Recommended Bike Carrying Option for 2013 Toyota RAV4  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The easiest and most secure way to transport a bike with your vehicle would be a hitch mounted bike rack.

Let's begin with the hitch. For a 2013 RAV4, I'd recommend the etrailer brand Class III hitch, part # e98864. This hitch features a 2 inch hitch opening which is the most common and will give you the most flexibility in choosing hitch mounted accessories like a bike rack or cargo carrier.

The bike rack you'll need will depend on how many bikes you're wanting to transport and what kind of bikes they are. I really like the Hollywood Racks Destination, part # HLY94FR. The Destination can carry two bikes weighing up to 35 lbs each. Because the rack holds the bikes from the bottom of the wheels and uses an adjustable clamp that can hold the bike frame from the seat post or the top frame tube, the rack can accommodate all types of bikes without issue. Usually, having step through framed bikes or bikes with fenders can limit the type of bike rack you can use, but the Destination is very flexible and can handle just about any bike with ease, unless it's a heavy electric bike or a fat bike with tires wider than 3 inches.

The rack is also very light, at about 20 lbs so it's super-easy for one person to handle by themselves.

If you click the provided link, you can see a demonstration video for the Destination bike rack I recommended.

The Malone RunWay trunk mount bike rack you looked at, part # MPG2142 is a fit for your vehicle, and if you're on a tight budget it's a good alternative. Trunk mount bike racks can be time consuming to install and remove, and have the potential to scratch the vehicle if incorrectly installed which is why I usually recommend the hitch mounted option.

expert reply by: Mike L

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