Can 3 Bikes be Carried with the Thule Helium Pro 3 on a 2012-2013 Toyota Prius with 1-1/4 Receiver

Question:

One comment about this carrier on your web site listing notes that a 1 1/4 hitch cannot carry three bikes, even though the carrier has three slots. Is this true? we have a 2-13 Prius and would like to get the smaller hitch. Or do we need to get the 2 inch receiver if purchasing this bike rack - the one we have decided we want.

asked by: Claire

Expert Reply:

The 2-bike rule (which is true) has more to do with the class rating of the trailer hitch than the actually receiver size itself. Since the only 1-1/4" trailer hitches for your 2012-2013 Toyota Prius are rated as Class I then you can only carry 2 bikes with the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack # TH9043PRO.

For the 2" receiver option the only trailer hitch available is the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receive # 306-X7178 which also features a design that hides the crossmember. I recommend using the 2" receiver so that you can take full advantage of the Helium Pro 3 bike rack with your Prius. Otherwise you'd be better off going with the Thule Camber # TH9058.

expert reply by: Jon G