Question about Hitch-Mount for Bike Rack on Prius

Hi -- I just learned that Toyota does NOT recomend a hitch mounted bike rack on the Prius. I'm very surprised (salesman knew I was planning on adding a hitch! and no one ever said that it wasn't recommended! -- THEY EVEN TOLD ME WHERE TO GO TO GET A HITCH MOUNTED AND IT WAS ONLY AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR THAT I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE OWNER'S MANUAL RECOMMENDATION!!!!) So, I'm wondering whether in fact people have mounted hitches on Prius, and what your experience is. I only need to carry two bikes.

Thanks for any info!!! Kath in Pennsylvania

Hi Kath,

Do a search here on "Priuschat" using my user name "timm" and you'll find my tips.

Timm

Click the pic for a larger view:

There are plenty of folks here who have a hitch-mounted rack. I expect to go that route someday if I ever need to use a rack again, but so far this hasn't been necessary because I can easily fit 2 bikes inside the car with the back seats folded down.

I was thinking of just putting the bikes inside the car, but my passengers won't have space to sit.

I believe the main reason they recommend not installing a hitch is to avoid liability from those who might overtax the vehicle by trying to tow something too heavy. Bike racks also seriously affect wind resistance which will lower fuel economy. The engineers were quite serious about finding any way possible to squeeze an extra tenth of a MPG out of Prius.

I know a guy who's done it - and has lived to tell about it so far.

Curt hitch:


Yakima:


Saris:


Trailer:

Yes, lots of people have put hitches on their Prius. I purchased the Coastal 2" hitch, put it on myself carefully and couldn't be happier with it. I use a Hollywood (brand) 2 bike carrier. A good bike rack can cost as much as the hitch itself.

The Coastal people do not recommend the hitch for towing... but for a bike rack it's perfect.

Best of luck to you....

I just love your trailer. Perfect for a long vacation trip.

I've read bad things here about bike racks on the Coastal hitch. They say it bends all too easily. When did you get yours? Maybe they beefed the thing up.

Searching on Priuschat is a little frustrating. It will point to threads you've posted in, but then it's hard to find your posts. When I find them, there are links to other threads, but the links no longer work.

Perhaps you could summarize your findings again here? From what I was able to find, I think you're the one who is successfully using a Coastal 2", but you had to add a fair bit of hardware to make the thing structurally sound.

I'd also like to hear if someone out there is successfully using a 1.25" Curt with a 2" adapter. That is the route I am considering.

No problem... expand the thumbnails below for a better look.

I had a buddy weld another piece onto the Coastal 2" hitch to beef it up and make it a three point connected receiver. It has had a LOT of use and abuse and I've had no problems to date. I installed the wiring kit also and you'll see I keep the plug stashed IN the vehicle unless it's in use. Wisconsin winter road salt is hell on equipment, but my electrical stuff still looks like new. I plan to remove, clean-up, repaint and reinstall the hitch every Spring. (BTW, I had no trouble ordering from Coastal Tech. I've got their EV mod installed also)

The last pic shows my US Mail Carrier Prius transformed into it's "Aquacar" mode! (Hint: Look close at the hitch)

I have looked at the photos of that Coastal hitch and IMHO it is not well designed or fabricated. A 2" reciever hitch should not be installed on a Prius. The connection Coastal used to attach the 2" square tube to the crossbar is a very poor design. Those two tiny braces that attach to the 2" square tube are pittifully small. Overall it is just a poor design by someone with no engineering experience or talent.

I installed the Curt 1.25" hitch and it works great. It is a well designed hitch from a company that designs and sells many many hitches. They redesigned the hitch to avoid interference with the exhaust gases. I purchased it online and got free shipping. I got a little black rubber plug for $1.50 and a cable to lock the bikes to the rack. I think I got everything for $200 delivered. The U-Haul brand hitch is made by Curt.

It should be no problem to carry two bikes with that hitch. If you want to carry more bikes, they should be lightweight.

I can fit one bike in the car and still have two passengers. (driver +2) I can fit two bikes, but then only one passenger. (driver +1)

From where?

2007*Toyota*Prius*hitch search *by etrailer.com (800)298-8924=

Yea, I just looked it up. They have the same deal as when I bought mine. Free shipping on orders over $150. The hitch was $128, so I bought the little rubber hitch cover and the cable lock. That brought my total up to just over $150.

In the photo you can see that strange plate on the right side. That is to avoid interfereing with the exhaust gases.

One other comment. The hitch holes did not line up exactly with the Pruis holes. Seems that the hitch bent a little bit during transit. However, it was fairly easy to bend it back with a large pipe wrench. Even with that fact, it was still a vary well made hitch. IMHO.

If anyone's looking for a hitch in the Twin Cities MN area, I have a used 2" Coastal for sale, as I've traded in my Prius. Please see my new post in the Sale section.

rpm

We have a 2006 Prius... The hitch was purchased on-line shortly after. I learned about the hitch on this forum. Well, I can only say from my use of the hitch that I'm happy with it. My Hollywood brand 2 bike, "Team rider" edition bike rack is not light weight. It securely holds two bikes with wheels mounted and has been used for years on my VW Golf. The Coastal hitch is well designed if someone like me can follow the instructions, bolt it in tightly and find that everything goes to plan. Perhaps not everyone tightens the hitch carefully, puts rust resistant paint on the bolts and nuts or follows the recommendations of the hitch manufacturer to limit the weight on the hitch. I don't know... there are so many variables. I feel the Coastal hitch was a good purchase for me... that's all. :mellow:

Winston: thanks! I just ordered mine from etrailer.com, along with the lock, the plug, and a 1.25 to 2 inch adapter for my bike rack.

I do have the 1.25" hitch and a bike rack, but I'm going to be selling both very soon. I don't like the idea of having so much weight on the car all the time just to haul a bike or two around when I need it. I bought a regular bike mount that rests on the "trunk" and has straps to hold it to the car. I've had it on roadtrips on other vehicles and never had a problem with it. Best thing yet, is that you can buy it from W**-Mart for ~$30

Thanks to everyone for posting information on hitch mounts for my bike rack (special thanks to Winston for ordering information). I have good information to digest and use in making a final decision. In the meantime, I am so enjoying my new Prius!

KathinPa

has anyone used this

THULE
961XT - Speedway



I just bought a new bike after 5 years, a Trek 7.5 FX(pretty nice ride)..but will not easily fit in car without removing the front wheel and messing with brakes, which can be a pita to get aligned again, especially if your out in the area ready to ride and just want to GO. PLan to ride red rock canyon, but it is already 15 miles from my home..on top of the 55mi ride..not so up to that..then having to ride all the way home in heavy deadly las vegas traffic