Trailer Hitch and Hitch-Mount No-Touch Bike Rack Options for 2005 Toyota RAV4
Question:
Greetings, I have a 2005 Toyota Rav4 4WD. Im looking for a hitch and hitch-mount bike rack combo that will work for my car. I currently have a 1 1/4inch U-haul hitch and I test-fit a couple of racks. The problems are 1 insufficient clearance between rack and spare tire mounted on the rear door rack wont slide into hitch far enough to bolt down before it contacts the spare tire, and 2 insufficient clearance between the bottom of the side-swing rear door and the rack cant swing the rear door open even with rack folded down. I specifically want one of the no-touch racks such as the Yakima Holdup 2. However the Yakima website rightly said they dont have a hitch rack that will fit my car. So that one wont work but I want a rack of comparable quality. Im wondering if you can suggest a combo of 2inch hitch and a no-touch high quality bike rack that will work. Is there a 2inch hitch that comes out farther and will give me the clearance I need? Heres one I found on your site but I dont know if it will work, or which rack it might work with: C13524 Thanks for your help.
asked by: North K
Expert Reply:
You are right that a 2-inch Class III hitch is a better choice than a 1-1/4-inch size for use with a bike rack on the back of your 2005 Toyota Rav4. You will not only get higher tongue weight capacity from a Class III hitch but the 2-inch receiver size means more options in bike racks styles and features.
A rear-mounted spare tire can make bike rack selection more of a challenge but we do have solutions, and the linked articles will give you food for thought and help you consider your preferences.
For a hitch I suggest the Curt Trailer Hitch # C13524. The linked install instructions, video and hitch-installation articles will be helpful. The Curt hitch # C13524 requires you to use their stabilizing strap # 18050 with your bike rack or you will void the hitch warranty.
The key in selecting a rack is the amount of clearance required for it to avoid interference with the rear-mounted spare tire. One of the links noted above includes information on how to measure the required clearance and includes a table showing racks and each one's clearance dimension.
The Yakima Hold-Up 2 platform rack # Y02443 that you referenced offers 12-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the nearest part of the carrier when in the down position and 7-inches when folded up in the storage position. If this is compatible with your measurement then this rack is a good choice. This rack supports the bikes at their wheels and uses a frame clamp to hold them in place.
Another option, one that offers zero bike frame contact, is a wheel-mount rack like the Curt # C18085. This rack provides a generous 12-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole. With it you can use the cable lock # e98891 to lock your bikes to the rack. We even offer protective bike storage cover # B01571.
A link is provided to all 2-inch Class III racks.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike
- Cable Locks
- Utility Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Steel
- 10 Feet Long
- etrailer
more information >
Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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