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rav4uk

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi,
i'm looking for a rear door mounted bike rack. i dont have a hitch/tow bar, or a spare wheel mounted on the door. i have seen a few universal ones that clip to the metal part of the door, however because of the oem spoiler you cannot access this, is the spoiler strong enough to hold the tethers ? any recommendations

Thanks in advance...:)
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
#6 ·
Go to UHaul and get one of their hitches - 2 bolts per side (although mine was warped and I had to have them install it) is all it takes.

I like the convenience of the hitch-mounted rack. I've got a wrench with the correct socket sitting in the rear storage area, in the side pocket of my tool bag. Takes just a few minutes to install or remove.

I didn't notice you're in England. I'm assuming you can get a hitch at a decent price there too. The factory hitches are going to be way more expensive, so find aftermarket if you can. At UHaul, mine is $160 if I install.
 
#7 ·
As Steve says above, while it does add a bit more cost, since you dont have a rear tire the best method would be to install a US style tow hitch (Tow Bar for Brits) which has the square style removable hitch mount (not Swan Neck Style), and then use a hitch type rack - (Thule make these) that connects into the tow hitch. These are really strong compared to the door or wheel mounts, and you dont need the electrics fitted (unless you want a power source back there) but these type of racks can take up to 5 bikes. The other option would be to get cheapest Tow Bar that you can, and then get the rack that connects around the tow ball. Again Thule have these.
 
#8 ·
Bike rack(s)

I have carried bikes for decades and the best style and best rack was a Land Rover rack that I have had now on 3 SUV's. It mounts to a 2" x 2" receiver and do not use a 1", 1.5" or 17/8", but a 2" x 2".

With the proper hitch receiver installed the bike rack simply pushes into the 2" x 2" hole and gets secured with a bolt, a bolt that locks with a key and up to 4 bikes are carried.

The Rover designated folding hitch just happens to match the swinging door of the Rav4 and the bikes mounted swing out to access the rear door way.

This mount is a Land Rover bike rack and as such is extremely well built but light with robust hinges, sweeping angled tubular single bar design. The locking mechanisms are simple but robust.

I was told retail when new was $700 from Land Rover, I bought used for $200 and now I find it difficult to find write ups on the Net.

Compared to Thule folding racks, there is no comparison with ruggedness, design, and use. It is so easy to use I use it as a bike vice when tuning the derailleurs.

Look in your area for this rack and if it is available BUY IT.

Installing a cat 111 hitch is very easy, no drilling and no help is needed, it will make your bike rack a very useful tool.
 
#9 ·
ARK, how about some pictures of this bike rack? Most of us have never seen one.
 
#11 ·
The rear mounted door should not even be an option with the RAV! You'll eventually end up either wrecking your car, your bike or the vehicle travelling behind you or worse yet, the person in the vehicle behind you...

Either do the spare wheel bolt on or get a hitch. Here's my Swagman 4 bike rack

Pros:
- Solid construction
- Threaded insert for locking through pin bolt to reduce (almost eliminate) sway
- easy bike loading/unloading
- angled upwards (the last bike sits higher than the 1st for excellent clearance for those angled driveways, speedbumps, etc)
- With bikes off door completely opens
- Works with kids bikes
- Can carry 3 DH/Freeride type bikes or 4 "family" type bikes as shown below

Cons
- Fairly heavy (would not expect my wife to take this on or off)
- Is about an inch too close to be able to fold the rack up cuz of spare tire (I don't find this a big deal since I don't really drive around without a bike on the rack)

Now if I didn't have to worry about kids bikes I'd be getting a North Shore Bike Rack

Image
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
I've manage to get round that spoiler issue on the rear door and decided to put 1 roof bar on and attach the door straps to this rather than the door. Roof bars.... not sure i can trust myself to remember they are up their, our roads are narrow, trees over hang and car parks, just a few to mention. If we get more into cycling i think i will invest in a tow bar / hitch purely for a bike rack.
 
#19 ·
Swagman XP2 tire mount bike rack

See my post with pictures here for this great tire mount 2 bike rack.

Detailed pictures here
 
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