3 Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2008 Toyota Prius

Question:

We are looking for a 3-bike rack for a 2008 Toyota Prius that could be used on a long car ride from San Francisco to Portland, potentially with some weather. I have heard that this is not the easiest thing to accomplish because of the construction of the back of the car. It has to be either a hitch or a trunk rack because I am too small to reach a roof rack. What brands are we looking at and if we need one, what do recommend as far as a hitch goes? The bikes are one mans bike, a womans small bike and a large childs bike. Thanks.

asked by: Jennifer

Expert Reply:

For your 2008 Toyota Prius the only way to carry 3 bikes at the rear of the vehicle will be a trunk mounted option. The hitches that fit your vehicle have a 2 bike maximum since they are Class I.

For a 3 bike rack that would do very well for you I would recommend the # TH56BV.

What makes this rack far superior to the others is the attachment system. It uses 2 retractable coated steel cables to attach to the vehicle rather than 6 nylon straps like other racks. This makes installation quick and easy and the cables also last longer.

The cables store inside the rack so there are no loose straps ends to flap around. The cables can also be locked into position to deter theft of the rack. And there is also an integrated cable lock in the last bike position to deter bike theft.

This rack also features the latest and greatest in road dampening technology which protects bike frames better than other cradles.

If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Swagman Easy-Out Women's and Alternative Frame Bike Adapter # 64005 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.