When you’ve purchased an SUV like the Toyota RAV4, you likely enjoy adventuring, living an active lifestyle, and hitting the open road with cargo in tow.

Owning a Toyota RAV4 gives you the freedom to explore, but if you’re an avid biker, the right bike rack is critical for making your travels smoother. Calgary Hitch Shop is here to help you find the perfect bike rack that matches your needs. With top brands like Yakima and Thule, we offer a great selection of bike racks in Calgary and expert installation services to get you and your RAV4 ready for the road.

Types of Bike Racks for the Toyota RAV4

There are three primary types of bike racks available for your Toyota RAV4: hitch racks, roof racks, and trunk racks. Each offers different advantages, depending on your cycling habits and vehicle setup.

Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks

Best for: Frequent cyclists, families, and e-bike owners.

Key Features: Hitch-mounted racks are easy to load, provide solid stability, and minimize the need for lifting heavy bikes. They can accommodate up to four bikes.

Popular Models:

  • Thule T2 Pro XTR supports nearly all bike styles up to 60 lbs with zero frame contact. It is ideal for e-bikes and heavier mountain bikes. The tilt function allows trunk access even when bikes are mounted.
  • Thule EasyFold XT 2 is designed for heavy e-bikes. It has a foldable loading ramp and adjustable wheel straps. Its lightweight and foldable design makes it perfect for easy storage.
  • Yakima HoldUp EVO offers similar flexibility, supporting bikes up to 50 lbs. It is easy to use, with a tilt function for rear cargo access and adjustable trays for different bike sizes.
  • Yakima Dr.Tray is a versatile rack that accommodates a wide range of bike types, with integrated cable locks and a lightweight design for easy installation and removal.

Installation Tips: Ensure your RAV4’s hitch is properly rated for the weight of both the rack and your bikes. Calgary Hitch Shop’s experts can install the rack and show you how to adjust it for secure mounting.

Roof-Mounted Bike Racks

Best for: Cyclists who want to keep their trunk free and don’t mind lifting their bikes onto the roof.

Key Features: Roof racks free up your tow hitch and provide a secure way to transport bikes without blocking rearview access. They are great for light bikes like road bikes or carbon frames.

Popular Models:

  • Thule ProRide is a frame-mounted option perfect for carbon fiber bikes. It provides secure clamping that protects your frame.
  • Thule TopRide is a fork-mounted design with zero frame contact, ideal for high-end road and mountain bikes.
  • Yakima FrontLoader is a versatile, wheel-mounted rack that fits almost any type of bike and secures them without frame contact, making it an excellent choice for carbon frames.
  • Yakima HighRoad is a premium roof rack that uses a torque right knob for easy, secure adjustments and is designed to handle a variety of bike styles without needing to remove the front wheel.

Installation Tips: Before using a roof bike rack on your RAV4, you’ll need a roof rack system installed. Calgary Hitch Shop can help with installation and setup to ensure proper fitting.

Trunk-Mounted Bike Racks

Best for: Casual cyclists and those without a hitch or roof rack system.

Key Features: Trunk racks are easy to install, lightweight, and ideal for short trips or occasional cycling. They are foldable and easy to store when not in use.

Popular Model:

  • Thule OutWay Platform is a robust, easy-to-install trunk rack that securely holds bikes without blocking rear lights or the license plate.
  • Yakima FullBack provides a sturdy, foldable design that fits most vehicles. Its SuperCush ZipStrip cradles protect your bikes while making loading and unloading hassle-free.

Installation Tips: Trunk racks are easy to install, but it’s important to check compatibility with your RAV4’s rear design. Calgary Hitch Shop can help ensure a proper fit.

Choosing the Right Bike Rack Based on Your Needs

Before deciding on the right bike rack for your Toyota RAV4, consider these factors:

  • Number of Bikes: Hitch racks and some roof racks can hold up to four bikes, while trunk racks are typically designed for fewer.
  • Bike Weight: If you’re transporting heavy bikes like e-bikes, hitch racks such as the Thule EasyFold XT 2 are ideal due to their higher load capacity.
  • Ease of Loading: Hitch racks like the Thule T2 Pro XTR offer easy loading and unloading at a lower height, while roof racks require lifting bikes onto the roof.
  • Storage and Convenience: If space is an issue, foldable options like the Thule EasyFold XT make storage easy.

Key Features to Look For

  • Security: Many racks come with integrated locks, such as the Thule T2 Pro XTR, which secures both your bikes and the rack itself.
  • Adjustability: Look for racks with adjustable arms or wheel holders, like the Thule EasyFold XT, which ensures bikes of different sizes fit securely.
  • Tilt Functionality: Hitch racks with a tilt function allow access to your RAV4’s trunk without needing to unload the bikes.

Professional Installation Services at Calgary Hitch Shop

With so many options on the market, picking the best bike rack for your Toyota RAV4 can feel overwhelming, but Calgary Hitch Shop makes it easy with a great selection of quality brands and our expert advice. Whether you’re looking for a hitch-mounted rack for easy loading or a sleek roof rack to keep your trunk free, we’ve got you covered.

At Calgary Hitch Shop, we not only carry a wide variety of bike racks but also offer expert installation services so you can use your new bike rack without worry. Our technicians can install your Yakima or Thule bike rack in Calgary, and we’ll even show you how to use it. Whether you need a roof rack, hitch rack, or trunk rack, our team will help you find the best fit for your Toyota RAV4.