Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack that Allows Rear Door to Open on a 2004 Toyota RAV4

Updated 07/24/2013 | Published 07/22/2013

Question:

I have a Toyota RAV4 2004. Will a Rola rack or another rack allow access to my cargo area?

asked by: Wendy L

Expert Reply:

The Rola NV2 does not tilt down so in order to access the cargo area of your 2004 Toyota RAV4 you would have to remove the bikes and fold the arms on the rack down or remove the rack.

The only type of bike racks that are going to allow you access to the cargo area and keep the bikes loaded are swing away style racks, see link. Please note that the Softride racks that tilt out would not go out far enough to allow you to open the rear door.

I recommend the Thule Apex, # TH9027XT. It swings off to the side as described above, holds up to 4 bikes, and fits a 2 inch trailer hitch. I have included a link to a video that shows how it works.

expert reply by: Michael H