Roof rack and cargo box, roof bag or hitch cargo carrier

[onree]

Originally Posted by darelldd

Just don't put TOO much back there. The rear suspension just isn't up to the task. Neither is the hitch for that matter. Small loads, short distances should be fine, however. I put my cargo on the roof and "kill my mileage" down to about 40 for the few miles that I carry stuff.


Wow. Well, there's no way for the Prius to give me Ultimate Fuel Economy if I can't haul stuff with it. That's the only time I use it, really! As my full-on SUV. Otherwise, I suffer along with my non-ultimate-fuel-economy car... the one that uses ZERO gasoline, and costs me nothing to fill up.

The Prius IS our gas guzzler.

Sorry to revive an old thread but it still seems a relevant discussion -- how did the cargo carrier/bag work out?

And darelldd -- when you say don't put TOO much off the rear, what would you consider TOO much? You may recall we had a long discussion last year about hitch-mounted bike racks, and that's a similar kind of situation.

[hyo silver]

One definition of too much junk in the trunk is when the headlights are illuminating the tree tops instead of the road. I've done this without a hitch carrier, which I think would be even more problematic.

[mikel09]

Originally Posted by hyo silver

One definition of too much junk in the trunk is when the headlights are illuminating the tree tops instead of the road. I've done this without a hitch carrier, which I think would be even more problematic.

Here is a solution for the Prius: attaches to the liftgate, fits behind, is aerodynamically shaped to improve air flow, complimenting the boat tail.

[onree]

Originally Posted by mikel09

Here is a solution for the Prius: attaches to the liftgate, fits behind, is aerodynamically shaped to improve air flow, complimenting the boat tail.

That's an interesting solution. How easy is it to work with? For example, does the liftgate open and close with it on? Is it simple to attach and detach? Does it rub off the paint on the car (like my old trunk-mount bike rack did)?

Also -- it looks like this completely obscures the license plate?

Oh, I see. mikel09 works for the company.

[flyblungld]

I am looking for a bike rack as well but in looking at this info I noticed this fine print regarding the 20x48 in. hitch carrier when used as bike rack...

"When using on 1-1/4" carrier (# 6500), due to the length of the carrier (48"), only childrens bikes (20" tires or less) can be carried."

Any other ideas out there?

[bac]

Originally Posted by mikel09

Here is a solution for the Prius: attaches to the liftgate, fits behind, is aerodynamically shaped to improve air flow, complimenting the boat tail.

I like my paint job too much.

... Brad

[hyo silver]

Originally Posted by mikel09

Here is a solution for the Prius: attaches to the liftgate, fits behind, is aerodynamically shaped to improve air flow, complimenting the boat tail.

I can see that the location is more aerodynamic than a bag on the roof, but it's still exactly the wrong place to put any significant weight. The further back the weight is carried, the worse the effects on handling.

[Rokeby]

For more info on the suitability of the Aero Pack soft bag, go here:

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-mo...tch-glass.html

You pays your money and takes your chances.

[ChrisViking]

Seems like the answer to a lot of questions about occasional cargo carrying can be answered by a small, light cargo trailer. (Like a motorcycle would tow)

Better than carrying empty cargo space like an SUV -- add cargo space only when needed.

Best,
Chris

[JimboPalmer]

Do not discount how much the Prius will hold inside, I routinely carry 4 18 gallon tubs of electronics (Network gear, Tools, PC parts, and Wires)and a Werner MT-17 ladder inside leaving room for 2 passengers, without impairing my sight lines.

Amazon.com: Werner MT-17 17-Foot 300-Pound Duty Rating Telescoping Multiladder: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Werner MT-17 17-Foot 300-Pound Duty Rating Telescoping Multiladder: Home Improvement
Amazon.com: Werner MT-17 17-Foot 300-Pound Duty Rating Telescoping Multiladder: Home Improvement