I'm trying to decide between a Kuat NV 2.0 or a Thule T2 Pro XTR platform rack for the back of my 2015 Prius. I have two 55lb electric bikes, which are too heavy to lift. So I prefer the Kuat because a ramp is available. However, I've also learned that on the Kuat the distance of the bottom bar (from the hitch to the furthest point) is 18" (whereas the Thule is 12"). I'm wondering if anyone has used this rack on a Prius and if it ends up dragging when going over driveways because the Prius is lower than most other cars. I'd also like to know if anyone here has installed the 1-1/4" hitch with two heavy bikes, like my electric?
Problem you'll run into is these racks aren't designed for Prius, which has a much lower hitch reciever hole. Also for ease of use they often make the hitch bar come out extra long, because it works better on bigger vehicles with higher hitch mount reciever holes, so you're right to have the concerns you have. And for the price you're paying for one of these bike carriers you might want to find a friend or family member who's got good design/fabrication skills to build you something that's way more simple and easy to use, as well as less expensive. Basically you want the bikes to mount as close to the bumper as possible, as well as high up as possible. And if you have a way to clamp down each wheel you can lift the bike one wheel at a time and won't need a ramp.
I have the Kuat and my only issue is because the tongue is so long it bounces quite a bit and scares me, but bikes have never fallen off or had any other issue. If you are in the DC Metro area, I would sell you mine for well under retail. My wife can't push her eBike up the ramp, so I replaced my hitch receiver with a 2" and bought a Saris Door County electric lifting rack so I don't need the Kuat anymore.
Yep... Most everything you can buy is mounted way far away from bumper to make it easier to load and unload, but that means a really long lever, which means lots of bouncing and lots of changing loads on the hitch bolts, especially at freeway speeds. The good news is it's easy to shorten the length if you drill a new hole for the hitch pin.
