Compatability of the Tow Ready 4 Bike Folding Rack with the Toyota FJ Cruiser Rear Mounted Spare

Expert Reply:

The Tow Ready 4 Bike Hitch Mounted Folding Rack, item # 63124 requires 8 inches of clearance measured from the center of the hitch pin hole on your receiver to the upright on the bike rack.

If you find that the 8 inches is insufficient to clear the spare tire, you have a few options. You could use a Hitch Extender, such as part number HE06 which would add 7 inches of clearance but would lower the tongue weight capacity or the amount of your weight that can be hung from the receiver by 50 percent. Assuming that your hitch has a 350 pound tongue weight capacity, it would be lowered to 175 pounds. This would mean that the bike rack, and all bicycles placed on it could weigh no more than 175 pounds. Your hitch should have a sticker on it that lists the tongue weight capacity. If it is a factory installed hitch, check your owners manual.

We offer two similarly priced racks that can carry four bikes which offer more clearance. The Thule Roadway, part number TH914XT offers 10-1/2 inches of clearance between the hitch pin hole and upright, and the SportRack Escape 4 Bike Rack, part # A30404TW200, offers 12-1/4 inches between the pin hole and the upright.

expert reply by: Bob G