Hitch Mount Bike Rack Recommendation for 2009 Toyota RAV4  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The bike rack that I recommend for your 2009 Toyota RAV4 is the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670. The Swagman XTC-2 is a platform-style 2 bike rack. Bikes are secured to the rack at three attachment points, the wheels and the frame. The wheel hoops are adjustable to accommodate various size bikes, including children's bikes.

This bike rack has a weight capacity of up to 35 pounds per bike and fits both 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch trailer hitch receivers. The Swagman XTC-2 # S64670 measures 8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest wheel loop and measures 15 inches to the upright bar. I have attached a review video of this bike rack on a 2012 RAV4 for you.

If you are interested in a different bike rack, some things to consider are spare tire clearance and hitch receiver size. To determine spare tire clearance, you will want to measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the spare tire. On many of our trailer hitches for the 2009 RAV4 this measurement is around 6 - 6-1/2 inches. I have also attached a help article on measuring spare tire clearance for a bike rack.

The other fit compatibility to look for is the trailer hitch receiver size the bike rack will fit. Both 1-1/2 inch hitch receivers and 2 inch hitch receivers are available for the 2009 RAV4.There are several different bike racks with various bike capacities and carrier styles that will work for your 2009 Toyota RAV4 so that you can choose the bike rack that is best for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B

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Lisa K.

10/15/2015

That is pretty cool. Is there one that carries 3 or 4 bikes?

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Victoria B.

10/15/2015

Swagman makes a 4 bike version of the XTC-2, the Swagman XTC4 # S64665. This rack fits only 2 inch trailer hitch receivers and offers 12-3/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the wheel hoop when the rack is folded down. The rack measures only 3-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest point of the carrier when it is folded, so I do not think the folding feature would work on your RAV4 due to the spare tire. The rack is angled upward to help provide extra ground clearance and comes with an anti-rattle bolt and steel cable to secure your bikes to the rack. I have attached a review video of this carrier for you. Another great option, and the rack I recommend, is the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Platform-Style 2 Bike and 4 Bike Rack # HR1400Z. This rack can be used to carry either 2 or 4 bikes. Simply add an additional carrier on to the first 2 bike carrier when you need to carry 4 bikes. The Sport Rider SE fits 2 inch trailer hitch receivers, has a total weight capacity of 200 pounds as a 4 bike carrier, and measures 7-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack. I have also attached a review video for this rack.

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