Looking For Info On Getting A Hitch For 2007 Rav4...

[bovinda]

I have a 2007 RAV4 Limited edition (V4, two-wheel drive). I'm trying to find the best way to get a good bike rack onto the back of it. It seems I need to get a hitch of some kind for most of the bike racks out there.

Is there a do-it-yourself hitch set or do I basically have to find a welder to do it? No idea about this stuff. (Also looking for the cheapest way. :) )

Any and all suggestions are appreciated! (Even suggestions about good, cheap bike racks!)

I also apologize if this has been asked a thousand times, I'm just brand new to this and didn't find anything on a quick search (plus I'm very short on time these days, unfortunately), so I hope I'm not adding to board trash.

[three5]

I have a 2007 RAV4 Limited edition (V4, two-wheel drive). I'm trying to find the best way to get a good bike rack onto the back of it. It seems I need to get a hitch of some kind for most of the bike racks out there.

Is there a do-it-yourself hitch set or do I basically have to find a welder to do it? No idea about this stuff. (Also looking for the cheapest way. :) )

Any and all suggestions are appreciated! (Even suggestions about good, cheap bike racks!)

I also apologize if this has been asked a thousand times, I'm just brand new to this and didn't find anything on a quick search (plus I'm very short on time these days, unfortunately), so I hope I'm not adding to board trash.

Hi and welcome to TOC GB!

Toyota do a "towbar" kit ( as we call them here ). They are made by Thule for Toyota. In the UK you can buy them directly from aftermarket suppliers and they are usually discounted against the Toyota list price. There are two types, one with a swan-neck type towball ( hitch ) and one with a bolt on towball. Don't know if the US version of the 2007 RAV has a rear mounted spare wheel, if it does then you will probably need the swan neck towbar, if not then you can use either. As far as tow ball mounted bike carriers go there are two different styles available, one with a mounting plate that fits between the bolt on towball and the towbar itself and one that clamps onto the "ball" itself. In the UK there are also many other makers of aftermarket towbars - quality varies! One Toyota part that is really worth the money is the wiring kit for a towbar. Very easy and neat way of providing towing lights.

SO:

if the car has a rear mounted spare wheel, you will need a swan neck type towbar and clamp on bike carrier.

if the car doesn't have a rear mounted spare wheel you can use either the above arrangement or a towbar with a bolt on towball and a bike carrier with a mounting plate. This is a cheaper option over here.

There are issues in the UK with towballs that obscure a rear number plate - don't know if all number plates in the US are door mounted, if they are then that is one problem less. Hope theis helps a bit.

Have you found http://us.toyotaownersclub.com//index.php?showforum=46 ? There is a lot of info there that may be more relevant that you will find here. Having said that , you are still very welcome. We have a few member from the US that pop up on here on an irregular basis - come on Junebug where are you?

[junebug1701]

I have a 2007 RAV4 Limited edition (V4, two-wheel drive). I'm trying to find the best way to get a good bike rack onto the back of it. It seems I need to get a hitch of some kind for most of the bike racks out there.

Is there a do-it-yourself hitch set or do I basically have to find a welder to do it? No idea about this stuff. (Also looking for the cheapest way. :) )

I'm right here, Chris!! :D

Welcome, bovinda! Probably the cheapest solution would be a spare-mounted bike rack. Here's one example at Amazon--holds up to 3 bikes and sells for $129:

http://www.amazon.com/Surco-BT300-Spare-Mo...y/dp/B00029KBF8

There are many other brands as well. Scroll down that page and you will see examples made by Thule, Saris, Allen, Swagman, and Hollywood. The nice thing about this design is it doesn't interfere with opening the back door. The only thing is you will have to remove the hard cover from the spare. No big deal, really!

[bovinda]

Chris and Junebug, thank you for the warm welcome. I didn't even realize I had posted on the UK forums, and not the US ones! :P It seems to have worked out regardless, because I think what June recommended should work fine (and I like cheap!). Thanks again you guys! :)