Carrying Bikes on a 2009 Toyota Prius

Question

Question:

I am looking for a 2 inch receiver hitch for a 2009 Prius. Most that I find are 1.25, however I have a bike rack that is 2 . It seems that using an adapter would make it unstable. Thank you for any help that you can give.

asked by: Mary K

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Expert Reply:

You're correct that using a hitch adapter does lose some of the stability. However, there are only 2 hitch receivers available or your 2009 Toyota Prius, parts # 24808 and # C11468, and they're both Class I, 1-1/4 inch hitches. This is to prevent the overloading of the vehicle since its weight capacity is extremely low.

Instead I recommend using a trunk mount bike rack. The Thule Gateway Pro, part # TH88VR, is a great option that's confirmed to fit the Prius. I've linked a video of it on a 2007 for you. It uses the FitDial system to make it easier to install as well as Thule's Hold Fast cradles to hold the bikes safely.

For security you may also want the cable lock, part # TH538XT, and the security strap, part # TH533.

One other thing you may need is a bike frame adapter bar like the Swagman Deluxe, part # 64005. This helps bikes stay level on the rack when they don't have a straight cross tube like a typical men's bike does. They're great for women's and children's bikes.

expert reply by: Charles S

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Answer 1

We do have trailer hitches available for your 2007 Toyota Prius that have a 200 lbs Tongue Weight (TW) rating. I recommend going with the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver #24808 which is a Class I, 1-1/4" hitch receiver which has that…

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Answer 2

For your 2009 Toyota Prius the cargo carrier part #63155 is a really great option for a cargo carrier as it has a rise built into the shank unlike the other options which means it gives you the best possible ground clearance. Then for a hitch the…

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Answer 3

The only way you'd be able to transport a small scooter with a Prius like your 2009 model is with a hitch and small trailer. The vehicle is not designed for carrying 250 lbs vertically at the rear. For a hitch you'd want the Draw Tite part…

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Answer 4

For your upcoming cross country trip (and every trip, short or long, thereafter) I highly recommend a hitch-mounted bike rack for your 2008 Toyota Prius. I'm not sure if this was already the way you were leaning but even if your Prius isn't…

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Answer 5

Betweeen the Curt #C11468 and Draw-Tite #24808 for your 2006 Toyota Prius, I recommend the Curt simply because we have found that they tend to have better welds and a thicker powder coat than other options on the market. All of this translates into a…

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Answer 6

All the hitches that we have that are for a 2007 Toyota Prius are Class I hitches and have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. Due to the attachment points on the vehicle and the weight rating of a Class I hitch it is limited to carrying 2 bikes. Some…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 10

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 11

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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