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Rear Hitch + Bicycle questions...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by jhigga15, Dec 20, 2013.

  1. jhigga15

    jhigga15 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hey everyone,
    I am thinking about getting the rear which for my Prius. I am a factory rep for a bicycle company so I am always moving bikes in and out and driving all over to bike shops. I had a roof rack on my Gen 2 and I put bikes in and out the back all the time. As we know the roof rack kills the MPG and the in and out of MTB bikes and greasy chains get the car pretty dirty which I would like to avoid as much as possible this time around...

    Here are my questions:
    1. How much is the MPG is affected?
    2. Will my rear of the car be weighed down too much and would I have to switch out anything. I would guess with 2 bikes , the hitch and the rack it would total around 150 lbs?
    Thanks,
     
  2. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Other Hybrid
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    At highway speed, I'm guessing that my hitch mounted rack with two roads bikes is giving me a 15% MPG hit at highway speed (60-65).

    I cannot comment about your intended load weight. After hearing warnings of potentially bending the frame from excessive torque on the tongue, I limit my load to just two road bikes on a Thule Helium 3.
     
  3. BreitrthnU

    BreitrthnU Can you smell the premix?

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
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    Three
    I have a curt hitch, with a sport rack on the back. it was the lightest wheel mount rack i could find at about 30lbs. All the other brands were above 50lbs. Doing 80mph with 2 29ers on the back I'm getting about 38-40mpg. The car doesn't seem to sag too noticeably.
     
  4. Den49

    Den49 Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I have the below Draw-Tite Class I hitch. It was the lightest hitch I could find at 18 lb. and does not change the MPG, handling or ride quality of the car. It has a 2000 lb. tow and 200 lb. tongue capacity. Works great with my two bicycles and Yakima carrier, and 4'x6' utility trailer. I don't go far enough with the bikes on the car to notice a significant decrease in MPG, but it probably knocks off three or four MPG.

    2010 Toyota Prius Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com
     
  5. jhigga15

    jhigga15 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2007
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    Location:
    Fort. Lauderdale
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    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Thanks, I will be using it for 2 bikes at a time!!! Its good to hear that driving at 80mph everything is steady and not much sag!!!
     
  6. BreitrthnU

    BreitrthnU Can you smell the premix?

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2012
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    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I mean the car is def slower then normal as if you didn't think it was possible. Hey if you're ever up here in Tampa visiting the trails near me message me. We have Alafia, Boyette, and Carter rd.!!