Trailer Hitch Receiver and Bike Rack for Carrying 4 Bikes With a 2013 Toyota Prius

Question:

I have a 2013 Prius and want to carry 4 adult bikes. My current trunk carrier has me nervous the way it bounces about and presses on the glass and so we are looking into hitch carriers. Do you sell a hitch that can handle 4 adult bikes, and also is there a 4-bike hitch carrier you would recommend for a 2013 Prius? I dug up your info. for 2013 Prius on your website but havent seen any info. on how to carry 4 bikes with a hitch carrier on a 2013 Prius. Thanks for your help!

asked by: Jessica

Expert Reply:

I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7178 for your 2013 Toyota Prius. To install this on your Prius you'll need to drill into the heat shield, but otherwise it is a pretty straight forward installation. Then you'll have a 2" Receiver to utilize for your bike rack.

While installing the hitch I recommend also installing a 4-Way Wiring Harness # 118505. This will allow you to add some accessory taillights when you are hauling your 4 bikes as they will obstruct your taillights on the Prius.

I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR as it will accommodate your 4 bikes up to 35lbs each and will tilt down when you need to access your trunk compartment without removing the bikes. This hitch is designed to hold the bikes by the frame in 3 places to reduce movement and rattle when mounted properly. You may need the Thule Bike Adapter Bar # TH982XT for any women's bike or alternative frames to mount properly.

The Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device # THSTL2 will ensure that the hitch is locked to your Prius and that it doesn't rattle around in the receiver while you are driving.

Lastly the Curt Auxiliary LED Lights # C53201 will be able to be attached behind your bikes to allow others to see your lights as the taillights on your Prius will be obstructed.