Hello all. We're planning our summer vacation and would like to take bikes on our trip. I briefly considered a roof-rack until I realized how much it would cost - and the MPG hit we'd take.

I'm now considering a hitch-mounted bike carrier, but in my looking I've come up with lots of questions. If you can answer any of my questions below I'd appreciate it.

- Is a 2" hitch better (more stable) than a 1-1/4" hitch?

- Is price important? I've seen prices from $149.00 to $93.95.

- Has anyone used a small "platform-style" cargo carrier with their hitch?

Thanks for any information you can pass along.

 

I used the cargo carrier to transport the foldable trailer kit I bought at Harbor Freight. I have some other plans and one of them is a hoot. I used to have a problem with tailgaters and was planning to load up the cargo carrier with an empty, 10 gallon gas can, a wooden shipping box marked "matches" and other box labeled "fireworks." I figured that would get them to not tailgate. <GRINS>

Bob Wilson

 

I know weight at the back isn't the best. We'd be using the cargo carrier for bulky but light-weight stuff like sleeping bags, etc..

Still a no-no?

Jim

 

For light weight stuff, OK. Just remember it extends and that can lead to scraping over speed bumps or those recessed, water gutters that sometimes are also used as speed dips.

I carried the ~200 lb., portable trailer from Harbor Freight about 6 miles and had a few 'scrapes' but I kept my speed low and it was a short distance. Sleeping bags in large, empty chests should work just fine along with light weight bicycles.

As a suggestion, before the trip do a test run. Head over to a home shopping center with the rear carrier and measure the distance to the ground. Then try some known weight items ... concrete bags or other construction material. As you add a load, measure the change in deflection. When you reach the load limit, unload and measure again as each item comes off. This will give you a rough scale so when you put the real load on it, you'll have a rough idea about how much is on it.

Bob Wilson

 

I only know of a 1 & 1/4" hitch being availible for the Prius II. Both can be found on eBay rather cheaply. Mine works well.

 

Coastal Tech (http://www.coastaletech.com/04hitch.htm) makes a 2-inch receiver hitch for the Prius.

A 1-1/4 inch receiver hitch is less expensive, but I believe the 2-inch receiver hitch will be more stable if I'm putting a bike carrier on it.

Just my two cents worth. ;-)