Platform Bike Rack Recommendation for Beach Cruiser Bikes Carried on a 2011 Toyota Prius

Question:

Which 2 bike platform rack will work for my 2011 Toyota Prius if I have a stretched beach cruiser and a ladies standard beach cruiser? It measures 59inch from the centers of both wheels, 85inch from end to end on the stretch cruiser. I purchased the draw-tite class 1 hitch. Any racks you can reccomend?

asked by: Edgar B

Expert Reply:

Be sure to check your owners manual to verify that it is safe to carry hitch mounted accessories with your 2011 Toyota Prius as some Toyota models recommend against doing so.

If you find that you can, then the bike rack that I would recommend for your two beach cruiser bikes is the Swagman XC Extended Bike Rack, # S64650-EXT. This bike rack will accommodate wheel bases up to 68 inches and will fit in the Class I hitch on your 2011 Toyota Prius. Wheelbase is measured from the center of one wheel to the center of the other.

I have attached a review video of this bike rack for you to check out.

Keep in mind that you should not exceed the tongue weight capacity of your trailer hitch. This bike rack weighs 70 lbs and your trailer hitch will have a tongue weight capacity of only 200 lbs. This means that the weight of both bikes and anything that you are carrying behind the rear axle cannot exceed 130 lbs.

I know that some beach cruiser models have angled top tubes and those can be difficult for the hooks on this bike rack to hold. I would recommend picking up the Swagman Easy-Out Adapter Bar, # 64005, to provide a level top tube for the hook on the bike rack. I have attached a review video of this adapter bar for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: John H