Will Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier Work On 2010 Toyota RAV4 With Rear Mounted Spare Tire  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

I did some research on your 2010 Toyota RAV4 and found that the maximum towing capacity is 1,500 lbs, which makes the tongue weight about 150 lbs max. When considering the tongue weight you need to add the weight of the carrier along with the weight of any cargo on the carrier. The Swagman XTC4 4-Bike Carrier, part # S64665 weighs 59 lbs, so that would give you about 90 lbs for bikes.

To find a rack that will clear your rear-mounted spare tire, I have included a link to a helpful article that shows how to take a measurement. You need a straight edge like a yardstick or a dowel and a tape measure. You place the straight edge against the bake of the spare tire and let it extend downward lower than the hitch. Then measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to the straight edge. That is the clearance distance you need. When you consider a hitch mounted rack, as long as the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier is more than your distance you measured you need, you would be okay.

If you do not have to carry 4 bikes, or if the bikes you carry weigh less than 90 lbs total, the XTC4 may work for you.

If you need to carry 4 bikes, you may want to consider a roof rack and bike carrier for the roof to take some of the load off the hitch. I have linked you to our page for roof racks that fit your 2010 RAV4. You can choose the type roof you have from the menu near the middle of the page and see the options available for your vehicle.

I have also included a link to our product page for roof mounted bike carriers. The menu on the left of the page allows you to choose the type carrier available.

If you decide you want a hitch mounted rack that will work for you and need a roof rack and carrier for the roof rack, you can let me know and I will be happy to help make some recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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