Trailer Hitch And E-Bike Bike Rack For 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Updated 08/18/2026 | Published 08/15/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Epos Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount

(39)

$1038.95

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(373)

$217.47

Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(47)

$1589.00

Thule Foldable Loading Ramp for Bike Racks

(32)

$87.92

Thule Epos Bike Rack w/ Lights for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount

(39)

$1278.95

Question:

hi etrailer folks. we are about to buy racks for our gazelle full fendered ebikes. the kuat system looks interesting but the geometry is a little problematic with the fender, even with the strap kit. i was also thinking that if a tire goes flat on the rack, the bike becomes less secure. i like the design though. the thule ion seems pretty good too, and more secure if a tire goes flat. am i making up concerns that dont matter? are there less expensive alternatives i should be looking at? getting tired of loading the bikes in the back of my pick up. will also need a 2 receiver hitch for our 2025 rav4 hybrid. 2 not because we need the capacity. more just because i think it would be better for the bike racks. sorry for the long winded email. thanks! glenn littledale

asked by: glenn l

Expert Reply:

Hey Glenn, welcome back! We can go ahead and knock out the hitch since that part is easy. I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C77MJ for your RAV4 Hybrid. This is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver and a bolt-on installation. It also has a 675 lb tongue weight capacity which is more than enough for a bike rack and your e-bikes.

It sounds like you're deciding between the Kuat Piston Pro X # KU98VR and the Thule Epos # TH99XE. Between the two, I would go with the Epos for your Gazelle e-bikes. The Epos can secure the bikes by the frame or seatpost, so you don't have to worry about your fenders at all. I also wouldn't be too concerned about getting a flat tire while the bikes are on the rack. That's possible, but not something I'd consider a major factor when choosing between the two racks.

Another big advantage is weight. The Epos weighs only 38.1 lbs compared to 60 lbs for the Piston Pro X, and the Epos folds up and has built-in wheels, making it much easier to move around and store when you're not using it. It can also handle up to 75 lbs for a single bike and 140 lbs total.

If you want to make loading your e-bikes easier I recommend adding the ramp # TH43VA to go with it. We also have the version with the light kit # TH49XE if you want that option.

Where are you headed with the e-bikes once you get everything all set up?