Best Options for Carrying 3 or 4 Bikes on 2013 Toyota Prius V  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To carry bikes on your Prius V there are two options, you can go with a hitch or a trunk mounted bike rack.

If you wanted to go the hitch mounted route, you'd be limited to carrying two bikes only. The hitch and bike rack manufacturers agree that no more than two bikes should be carried on a Class I hitch (which is the only hitch class available for your vehicle). Adding a third or fourth bike would increase the leverage applied to the hitch that would either damage the hitch or its attachment points to the vehicle. If you decide that carrying two bikes would be acceptable, I'd recommend using the Draw-Tite Class I hitch, part # 24847.

For a hitch mounted rack, I'd go with the Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack # C18085. The Curt rack would tilt rearward with the bikes loaded, allowing you to easily access the rear cargo area. You would need to carry the remaining bikes on the vehicle roof by installing a roof rack and using a roof mounted bike rack. Rhino Rack offers an inexpensive roof rack option that would consist of the following parts:

Rhino Rack 2500 Series Crossbar, part # RRVA126B-2
Leg Kit, part # RRRLKVA
Vehicle specific clamp kit, part # DK195

The RockyMounts BrassKnucles roof mounted bike rack, part # RKY1201 would be a good choice. This rack holds the bike by the tires and by the wheel. This is ideal for bikes with fragile carbon fiber frames. It's also very convenient because the bike's front wheel won't need to be removed.

Another option would be a trunk mounted bike rack. Using the Yakima FullBack 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms # Y02633 would allow you to carry three bikes on the rear of the vehicle. If you can get by with carrying only 3 bikes, this would be your most economical option. The only downside is the bikes and rack should be removed before you can access the rear cargo area. The bike rack companies don't recommend opening the rear door or hatch with the rack in place. The struts that hold the hatch open are only rated for the weight of the door itself. The extra weight of the rack could cause the hatch to close without warning, causing injury.

Long story short, the less expensive option would allow you to carry three bikes on the vehicle, but accessing the cargo area would be somewhat of a pain. The hitch/roof mounted bike rack option is considerably more expensive, but it would allow you unobstructed access to the cargo area of your vehicle. If you click the provided links, you can see product videos for some of the parts I've recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L

0