Has anyone used The Hollywood Racks trunk mounted bike rack for a 2010? I'd like to avoid the time and expense of installing a hitch, but don't want to scratch my car.
Do the hitch. I find the trunk mount ones are a pain to setup each time and the stability questionable. Then there's the paint scuffing issue and the inability to open the hatch once mounted. Do it once. Do it right. I have a Thule rack. One bolt and an impact driver makes it a breeze to take on and off.
Much More Better - What receiver are you using for your bike rack? We've been trying to find one for our 2010. Used one on the 2005 from Coastal, but they don't have one for the Gen III. So far, we've only found 1 1/4" and really don't want to use an adapter that would accept our 2" rack as it would put the bikes out further in the back, right?
Check out these threads: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...fications/72862-hitch-receiver-bike-rack.html http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...-2-trailer-hitch-2010-available-anywhere.html http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...s-modifications/65328-bike-racks-gen-iii.html http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-accessories-modifications/67537-bike-racks.html
I don't have it yet but I will be getting a Curt 1 1/4". My experience with hitch mounted bike racks vs trunk mount is from my Accord. My Thule rack is a 1 1/4" with a sleeve that fits over the stem for 2" receivers. But in your case, it does sound like the adapter would stick the rack out the back even more. I too can't find a 2" receiver for the 2010 P.
Perhaps with a trunk, but Prius has a very different back end. It only takes me a minute to connect mine. Once you've adjusted legs, there's nothing to do again but tighten the straps. Prius also offers extra stability only possible with a hatchback, no question about that. You can tie down directly to the hatch footings. .
I have a Curt receiver on my 2010 prius and am using a Kuat 2 bike "Beta" model rack. Go with a receiver and hitchmount and keep the rack off your car body. I use a Thule roof rack on my '05 Camry along with a hitch to carry 6 bikes when needed, but wanted to stay more aero with the Prius and NOT scratch the roof- which will always happen! Check out Kuat racks. They are also LIGHT! Mine is 10 lbs! By comparison my Thule Roadway hitchmount 4 bike rack is about 40 lbs!. The Kuat is heat-treated aluminum- the Thule is steel. The upscale 3 bike Kuat "Alpha" model also come in white.
I installed a 1-1/4" Hidden Hitch last weekend. It went on in about 45 minutes - mostly because I did it alone. We also picked up a Swagman XTC-2 bike rack. I wanted a platform-type rack because our top tubes are not parallel to the ground. It makes mounting the bikes less of a hassle. Since we have fenders on the bikes, I wanted one with a top tube clamp instead of a wheel clamp. The Swagman seems to have fit the bill.
I installed the Curt receiver one evening. If you have a nice carbon framed bike that you do not want damaged by the rack, consider a 1Up USA quick rack. It does not touch your frame. The rack only contacts the bike's tires and with its all aluminum construction, rust is not an issue and it weighs less, too. The rack is fast and easy to attach to the receiver on your car and it is very easy to quickly load a bike on the rack. It is secure - I have driven many miles with my Cervelo RS on the back and have not worried about the bike. The rack is not cheap, but is is well engineered and well made. (I have no affiliation with 1Up USA other than as a very satisfied customer.)
Hi rjsmit1, What is the weight on a single bike carrier? The site says 22, then 17 lbs... I assume the 17 lbs is for a single carrier? Is this accurate? I also have carbon bikes, and may opt to use this carrier. Do you have any issues with wheel rims getting scratched by the upright arms? Thanks for the referral!
I have one : it's a Thule rack. Have a glance at my pics : http://priuschat.com/forums/members/lunabelgium-albums-my-luna.html
