 1-1/4-inch Class II or a 2-inch Class III hitch. If it already has a hitch you can measure its receiver size to know which size carrier to select. The good news is that there are many carriers designed to fit both sizes! If you need a hitch you can use the link provided to see all options; I suggest a 2-inch Class III unit like # C13149 from Curt for its higher weight capacity. Please see the linked hitch installation video.
The other link provided will let you see all hitch-mount 3-bike carriers that fit both hitch sizes. The linked article will show you how to take a simple measurement of your hitch and vehicle to determine what carriers will safely clear the back of the RAV4 and its spare tire.
Products Referenced in This Question
Surco Spare Tire 3-Bike Carrier
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 3 Bikes
- Bike Lock
- Single Arm
- Standard
- Hanging Rack
- Surco Products
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Dual Arms
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Dual Arm
- Folding
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Shop: Malone Runway Spare Tire Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Video: Yakima FullBack Hanging 2 Trunk Bike Rack Review - 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Hollywood Racks SR1 2-Bike Carrier - Spare Tire Mount
- Shop: Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount
- Video: Malone RunWay Spare Tire Mount 3 Bike Rack Review
- Video: Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Mount Bike Rack Review
- Video: Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Mount Bike Rack Test Course
- Video: Malone Spare Tire Bike Racks Review - 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Video: Thule Hitching Post Pro Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2016 Toyota RAV4
- Video: Swagman XTC-2 Hitch Bike Racks Review - 2018 Toyota RAV4
- Article: How to Choose a Bike Rack That Will Clear a Rear Mounted Spare Tire or Bumper
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Surco Spare Tire 3-Bike Carrier
- Shop: Trunk Bike Rack
- Shop: Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Search Results: adapter
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What Hitch Do You Recommend for a 2024 Toyota RAV4?
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit