How to Carry 4 Bikes on a 2013 Prius V
Question:
Hi, Im looking for the hitch and trailer hitch bike rack with tilt down feature for 4 bikes. I have a 2013 Prius V. Im concerned that I cant get a suitable hitch for a rack that hold 4 bikes. I was looking at the Yakima RidgeBack. Help? Thank you!
asked by: Heidi A
Expert Reply:
The hitches available for your Prius are Class I, which have a low tongue weight capacity (maximum amount of weight that can safely be suspended from the hitch) of 200 lbs. Because of this, the bike rack and the hitch manufacturers both agree that only two bikes should be carried in a bike rack installed on a Class I hitch. Adding a third and fourth bike would place the weight too far rearward of the trailer hitch, which would apply leverage that the hitch isn't designed to withstand. Carrying four bikes would bend the hitch and could cause the hitch's attachment points to the vehicle to fail.
Using a trunk mounted rack and a roof rack would be your best bet.
If you used a trunk mounted bike rack like the Hollywood Racks Over The Top # HRF2-3, you'd be able to carry three bikes on the rear of the car without needing a hitch. You could carry the fourth bike on the roof, but you'd need to install a roof rack first. You can install a roof rack by using the following parts:
Thule 53 inch square load bars, part # TH712400
Evo Clamp Feet, part # TH710501
Vehicle specific fit kit, part # TH145129
With the roof rack in place, you can install a roof mounted bike rack like the Thule UpRide, part # TH599000. Many bike racks are fork mounts, which require that you remove the front wheel. This isn't the case with the UpRide, so it's easier and more convenient to load.
I've linked you to some helpful FAQ articles and a product demonstration of the Hollywood Racks trunk mounted bike rack.
Products Referenced in This Question
Fit Kit for Thule Evo Clamp and Edge Clamp Roof Rack Feet - 5129
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On or Channel Mount - Aluminum
- Roof Bike Racks
- Wheel Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Locks Not Included
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Track Mount - Standard
- Thule
more information >
Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Square Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Rhino-Rack Road Warrior Rooftop Bike Carrier - Fork Mount
- Roof Bike Racks
- Fork Mount
- 9mm Fork
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Aero Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
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on Roof Bike Racks
