Bike Rack Recommendation for 2014 Toyota Prius V that Allows Hatch Clearance

Question:

I am looking for a bike rack for my 2014 Toyota Prius V. I do not have a trailer hitch, so it would have to be an over the top mount. The vehicle has a spoiler, so it looks like the Hollywood HRF2-3 model might work well. Can you still open and close the hatch while the rack is installed. With or without bikes loaded on it? Thank you for your help.

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

With trunk mounted bike racks you cannot open the rear hatch with the rack installed loaded with a bike or unloaded. The extra weight would make the hatch want to slam down. I've actually witnessed a buddy of mine attempt to do this after I told him not to and it the hatch came down very hard.

If hatch access is what you need then a hitch mounted option would be the best solution. You'd have to have a hitch like the Draw Tite part # 24847 installed then you could use a tilting bike rack like the Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT # TH92BJ and you'd have an even more secure way to carry the two bikes plus being able to access the trunk whenever needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C