Recommendation on Carrying a Small Kayak and a Bike Rack for a 2012 Toyota Prius C

Question:

Want a rack for a small kayak and also a bike rack for the back of car. Im female and not handy - first , what products should I purchase and secondly, would a mechanic install for me?!

asked by: Deb L

Expert Reply:

In order for you to carry a kayak on your 2012 Toyota Prius C you will need to install a roof rack.

I recommend the Rhino-Rack 2500 Roof Rack, parts # RRVA106B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK351. The Rhino-Rack roof rack is designed to fit the naked roof of your Prius C. The rack itself has a weight capacity of 165 lbs. Check your owner's manual or with your dealer to find what the roof capacity of your Prius to make sure you do not overload the roof.

You then can use the Swagman Contour Rooftop Kayak Carrier, # S65148, with the Rhino-Rack roof rack. The Swagman carrier can carry one kayak with a max weight of 100 lbs. The carrier will include 2 tie-down straps to secure the kayak to the roof rack and 2 bow/stern anchors ropes to secure the kayak to your vehicle.

You have two options for mounting a bike rack to your 2012 Prius C, either a hitch mounted rack or a trunk mounted rack. I recommend going with a hitch mounted rack because it will give you more clearance between the bike rack and the kayak if carrying both at the same time.

First, you need to install a trailer hitch receiver. I recommend the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver, # 24889. This is a Class I trailer hitch that uses the 1-1/4 inch receiver opening.

For a bike rack, I like Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Rack, # S64670. This is a platform bike rack that is compatible with the Class I hitch for the 2012 Toyota Prius C. Being that this bike rack has the platform design, loading bikes will be an easier job then on a hanging bike rack. You will not have to lift the bike up on the air as high as you would when using a hanging rack. I have attached a video showing Swagman rack installed on a 2012 Toyota Prius C for you to review.

I also recommend the Cable Lock, part # e98891, to secure your bike or bikes to the Swagman bike rack.

Almost any local mechanic or shop will be able to install all of these products for you. I recommend calling around and getting price quotes and then checking the BBB before choosing a shop for the installation.