Swinging Bike Rack that Allows Rear Door to Open on a 2011 Toyota RAV4

Updated 06/01/2016 | Published 05/30/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away

(52)

$698.95

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(827)

$48.99

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(1516)

$185.17

Question:

Hi! Ive been looking into getting a 4 bike rack for my 2011 Rav4. I saw that you had recommended the etrailer 2inch #e98864 for the hitch and the Yakima FullSwing #Y02465 for the rack. I just wanted to make sure I would be able to open the rear door of my Rav with the Swing Daddy moved off to the side. Any info you could give me would be great! Thanks!

asked by: Emily

Expert Reply:

The swinging bike racks like the Yakima FullSwing # Y02465 are excellent options for SUVs like your 2011 Toyota RAV4 since no other type of rack will allow you to open the rear swing door nearly as much.

It is possible that the spare tire at the back will prevent the rear door from being able to swing all the way open but compared to every other bike rack the FullSwing will be 100% better in that regard. However, even though we have not tested this particular combination of rack and vehicle based on the narrowness of the vehicle and long swing arm of the rack I do not anticipate there being a problem!

The etrailer hitch # e98864 is absolutely the hitch that I recommend and that I would use if I had a RAV4. This hitch has a 2 inch receiver which is what you want for a swinging bike rack. I have linked a video showing an example installation of this hitch for you. I have also included a link to a video review of the bike rack.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H