Hitch-Mount Luggage Carriers Suitable for Use on 2014 Toyota Prius

Question:

Is there such a thing as a luggage carrier for a prius which could be attached with bolts or screws to make it possible to remove completely when I take my car in for servicing ? In other words I do not wish the hitch to be welded on in case my warranty would become null and void. I also have back problems so anything on the roof is totally out of the question.I appreciate your time in answering . Thanks

asked by: Bob K

Expert Reply:

We have a solution for you that will not require any drilling or welding.

We offer a 1-1/4-inch light-duty Class I hitch for your Prius (if it is a Prius Two, Three or Four). Draw-Tite hitch # 24847 bolts on and requires no welding, no drilling and no permanent modifications to your car. Installation is simplified by temporarily lowering the exhaust out of the way, but it is returned to its normal position after hitch installation. Many customers handle their hitch installs on their own; the only specialized tool needed is a torque wrench, which is essential to enable you to tighten the included fasteners to the manufacturer's specs. I have linked you to two articles on hitch installation that may be helpful if you are considering doing the install yourself.

Note that your Prius is not rated to tow any trailer of any weight; the availability of hitches for a vehicle does not necessarily mean that the vehicle can tow. Hitches like those made for your Prius are designed only to allow use of accessory items like bike racks and cargo carriers.

Please note that the Yakima carrier # Y62VR you referenced is not compatible with a Class I hitch, but you can choose a compatible Class I cargo carrier from among those shown on the link provided. The Curt # C18145 offers very lightweight construction (29-lbs) and is shown in the linked video.

With a 200-lb-rated hitch installed on your vehicle you can use a cargo carrier and load your cargo up to a combined weight of 200-lbs. If for example you chose a carrier such as the Reese # 63155 that weighs 44-lbs, this would leave a remaining weight capacity of 156-lbs for your loaded cargo (200 - 44 = 156). Use of a lighter carrier like the Curt # C18145 will leave more of your total hitch capacity available for your cargo (200 - 29 = 171-lbs).

Note that even if you select a carrier rated for 300-lbs or 500-lbs of loaded cargo your actual allowable cargo weight will be the hitch capacity (200-lbs) minus the weight of the carrier. The linked article on cargo carriers may help you as you consider your options. Please note that I recommend using a stabilizing strap on your Prius no matter what cargo carrier you choose. Part # 18050 will help reduce stress on the vehicle frame and the hitch and will also help reduce random motion of the carrier while you are on the road.

Consumers of aftermarket products are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act which states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the problem in question.