Trailer Hitch & Bike Rack for Carbon-Fiber Road Bikes Carried on 2015 Toyota Prius

Question:

I need a hitch for carrying 2 bikes, and a rack. I have really nice carbon-fiber frame road bikes that I want to protect from scratches.

asked by: James F

Expert Reply:

The hitch I recommend for your 2015 Toyota Prius is the Draw-Tite # 24847. This Class I hitch has a 1-1/4-inch receiver opening and it has enough tongue weight capacity (200-lbs) for a 2-bike rack and your two road bikes. Installation is shown in the linked video; hardware is included and the written instructions are also linked.

Mostly basic hand tools are required to mount the hitch to the car's frame but you'll also need a torque wrench like # ALL944001 to secure the included fasteners to the correct specs shown in the instructions. The hitch will deliver its rated performance only when installed according to the manufacturer's guidance.

Usually owners of delicate carbon-fiber-frame bikes choose a wheel-mount type rack to avoid frame contact. A great option is the Thule T2 Classic # TH9045 two-bike rack. This rack suspends your bikes only by their wheels - no frame contact at all. This rack also offers excellent clearance at the back of the car - 18-inches - meaning that your car and bikes will have plenty of space between them.

You might consider a locking hitch pin # e98879 to steady and secure the rack in your hitch. And to lock your bikes to the rack you can use a simple cable lock like # e98891.