Rav4 Towbar

[RoadUser]

Hi,

I have a 57 plate’s rav4. It is a base model with no tow bar or side roof rails. I am in need to carry some bikes
around, would I be better off to get a tow bar installed and then carry then on
the back or get a Roof Rack and carry then on the top?

Couple of questions please:

1. What is your experience - tow bar or Roof Rack?

2. Can you recommend any kit? (tow bar or roof rack)

3. The car has some tow bar installation space below the bumper can I just buy any tow bar and fit it? I just need a tow bar - nothing fancy, no electrical installation needed and it does not need to be detachable.

4. Roof Rack - I've seen some for £180 (side ones) or full rack (side + cross) for £60. Would it be better to buy full rack (fixed side and cross) or get the side ones and then buy accessories like cross bars?

Many thanks for you advise.

[Tony Barnsley]

If the bikes obscure the rear lights/indicators/number plate you will need a trailer board . . which means you need electrics.

Apart from that I'm afraid I can't help you. . . . Except I went for a Towbar and ball mounted carrier for mine ;) . . .but then I didn't have the side bars for a Roof Rack . . . and it's a big lift with a bike, with associated scratching potential :(

[Ex Tiff]

Agree with Tony, if carried on the rear you will need additional road lighting if the bikes obscure any part of the road lights or number plate. If you use a Roofrack ask yourself if you can comfortably reach the bikes and rack to lift them on and more importantly to secure them, remember the rack fixings will be about 6-in(150mm) above the car roof. A towbar mounted carrier will prevent you from using the rear luggage door when bikes are mounted, if a tow bracket is fitted it must have type approval for the vehicle. For a RAV I believe the current cost is around £500 and upwards with single electrics.

Depending on how often you carry the bikes it may be viable to consider the carriers made by someone like Thule that mount on the rear door and have feet that stand on the rear bumper/step to take the weight. The disadvantage of being unable to open the rear door would be the same as with a towbar mount and you would still need a lighting board and associated electrics, but a much cheaper option.

Best of luck finding the solution to your problem.

John

[RoadUser]

Thanks for the replay. I think I will be better off with Roof Rack.

My car does not have the side rails - should I by them first of go straight for the roof bars (mounted directly to the roof not side rails). Can you recommend any?

[Ex Tiff]

I have always used the car manufacturers products, but any major brand that sells a product with dedicated fittings for your vehicle is perfectly suited. I would steer clear of anything with 'universal fittings' for any model of car. With permanently fitted side rails it is easier to fit the cross bars with cycle supports than fitting the full rack each time. Side rails make little difference to fuel consumption or noise when fitted' if you leave a full rack in place you might be surprised at the loss of economy and extra noise. The only advice I can give is get the best you can afford, don't put your safety at risk. More to the point I wouldn't like to be following anyone who loses their roof load on the motorway!

John

[Big Kev]

Thanks for the replay. I think I will be better off with roof rack.

My car does not have the side rails - should I by them first of go straight for the roof bars (mounted directly to the roof not side rails). Can you recommend any?

I have a pair of official Toyota FIXED ROOF BARS....not rails, which fit across width of yer car, front and back. These are brand spanking new in box. Send me a PM if of interest.

Big Kev

[Plutus]

Quite a few years ago I frequently carried bikes (not Toyota vehicles).

I tried all 3 and found the tow bar by far the best.

I would avoid the hanging off the door, they can easily scratch your car and to me look a bit unsafe.

.Roof racks are OK but a pain compared with towbars.

[three5]

When I carry my standard road bike, it is usually on a longish journey, i.e. down to the Mediteranean or similar distances. I've used towbar mounted bike racks for many years because of the minimal effect on fuel consumption. Roof mounted bike carriers can also be a problem on ferries and in car parks as well as the high loadings they impose on roof bars or gutters. Handling is also adversley affected.