Recommended Trunk and Hitch Bike Racks for 2015 Toyota RAV4

Updated 08/04/2016 | Published 08/03/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1495)

$159.07

Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable for Swagman Bike Racks w/ 1-1/4" & Combo Shanks - 7'

(386)

$46.88

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

(1953)

$181.06

Thule Passive Security Strap for Trunk Mounted Bike Carriers

(67)

$29.95

Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(131)

$49.00

Question:

I am new to cycling and am excited to get a bicycle rack so I can take my bike with me. I have a 2015 RAV4. I used your search and read the reviews, but I am still confused. I want to get a bicycle rack that is light as I am a woman and it would be easier for me to handle, easy to install, and secured. I am interested in the back rack, but I am also worried about the straps may be in the way for my back window wiper. What would be the best choice for me? Thank you!

asked by: Heather

Expert Reply:

All trunk-mount type bike racks that attach to the back of a car with straps or cables prevent use of a rear window wiper. This is just the nature of the beast. Trunk-mount racks also do not allow you to open your trunk/hatch when the rack is in place.

If you want to be able to use your rear wiper and to be able to open your rear hatch with a rack installed then a hitch-mount rack is the better way to go. Hitch racks use the hitch and the car's steel frame - its strongest part - to handle the weight of the loaded rack, rather than the car's rear door and hinge, which were really not designed to take that weight. I recommend the etrailer 2-inch hitch # e98864 (the lowest cost option) for its no-drill bolt-on installation and its appealing black matte finish. It includes the hardware to mount it and the whole process is shown in the linked video.

With a 2-inch hitch installed you can choose a compatible rack that meets your preferences. We offer both hanging style racks and platform style racks like # S64650 that require less lifting to get the bike mounted. I recommend the Swagman XC # S64650 for you, along with hitch lock # S64031. This rack will be really easy to handle, as you will see in the linked video, and it will not require a bike adapter bar # UB01 that may be needed with a trunk-mount rack.

If you prefer a trunk-mount rack for one or two bikes then the Thule Passage 2 carrier # TH910XT is a good choice. With this rack you can use Security Strap # TH533 and cable lock # e98891. If your bikes do not have a horizontal top tube you will need the adapter bar to mount them properly on the trunk rack; please see the linked video.