Fit of Yakima Hold Up Platform Style Bike Rack in Class I Hitch on 2014 Toyota Prius

Question:

Hi. Im looking for a bike rack for my 2014 Toyota Prius not the V model. I have the 1.25inch Draw-Tite class 1 rack that fits this model. I also have a Yakima Holdup rack, which it appears requires a class 2 1.25inch rack. Regardless, the hitch blocks the rack from ing far enough for the holes to line up. Should this hitch and rack combination work together? If not, is there a class 2 hitch that fits my car and will fit this rack? If not, what type of rack do you recommend to go with the class 1 hitch? I understand that in general youre not supposed to do more than 2 bikes on a class 1 hitch Id prefer to do more if possible, and I plan to use it mostly with 29er mountain bikes with fat tires and my road bike. I dont want anything that isnt sturdy or that Id have to worry about wobbling or falling apart. Id also like it to be easy to put the bikes on/off the rack. Its really hard to shop online for these because I cant see how they work and I feel like that is important, but there arent any stores around that have a decent ion of these. Reading reviews online can also be confusing as with anything. Any direction you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

asked by: Mark L

Expert Reply:

Class I hitches have a stop welded or punched into the receiver tube that will prevent accessories meant for a Class II hitch from sliding in far enough for the hitch pin holes to line up. This is purposely done by Draw-Tite to prevent the hitch from possibly being overloaded. The Thule Vertex you mentioned, part # TH9029XT would work in your hitch, but you'd be limited to carrying 2 bikes.

The Thule Doubletrack Pro XT, part # TH92BJ is a Class I compatible bike rack that would work great with your Prius.

The only hitches offered for your Prius are Class I, and I'm sorry to say that Yakima's bike racks aren't meant to be used in Class I hitches.

Both the bike rack and the hitch manufacturers agree that no more than two bikes should be carried on a rack installed in a Class I hitch. The low tongue weight capacity of the hitch isn't the only reason why we don't recommend carrying more than two bikes. Any additional bikes that are added place place the weight of the rack further away from the receiver. The greater this distance becomes, the more leverage is applied to the hitch receiver tube. This leverage can bend the receiver tube and can cause the attachment points between the hitch and the vehicle to fail, resulting in the loss of the rack during transport. Which would be unfortunate.

I can certainly understand your reluctance to purchase something online without being able to see it work. I'd be happy to address any follow-up questions you might have. Simply reply to this email.

expert reply by: Mike L