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Roof Rack/Cargo Carrier

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by NRR, May 13, 2010.

  1. NRR

    NRR New Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2010
    2
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    Location:
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    OK, I've read the threads on roof racks and know I need a Thule or Yakima (and that it's almost like arguing politics if you ask which is better). Here's what I don't know:
    --Are racks easily removable? I don't see myself using it but a few times a year, and don't want to have to leave it on all the time.
    --My primary use for the rack will be cargo. Both the Thule and the Yakima sites give me several choices for cargo carriers they say will fit the 2010 Prius. When I look at the measurements, though, some of the carriers seem really long--92 inches. I've never used a carrier like this before and I've never seen one on a Prius. I know they say it will fit, but what is a really practical size?
    Thanks.
     
  2. NRR

    NRR New Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2010
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Please, doesn't anyone have any info to help me? Thanks!
     
  3. JThayer

    JThayer Cubic Zirconium Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2009
    46
    16
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I have a Yakima rooftop rack with the appropriate clips for my Prius IV. They work just fine and the rack fit is good. My primary "cargo" is bicycles. My only gripe is that hanging a bike up there in the wind really hits the gas mileage pretty hard (I lose about 4mpg). Not that this is a surprise. It's true for any car -- but with a Prius, you pay more attention to such things. In any other car, I could easily ignore it.

    The racks are relatively easy to put on and take off. It takes longer to put them on, because I want to make sure that the job is done right. I've seen too many people (regardless of brand of rack) do a sloppy job and end up leaving their cargo on the freeway.

    I don't own a carrier so I can't really offer any advice, but with any of the Yakima accessories, the dimension you need to look at is the minimum bar-to-bar distance for the accessory. If the accessory's spec is less than or equal to the maximum bar-to-bar distance for your vehicle, you should be good to go.
     
  4. smartalec89

    smartalec89 The Official Alaskan

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2008
    133
    5
    15
    Location:
    anchorage, alaska
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I don't own a 2010 but I do have a cargo box on top. I would say the best choice size wise is the Yakima Rocketbox 11. Its great because it is not wide like the rest of the options. This leaves room for other accessories like bike racks. It is also a good length because it can hold skis or camping gear very easily. It may not be shiny but I highly suggest it. I love mine.

    In addition to JThayer's comment, I also agree that it will affect you gas mileage in some part. I take mine on and off about once a month. Once you get the hang of how the rack works it only takes about 1 min to get it on and off.