Towbar And Bike Rack Combination

[Mark Jackson]

Hi

New RAV4 owner and forum member asking what appears to be a common question regarding RAV4's.

I have just purchased a 2003 model and I'm looking to add a towbar and bike rack.

the ones I'm considering are the Thule 4089 detachable towbar and the Thule 9503 3 bike rideon rack.

I've selected the 4089 because its rear step compatible, I don't have a rear step fitted but I'm hoping that the extra length will help in fitting the bike rack.

the 9503 rack is designed for 3 bikes and has two uprights which are used to secure the bikes. My hope is that I can remove the front upright to clear the spare wheel and just use it to carry two bikes.

I don't like the idea of the fitting a bike carrier to the spare wheel or using a hang on bike rack such as the Thule 970, 972 or 974.

Has anyone used this combination or similar or can offer any advice, I have searched the forum and found many examples using roof bars, spare wheel racks and hang on racks but none that cover the rideon type of rack.

http://www.thuletowbars.com/upload/manuals/towbars/408970.pdf

http://www.thule.com/en/gb/products/bike-carriers/towbar/thule-rideon-9503-_-9503

any help or comments gratefully accepted.

Mark

[Guest]

I have got as far as getting the towbar fitted :) I was looking at the towbar bike rack simply because I could move it between cars easily plus tow a trailer if required.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/ I find these guys a useful source of info.

Gus

[Tony Barnsley]

I have got as far as getting the towbar fitted :) I was looking at the towbar bike rack simply because I could move it between cars easily plus tow a trailer if required.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/ I find these guys a useful source of info.

Me too . . . In fact Mine is the Moose 3

[LeeADAB]

Hi Mark. Good choice on the 2003 model!

Why not get the Thule aero bars and two Thule bike carriers? They look great and are really easy to lift a bike up up onto. That also leaves the rear door free to open and you could even tow a trailer too with that combo!

See mine here....

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/58311-rav4-photos/page-122

Good luck with your mission. Post photos once you decide.

Cheers, Lee

[Mark Jackson]

The Roof Rack would be fine for me by my wife would find it a struggle to reach without a stepladder as she's a bit short. I've decided to take the risk on the Thule 3669 towbar which is rear step compatible and is 20mm lower than the standard Thule 4089 bar. once it fitted I'll make a decision on the bike rack.

I'll post some pictures once it's finished.

[Uncle_P]

I put my bike on the roof too.. I'm 6'1, so it's not too much trouble though! I use a cheapo £20 Halfords bike rack that clamps on to a regular Roof Rack. I bought it just to get my new bike home from the bike shop, but since then have regularly had the bike on it with no worries. It's surprisingly solid for something so cheap!

I'm thinking about upgrading to a Land Cruiser after the Rav, so maybe then I'll need a rear mounted rack.

[Davrav]

I put my bike on the roof too.. I'm 6'1, so it's not too much trouble though! I use a cheapo £20 Halfords bike rack that clamps on to a regular roof rack. I bought it just to get my new bike home from the bike shop, but since then have regularly had the bike on it with no worries. It's surprisingly solid for something so cheap!

I'm thinking about upgrading to a Land Cruiser after the Rav, so maybe then I'll need a rear mounted rack.

You'll be able to chuck in the back of a Landcruiser..........

[Uncle_P]