Best Bike Rack Solution for Gen4?

I assume there's some reason why you can't just put your bicycle(s) in the back of the Prius with the rear seat flipped down? My bicycle is a large frame size (60cm I think) and it fits in easily with the front wheel removed. That would save a lot of $$, and if you find that doesn't work you could get a roof rack later when they become available. I prefer carrying bikes on the roof because trunk mounting interferes with opening the rear hatch. And bumper mounts add the extra weight of a bumper hitch ALL the time, even when you're not hauling bikes.

The State of the Roof Rack is discussed here:
Desperately seeking roof rack for 2016 Prius (Four Touring) | PriusChat

 

I use a Cargo Tray Plus (PriusChat Shop) to keep mess under control back there (note dog at left, often not as clean as she looks). If it were going to be really messy, I'd lay down a tarp, one of those reinforced plastic ones. The low-cost/no-air-drag option, might be worth a try.

Yes the Yakima round bars create quite a ruckus, especially when there is nothing on them. Haven't used the various foil shaped bars (the Prius Cargo Bars look as though they will have a foil shape). On a previous car I used a Yakima deflector on the front bar with Yakima round bars and that helped a lot.

 

You're right, I hadn't thought about that. It's not clear what attachments will fit on it. So maybe it's best to go with Thule unless Yakima becomes available sooner. Both of them offer various bike mounts. Now I carry my bike inside the car, but I used to like racks where you took off the front wheel and used a quick release to clamp the front forks to the rack because I thought it held the bike more solidly.

 

You could also install a trailer hitch receiver, then use a receiver-mount bike rack. Installing a hitch is a little tricky, but a handy person can do it. UHaul charged me $85 labor to install mine, and I thought that was fair. The hitch itself costs $100-$150.

 

I agree with a hitch mounted setup. A: It doesn't get in the way of airflow and B: You don't have to worry about paint damage from mounting/clamping something to the body. I already had a hitch on mine when I purchased it but I've installed many and they are easy to do. I actually have a hitch bike carrier ordered from Amazon that's suppose to arrive today. I purchased the Saris Freedom 2. It's the pricey way to go but the best and most secure in my opinion.

 

Just got my hitch installed today. Going biking tomorrow!

Receiver by afriedma posted Sep 11, 2016 at 9:39 PM

Rack by afriedma posted Sep 11, 2016 at 9:38 PM

Bike Rack by afriedma posted Sep 11, 2016 at 9:19 PM

 

I installed a trailer hitch with no wiring - with install cost me $190 at Uhaul. I then put a Thule rack on and it works AWESOME. Best part is the hatch can still open fully with this rack on.

 

I've been thinking about this issue as well. I am still on the fence about whether or not to buy the trailer hitch like I have on the Scion. I'm sure my Thule would fit in the hitch but I want to be able to take my mountain bike and gear to work and cycle after work so I don't want my bike just hanging out there even with lock. So I bought the weather tech liner for the rear and the front mats, so far I love the mats, haven't tried the rear cargo yet but I will. I will probably buy the hitch for my rack so I can carry more bikes though. I like the curt hitch.

 

I have 2 kids and carseats are in all the time, so putting the bike in the car is a no-go for me. I have been trying to figure this out so thanks for the pics and can't' wait to see more options!
I remember there was a "warning" about the Gen 3 and hatch mounted options as the back glass could break? Any word with this and the Gen 4?

 

Hitches are on all of our car. Install on the Prius is as easy as it gets. very useful for all of the different things you can than add for a vacation or big box overflow. It's a bummer that they stopped mfg. the larger receiver - but the adapter to enlarge solves the issue. Total cost of hitch alone in under 100 post paid w/ no wiring n takes less than a hr to remove n replace 4 bolts

 

I have a couple questions about attaching a hitch to my 2017 4th gen. 1) I have the 3 touring, will having a hitch and bikes attached to it affect the backing up/bumper sensors? 2) will attaching attaching such component affect my extended warranty?

 

When you have the rack attached, you will have to disable the rear sensors.

 

I didn’t disable my sensor and also my backup camera looks fine. I went with 1.25 to hold 4 bikes on arms. In hind sight, I wish I would of went with a 2” hitch to have a tray which makes it so much easier to load and unload.


2017 Prius V Five

 

Also, installing hitch it a total diy job. I just unscrewed and screwed some bolts.


2017 Prius V Five

 

Maybe your Prius V is not the same as my Generation 4 Prius. Or maybe it is height of the bikes, but on mine the BRAKE! alert would go off every time I put my car in reverse.

 

I did a trailer hitch rack solution. I did have to disable the sensor as my car would not back up. It immediately 'alarmed' and applied the brake. It does still beep at me when I back up, but I've just grown to expect it. I also did the 1.25" hitch and wish I'd bumped that up to a 2" and gotten the tray rack. My Yakima 2-bike rack works fine, but it is a bit of a pain due to the different frame configurations of our two bikes. If it's just me riding I do put my bike inside.

 

I did a thule upride. Just can’t enter parking structures with it up.