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Bike rack recommendations

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by hybrid hugger, Aug 6, 2017.

  1. hybrid hugger

    hybrid hugger Junior Member

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    2016 Prius Four

    Best Bike Rack for Prius Reviewed | Phil's Reviews

    Looking for a bike rack for my new Giant Roam hybrid bike. Came across the review for above.

    Has anyone used the Hollywood Racks model mentioned? Any other recommendations? I am looking for something that's preassembled so it's easy to install and of course quick to load and unload the bikes.

    Thanks
     
    #1 hybrid hugger, Aug 6, 2017
  2. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Hitch is the way to go.

    There is no reason to be concerned about warranty coverage, especially since not towing is so easy to prove when there's no wiring.
     
    #2 john1701a, Aug 6, 2017
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  3. bbunge

    bbunge Member

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    Haven't found a trunk mount that will work on a 2016. The Saris I used on the Corolla just isn't right. Back seats down and my road bike fits inside just fine!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 bbunge, Aug 6, 2017
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  4. 303inthe510

    303inthe510 Member

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    I agree with John -- a hitch mount is absolutely the best. I had Uhaul install mine for $210 out the door (this includes the hitch, 45 minute install + tax). I bought the 3-bike Thule mount from REI during a recent sale (20% off). I only install the bike mount to the hitch when I'm about to mount the bikes. It takes me all of 20 seconds to install/uninstall (I may be over exaggerating, it probably takes 9 seconds). This system is ideal as it doesn't scratch paint nor cause unwanted wind noise when not in use (like roof cross bars do). Best of all, when not in use (97% of driving for me) there's zero impact on gas mileage since it's not hanging on my car.

    Side note -- this version does NOT have the tacky Uhaul sticker affixed to it. Score! It looks super clean and almost undetectable.
     

    Attached Files:

    #4 303inthe510, Aug 7, 2017
  5. hybrid hugger

    hybrid hugger Junior Member

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    bbunge - The link in my post recommends that trunk mount rack is made specifically for the Prius. Did you try that?

    A hitch mount appears to be much more expensive than a trunk mount! I expect to use the rack only on summer weekends and a trunk mount is easier to take off so that's why it seemed attractive to me. In contrast, the hitch would remain attached to the car all year long.

    I am leaning towards a trunk mount for cost & ease of use reasons. Are there any significant downsides to it if I only clip it on when transporting my bike?
     
    #5 hybrid hugger, Aug 8, 2017
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  6. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    #6 john1701a, Aug 8, 2017
  7. bbunge

    bbunge Member

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    Trunk mount on Gen 3, yes! Trunk mount on gen 4, no way I have found...
    Do not want to add a hitch either. As I haul one bike in the back with the seats down is fine. No added drag to spoil the mileage either.

    P01M ?
     
    #7 bbunge, Aug 8, 2017
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  8. hybrid hugger

    hybrid hugger Junior Member

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    What exactly is different between the Gen 3 and Gen 4 that you are in favor of a trunk mount on the former but not the latter?

    I plan to haul just the one bike too but somehow I find the idea of stuffing it in the back seat distasteful, especially when I go on dirt roads!
     
    #8 hybrid hugger, Aug 8, 2017
  9. IAPrius

    IAPrius Active Member

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    I got a hitch installed at Uhaul (only like $120 w/out wiring) and it has been great. I love ETrailer.com for bike racks - I bought a Thule 2 bike rack.
     
    #9 IAPrius, Aug 10, 2017
  10. RichP

    RichP New Member

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    I had a trailer hitch put on my 2011 Prius 3. It was after the warranty expired. It has been great with a Thule bike rack. I have now a 2016 Prius 3 and want to put a hitch on it also but worried about voiding the warranty. I couldn't get a straight answer from the dealer when I bought the car. I saw the prior post on no warranty worries but did not understand the reasoning not to worry. Anyone able to reassure me?
     
    #10 RichP, Aug 10, 2017
  11. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    What is there to worry about ?

    In other words, what warranty issue could possibly be related to carrying an outside load ?

    If a roof rack is ok for bikes, why wouldn't a hitch be ok ?
     
    #11 john1701a, Aug 10, 2017
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2017
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  12. hybridelicious

    hybridelicious New Member

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    This setup is OEM Detachable towball, OEM 13 pin electric socket, Thule Xpress 970 bike rack, Biltema light board and 13 >7 pin adapter. View attachment 135577
     
    #12 hybridelicious, Aug 28, 2017
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  13. priusbrb

    priusbrb New Member

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    hybrid hugger, did you end up trying the Hollywood Racks model? I'm looking for a trunk mount, as it seems easier to me, too, and would love to know if this model lives up to the review.
     
    #13 priusbrb, May 4, 2019
  14. IAPrius

    IAPrius Active Member

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    Trunk mount I would say is easier if you are just going to use it every once and a while. I keep my hitch rack on 24/7 in summer (and sometimes winter) and its so convenient just to throw a bike on after work and go to the trail.
     
    #14 IAPrius, May 8, 2019
  15. tucatz

    tucatz Active Member

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    error
     
    #15 tucatz, May 13, 2019
  16. tucatz

    tucatz Active Member

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    Anyone here a fan of roof racks? I was considering the Toyota roof mount crossbars, and adding my bike or kayak mounts. Your experiences..please share
     
    #16 tucatz, May 13, 2019
  17. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Kayaks on the roof. Bikes on the back That's my setup.
     
    #17 john1701a, May 13, 2019
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