Transporting 3 Bikes and a Canoe on a 2012 Toyota Prius V Wagon  

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In order to carry three bikes on your 2012 Toyota Prius V wagon you will need to use a trunk-mount type rack since the trailer hitches offered for your Prius are limited to handling only two bikes (they are all light-duty Class I hitches; please refer to the linked article for more on hitch classes).

We offer several options in trunk-mount racks that can be viewed using the link provided, but note none of these racks includes locks. Locks can be added to secure your bikes, however. The best rack fit will depend on whether your Prius has a rear spoiler at the roofline. Some racks are better suited than others to this vehicle feature. You can use the "Select Vehicle Style" drop-down menu at the top of the page to select your Prius version.

One rack that works both with and without spoilers is the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top 3 Bike Rack # HRF2-3. For any rack option you can add a Passive Security Strap # TH533 to secure the rack to the car and deter theft. You can also use lock # e98891 to secure the bikes to the rack. You will want to consider the length and width of your canoe to determine compatibility with a trunk bike rack.

For transporting your canoe, you will first want to check your owner's manual or speak to your local dealership to confirm the car's roof weight-bearing capacity. You will also need to verify the weight of your canoe to ensure it will not exceed the vehicle's capacity. The good news is that you can transport a compatible canoe without installing a roof rack. We offer foam block type carriers that are cost-effective and that weigh very little. This means they leave virtually all of your roof weight capacity for your canoe.

The link provided will show you three such foam block canoe carriers that do not require you to buy a roof rack. I suggest one of the Yakima systems since they include a handy carry bag to keep all components together and safe for your next trip.

Any items affixed to your vehicle - bikes on a trunk rack and a canoe on the roof - will generate some amount of wind noise and will to a degree affect your fuel economy. These differences will not be severe, but there will inevitably be some increase in noise and reduction of fuel economy.
With a canoe on your roof you may also notice a change in the vehicle's handling characteristics, especially at highway speeds. It is a good idea to remove these cargo items from the vehicle when you will not be using them.

expert reply by: Adam R

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