Jut got a 2024 Rav4 Hybrid. In my old sedan I had a trailer hitch bike rack, but since I now have a roof rack I am debating if I should get a roof rack bike rack insterad (especially since a trailer hitch rack blocks opening the liftgate). Can anyone tell me if these roof bike racks are a pain in the neck to use vs a trailer hitch rack (which was super easy)? This is mainly for local travel, not for long trips. I want to be able to just throw a bike on easily in 10 minutes to get to a biking area.
roof rack bike rack
toecheese
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Jut got a 2024 Rav4 Hybrid. In my old sedan I had a trailer hitch bike rack, but since I now have a roof rack I am debating if I should get a roof rack bike rack insterad (especially since a trailer hitch rack blocks opening the liftgate). Can anyone tell me if these roof bike racks are a pain in the neck to use vs a trailer hitch rack (which was super easy)? This is mainly for local travel, not for long trips. I want to be able to just throw a bike on easily in 10 minutes to get to a biking area.
Never used a rooftop bike rack. I’m sure I would end up scratching the paint trying to get the bikes up there, I’m 5’8” so a ‘reach’ for me. I do have luck folding down the back seat and putting the bike in there. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll get some pointers here. 👍
As I was preparing to acquire my '22 SE Hybrid, I wondered if my trailer hitch Thule bike rack would work with the car's tailgate. Borrowed a friend's RAV Hybrid, same vintage, and tried out my Thule rack with his RAV. Because the rack folded down enough, even with bikes on it, to allow the tailgate to open and close, I was satisfied.
I'm 6'. Once upon a time, putting bikes onto a roof rack was no big deal. Now I'm 74, arthritis in the shoulders, and it would be a big deal.
I'm 6'. Once upon a time, putting bikes onto a roof rack was no big deal. Now I'm 74, arthritis in the shoulders, and it would be a big deal.
I have a 1up hitch rack. Doesnt block hatch and you can tilt it with bike on to get into hatch.
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95 Posts
Trailer hitch racks are the Best! Like ChukarBob said the Thule will angle down with bikes on it so you can open the hatch. I decided to also do a roof rack when I take more than 2 bikes and it was a huge pain. I have a little stool that folds out so I can put the bike over my head, then step on the step and then carefully step in the passenger door sill as I try to place the bike on top. Also I noticed the roof rack with a bike on top can make a huge gas mileage difference if you are driving into the wind on the highway.
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1,776 Posts
Hitch rack is by far easier than roof mount. Tilt down hitch racks are pain when loaded with bikes to try to access the cargo area. A swing out carrier or adaptor makes it a breeze.
My cars don't have trailer hitch. I have used Thule FreeRide racks for many years on my cars. It takse some effort to install bike, but I am ~6'5" so not big problem 
Thule FreeRide | Thule | United Kingdom
If you have trailer hitch, I thing hitch rack is better option - less effort to install, less fuel consumption.
Thule FreeRide | Thule | United Kingdom
If you have trailer hitch, I thing hitch rack is better option - less effort to install, less fuel consumption.
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