Recommended Bike Rack for Cross Country Trip with 2008 Toyota Prius

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Question:

Looking for a bike rack that is safe, strong and stable to withstand a cross country road trip from Reno NV to Washington DC area in winter/spring.

asked by: Crystal L

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Expert Reply:

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 already equipped with a hitch, adding one and a bike rack is a much better setup than a trunk-mounted carrier, especially for longer trips.

A hitch-mounted rack will offer greater support and stability for the bikes, won't leave any scuff marks or dents on the vehicle itself like a trunk rack potentially could, and will also let you gather any gear from the trunk at various pit stops on your way to DC and back. A trunk rack would have to be completely removed each time the trunk needs to be opened.

Starting with the hitch itself, I recommend the Curt Class I # C11468 that will line right up to existing holes in the Prius' frame rails for a simple bolt-on installation and provide you with a 1-1/4" receiver opening for the bike rack. I have attached an installation video and the written instructions as well.

Then for the bike rack I really like the Thule Camber # TH9058. This is an extremely sturdy hanging-style bike rack. It can handle two bikes that weigh up to 35 pounds each and you can add the Hitch Lock # THSTL2 to secure it to your vehicle to help deter theft.

Now with a hanging-style rack like this you may need an adapter bar like the Thule # TH982XT if you will be transporting any children's, women's, or alternative frame bikes (this would be the case with a trunk rack as well). This will provide a horizontal attachment point for the rack for level and stable transport. I have included a short video review below so you can see exactly how it's used and why it might be needed.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

There are only Class I hitches available for your 2006 Prius. The most popular one we carry is the Draw Tite Hitch part #24808. I attached an FAQ article on hitch classifications for you to check out to give you a better idea on why they don't…

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Answer 2

The Draw-Tite #24808 and Curt #C11468 are the available hitch receivers for your 2006 Toyota Prius. Both are Class I and have a towing capacity of 2000 lbs. Our most popular hitch for your Prius is the Draw-Tite #24808. I have included a short…

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Answer 3

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 4

Since fuel mileage is a concern you are going to want to go with a hitch and a hitch mounted cargo carrier over a roof rack option. For a hitch I would recommend the Draw Tite Hitch part #24808. This would work well to support a cargo carrier. For a…

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Answer 5

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 6

I may have a solution for you, but the 2005 Toyota Prius will not be able to carry these bikes on a traditional bike rack. Instead, you'll need to use a hitch-mounted cargo carrier and tie downs in order to carry these bikes. For a hitch, I…

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Answer 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Recommended Bike Rack for Cross Country Trip with 2008 Toyota Prius

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