Roof Rack for multi- sports

I just got my 2011 Prius three and am researching roof racks that can accomodate two bikes (Thule Big Mouth carriers) and alternately skis, kayak or small canoe, whatever. When I had my VW Jetta with roof runners I had to purchase Yakima cross bars to accomodate the clamps for the bike carriers, since the VW cross bars were the wrong shape. Does anyone have experience with clamp on roof racks. I really cant get into big money for this. Thanks.

 

Hey Peter,
I went over to that thread and read all 9 pages and responded to four posts with questions. Those guys are nothing compared to our 3rd Gen chat group. Nobody has replied to any of my posts!

 

Wow Bill, looks like you have the same Thule Big Mouth carriers mounted on that roof rack. As an engineer, perhaps you could advise me on this one. . . Since I am very short, and have problems lifting the bikes, do you think the Thule mounting system for the trays to the rails would also work on this trailer hitch base. INH100 INH100 / inno (RV-Inno) / ADVANCED CAR RACKS,
The online salesman claimed there would be no problem attaching it to tubular rails, but the rails I used on my roof rack were square bars, and I am not sure the attachment system of the Thules would be secure. Looking for the cheapest way to go with a hitch mount, and Thules requires completely different trays for that. Thanks, Goatmom

 

Thanks. Yes, I'm 5' 1/2". I just didn't like the way bikes rattled and rubbed against each other when I used a "on the back of the station wagon" carrier that supported the top tubes. I think the Big Mouth carrier, which locks onto the seat tube and straps both tires down, was the most secure carrier I've ever had, and the easiest to load and unload. I lost bikes from that one but never from the Big Mouth on the roof. I really love them. That's why I wanted to adapt them to a hitch base.