3-Bike Rack Recommendation for 2011 Toyota RAV4
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Surco Spare Tire 3-Bike Carrier
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 3 Bikes
- Bike Lock
- Single Arm
- Standard
- Hanging Rack
- Surco Products
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Shop: Malone Runway Spare Tire Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Video: Does the Yakima FullBack 2 Bike Rack Suit Your 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Replacement Wheel Tray Endcap for Yakima HoldUp Bike Racks
- Shop: Replacement Wheel Tray Endcap for Yakima HoldUp Bike Racks - Qty 1
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: How to Choose a Bike Rack That Will Clear a Rear Mounted Spare Tire or Bumper
- Shop: Hollywood Racks SR1 2-Bike Carrier - Spare Tire Mount
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount
- Video: What to Know About the Malone Runway Spare Tire Bike Rack for 3 Bikes
- Video: Fit Check: Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes on a 2018 Toyota RAV4
- Video: Hollywood Racks SR1 2-Bike Carrier Review
- Video: Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Mount Bike Rack Test Course
- Video: Fit Test: Malone Runway Spare Tire Bike Rack for 3 Bikes with 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Search Results: thule t2 classic
- Shop: etrailer D-Shape Anti-Rattle Locking Hitch Pin for Benton Hitch Accessories- 2" Hitches
- Q&A: What is the Distance From Center of Hitch Pin Hole to Spare Tire on 2011 Toyota RAV4 with Curt 13149
- Shop: Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Q&A: Will the Yakima Holdup 2 Bike Rack have Enough Clearance to be Used on a 2012 Jeep Wrangler
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch and Bike Rack to Clear Spare Tire Clearance on 2011 Toyota Rav4
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Shop: Roof Rack
on Spare Tire Bike Racks
