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Advice on Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by The Critic, May 5, 2012.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I just spent a dump load of money on a cyclocross bike so I figured that it is about time for me to buy a bike rack to haul my bikes around. My friend is a Raxter dealer and will be selling me one of these:

    Raxter Racks - Rack Your Bike

    Since my Prius does not have a trailer hitch, I will need to install one. The Raxter Thorax bike rack is compatible with a 1.25" hitch.

    My friend advised that I find a hitch that is "as high off the ground" as possible, which I presume means to have a trailer hitch where the receiver is as close to the bumper as possible. This does not sound like a bad idea, since my car is lowered with the Prius PLUS package springs, I need all the ground clearance I can get. So, I was thinking about getting a stealth hitch such as this one since the receiver is flush against the bumper and the bar is completely tucked up there:

    [​IMG]

    So these are my questions:

    1) Is that rack a good choice for hauling 3 bikes? Ignore the price tag...

    2) Is it advisable to find a trailer hitch that is "as high off the ground" as possible, so that you minimize the risk of scraping the hitch and/or rack on driveways, bumps, etc?

    3) Even though the rack only needs a 1.25" hitch, I may have a use for a 2" hitch at some point in the future. Is it OK to use a 2" to 1.25" adapter or should I just buy the proper 1.25" hitch? I have been told before that a 2" hitch is always the better choice since it will flex less.

    Thanks.
     
    #1 The Critic, May 5, 2012
  2. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    1) Not a clue, though if the manufacturer will warranty it with proper use and rates it for 3 bikes, usually they're pretty good at that game.

    2) That makes total sense, IMO, esp since your car is lowered.

    3) My recommendation is to just get the 1.25" hitch for now. If it turns out later on that you need a 2", then get the 2" at that time and sell the 1.25" one. Unless you're pretty certain that you will use a 2" at this point.

    I just got a trunk mount 2 bike for under $40 through Amazon. Everywhere else it sold for $55. It's still in the box because I haven't had time to do anything with it. I also got the 1.25" Hidden Hitch hitch that I plan to install this weekend. I'll try to get you some pics once I get it on, so you have something to use as a comparison.
     
    #2 wick1ert, May 5, 2012
  3. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Three
    Thanks.

    MB860 ? 2
     
    #3 The Critic, May 5, 2012
  4. bricor

    bricor Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    V
    Hello Critic, I am also looking for a trailer hitch for my Gen-3 2010 Prius. It seems like most of the ones out there stick out just enough to bump your shin. The picture you included regarding the "stealth hictch" does not show on my browser (IE-explorer). Can you post it again in another format? jpeg or something? tks, bricor
     
    #4 bricor, Jan 22, 2013
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