Options for Carrying 4 Bikes with a Toyota Prius V

Question:

I am considering buying a Prius V, but I think that it MAY be limited to a 2-bike hitch rack. Can you please confirm for me what this vehicle can take? Im looking to install a hitch-mount + 4-bike rack. Ive read in some places online that the Prius V is limited to a Class 1 hitch, which they claim means limitation to a 2-bike rack. Can you please confirm this?

asked by: MP S

Expert Reply:

What you have read is correct. The only hitches available for the Prius V are Class I. The bike rack and hitch manufacturers all agree that more than 2 bikes should be carried on a rack installed in a Class I receiver.

Two factors contribute to this, the low 200 lb tongue weight capacity of the Class I receiver and the fact that any additional bikes after the second one would extend the load far enough rearward of the receiver opening that the extra leverage exerted could either damage the receiver tube or cause the attachment points between the hitch and the vehicle to fail.

To carry 4 bikes, you can install a hitch like the Draw-Tite # 24847 and use a two bike rack like the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360. The remaining two bikes could be carried on the roof, after installing a roof rack system. You would then need to choose a roof mounted bike rack, like the reasonably priced and highly rated Swagman # S64720.

A trunk mounted rack would also be an option. Of the various trunk mounted bike racks we offer, I would recommend the Thule OutWay, part # TH45JV. The OutWay is extremely easy to install and remove, because it uses 2 easily adjustable cables instead of 6 buckle adjustable straps used by other racks. The remaining bikes could be carried on the roof as described above.

I have linked you to some product demonstration videos that you might find helpful.