Recommended Hitch Mount Platform Bike Rack For 2010 Toyota RAV4 For Rear Door Clearance

Updated 02/04/2015 | Published 02/03/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1953)

$181.06

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(909)

$183.56

Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(469)

$299.99

Question:

I should have mentioned that I don't actually have a hitch on my 2010 RAV4 yet so I can't measure from the top of it to the bottom of my door. Can you tell me the measurement I should expect from the ground to the top of whatever hitch you recommend for my car?

asked by: Erika C

Expert Reply:

Both of the bike racks you referenced, the Swagman XC, part # S64650, and the Hollywood Trail Rider, part # HR200Z, have shanks attached that have a rise which does add more height to the bike rack and would cause more clearance issues for your 2010 Toyota RAV4 swinging rear door.

I went to out warehouse and took a couple of measurements for you. The pivot base attached to the top of the shank on the bike carriers measures about 4-1/2 inches. If you add that to the rise of 5 inches on the shank on the Hollywood Trail Rider part # HR200Z means you will need at least 10 inches from the top of your trailer hitch to the bottom of the rear door. The Swagman XC, part # S64650 pivot base has approximately the same height and the shank has a rise of 4 inches which means you need about 9 inches or more for clearance.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

Erika

2/3/2015

Jeffrey L.

2/4/2015

Since you do not have a hitch on your RAV4 I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch, part # C13149. This is a Class lll hitch and has a 2 inch receiver opening. I have attached a link to an installation video for this hitch on a 2011 RAV4. Please keep in mind the dimensions shown on the video would change if you have different tires on your vehicle from the tires in the video. The video will give you an approximate measurement for installation. On the 2011 RAV4 the distance from the top of the hitch to the ground is 13-1/4 inches. The same hitch installed on a 2007 RAV4 measures 13 inches, so I would say you could use 13 inches for reference and be very close.