What Platform Bike Rack do You Recommend for 3 Bikes on My 2013 Toyota Prius?
Question:
Hi! I ordered a 1.25 hitch from you, its in the box waiting to be installed but i need to transport THREE bikes on my prius. Should I have ordered a 2 in hitch?? I am interested in the Thule Helium Pro 3 for my rack. Id prefer a platform rack but it doesnt seem I can get three bikes on a prius that way. Thanks for your help.
asked by: Sarah
Expert Reply:
Thanks so much for your order with us! From looking at your order, you purchased the Draw-Tite Class I - 1-1/4" # 24847 for your 2013 Toyota Prius.
If you are interested in the Thule Helium Pro 3 # TH9043PRO, that rack is an excellent choice to use with the # 24847 because the rack only weighs 20 pounds due to its aluminum construction. This low weight allows you to maximize the 200-pound maximum tongue weight capacity of the hitch for your 3 bikes. It is important to note that if you plan to transport children's bikes, women's-style bikes, or step-thru bikes, you need the bike frame adapter bar # 64005. This adapter will provide a straight, horizontal plane that is required to attach the bikes to the cradles of the Helium Pro.
As far as a platform rack option, you are correct in your evaluation that we do not carry a 3-bike platform rack that is compatible with a Class I 1-1/4" hitch. If you are set on purchasing a platform rack, the only option is to install a 2" hitch. Currently, the only one we carry that is confirmed to fit your 2013 Prius is the EcoHitch - 2" # 306-X7178.
For the 3-bike platform rack, I recommend the RockyMounts WestSlope Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches # RKY10223. This rack comes with a wheel-mount design so you do not need to purchase a bike frame adapter bar. Also, it comes with a 40-pound weight capacity and only weighs 43 pounds. It also fits standard bike tires up to 3 inches wide. As far as bumper clearance, the WestSlope measures 5 inches from the center of the pinhole to the closest part of the rack when folded, you should not have any bumper clearance issues. Even though we do not have the specs of where the # 306-X7178 installs on a 2013 Prius, the installation location of the # 24847 installs only 1-1/2" inches from the center pinhole of the hitch to the face of your rear bumper. With such a close measurement as that, you should be fine with using the WestSlope with the # 306-X7178.
If you decide to go with the WestSlope, I recommend purchasing the lock kit # RKY10224 to deter the theft of both the bikes and the rack itself.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- EcoHitch
more information >
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Helium Pro Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 3 Bikes
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
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