3-Bike Rack Recommendation for 2011 Toyota RAV4
Updated 06/06/2014 | Published 06/05/2014
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I would like to be able to put 3 bikes on my Toyota RAV4 2011 what are the best options? Thank you
asked by: MIke
Expert Reply:
In order to transport three bikes on your 2011 Toyota RAV4 I suggest a hitch-mount type carrier rather than a spare-tire-mount type such as the Thule # TH963PRO. that you referenced.
Hitch mount racks will use the strongest part of the vehicle - its frame - to bear the weight of your carrier and loaded bikes, rather than the spare tire mount which is not really designed to carry too much more weight than that of the spare tire itself. If you still prefer a spare tire mount type I suggest # BT300 from Surco.
Your RAV4 can be equipped with either a 1-1/4-inch Class II or a 2-inch Class III hitch. If it already has a hitch you can measure its receiver size to know which size carrier to select. The good news is that there are many carriers designed to fit both sizes! If you need a hitch you can use the link provided to see all options; I suggest a 2-inch Class III unit like # C13149 from Curt for its higher weight capacity. Please see the linked hitch installation video.
The other link provided will let you see all hitch-mount 3-bike carriers that fit both hitch sizes. The linked article will show you how to take a simple measurement of your hitch and vehicle to determine what carriers will safely clear the back of the RAV4 and its spare tire.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: spare tire bike rack
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Shop: Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Hollywood Racks SR1 2-Bike Carrier - Spare Tire Mount
- Q&A: Best Swing-Away Bike Rack for a 2011 Toyota RAV4 with a Spare Tire
- Video: Test Fit: Thule Tram Ski and Snowboard Carrier Adapter for Hitch Bike Racks on a 2020 Honda CR-V
- Video: Hands-On with the Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack for 4 Bikes
- Video: How to Install the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2011 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: Recommendation on a Trailer Hitch and 4 Bike Rack to Fit a 2011 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: What Bike Rack do You Recommend that Lets Me Open My Rear Hatch on My 2010 Toyota RAV4?
- Q&A: How to Easily Carry a Bike on a 2011 Toyota Rav4 Sport
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitch - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Stainless Steel
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Lets Go Aero NEO4 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Article: How to Choose a Bike Rack That Will Clear a Rear Mounted Spare Tire or Bumper
- Search Results: thule t2 classic
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch and Bike Rack to Clear Spare Tire Clearance on 2011 Toyota Rav4
- Q&A: Will the Thule T2 Platform Bike Rack TH9045 Fit a 2010 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: Will the Yakima Holdup 2 Bike Rack have Enough Clearance to be Used on a 2012 Jeep Wrangler
- Video: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter Installation - 2023 Kia Telluride
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2025 Toyota RAV4
- Video: The Low-Down on the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
on Spare Tire Bike Racks
