Trailer Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Recommendation for a 2004 Toyota RAV4

Question:

Will this unit fit and clear the spare tire? Also, if I have to use the extender-it says the tongue weight capacity of trailer is reduced 50. So a 300 lb trailer now holds 150 lbs? If so, is there a better trailer to buy? I liked the side rails on this one.

asked by: Dawn

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will want to do is measure from the center of the hitch pin hole on your 2004 Toyota RAV4 out to the distance required to clear the spare tire. On a trailer hitch we installed on the same generation RAV4 and the measurement was approximately 10 inches.

On the Gear Cage, # 5800200, it measures 5-1/2 inches from hitch pin hole center to the nearest edge of the carrier. Based on the differences this carrier is not the best fit for your RAV4.

If you have a 2 inch trailer hitch, I recommend the Pro Series Solo Steel Cargo Carrier, # PS1040100. It is not as stylish as the Gear Cage but this carrier does have a clearance of 12 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the nearest edge of the carrier. I have included a link to a video that features this carrier, however it is the version with a ramp, # PS10401-10402.

I would recommend using a carrier that is a fit rather than an extension. The reason is just what you have suspected; the tongue weight capacity will be reduced by 50 percent. If the hitch, not the carrier, has a capacity of 300 pounds and an extension is used, the capacity is reduced to 150 pounds.

expert reply by: Michael H