Will the Yakima HoldUp Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack Fit a 2012 Toyota RAV4 Using a Hitch Extender

Question:

I plan on placing a Hidden Hitch 2inch receiver on a 2012 RAV4. My concern is that my existing Yakima Holdup2 will interfere with my spare tire mount on the rear of the car. Do you know if there will be sufficient clearance with this hitch, or will I require an 8inch hitch extension? Would prefer to understand if the extender is required before I purchase. Thanks.

asked by: Andyman1970

Expert Reply:

We have installed some hitches on a 2010 Toyota RAV4 and found that it can be as much as 9 inches from hitch pin hole center to the back of the spare tire carrier. Your 2012 will be very similar. The Yakima HoldUp, # Y02433, measures 12 inches from the hitch pin hole to the nearest wheel tray when folded down, and only 7 inches when folded up.

The handle bars or pedals of a bike nearest the vehicle could also interfere. You are left with a couple of options. First, you could use an extension. But you also need to know that using an extension reduces the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent.

The Hidden Hitch trailer hitch, # 70785, has a tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds. When using an extension the weight capacity is cut down to 175 pounds. As long as the combined weight of the bike rack (about 59 pounds) and the bikes does not exceed 175 pounds, it would be a viable option.

The other option is to use a bike rack that has more extension. On the Swagman G2, # S64680, it measures 20 inches from the hitch pin hole center to the nearest bike rail. I have included a link to the instructions for you.

Another option is to use the Softride Versa, # SR26249, with the optional longer shank, # SR26033, to get the extension needed. With this rack, you can also fold the rack down with the bikes still attached. I have included a link to a video review for you.

expert reply by: Michael H