Hello Group - I just purchased a 2006 Prius and will be driving from Florida to California. A cross country trip. That said, I have a few questions ... - Hitch. What kind is best for the Prius and does it affect MPG? - Bike Rack. Roof rack or hitch? - Roof Rack. Best brand? - Mud Flaps. Do they protect side lower panels? - Sheepskin Seat Covers. Best brand? About the Hitch ... I'd rather avoid u-haul because they messed up the install on my old Volvo. Thule or Yakima ... ? Thanks in advance
Sounds like a great trip! I recall my owner's manual telling me not to tow anything, so I went back to it to see if I correctly remembered the admonition. On p. 181 in my edition it says, "Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a two hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your Toyota is not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers." Doesn't this mean you go for a roof rack?
Go with the Thule roofrack. Some members have that, I've seen it, it looks good. Mudflaps, I dont believe the cover the side lower panels - you can check them out at the priuschat store. A hitch will definitely affect MPG. We don't have much torque. Sheepskins I highly recommend the Rocky Mountain SS Co.
Plenty of people have put hitches on their Gen-2 Prii with no problems. I'm one of them. I got the Curt 1.25" hitch back in 2007 and have been hauling my bike on it ever since. A hitch-mounted rack gives you FAR BETTER fuel efficiency than a roof-mounted bike rack. With a hitch rack, your bike sits behind your car's laminar slipstream, minimizing its drag. With a roof rack, your bike and roof rack are fully exposed to the headwind. And no, just the act of installing a hitch will NOT void your vehicle warranty. It's only when you do something to damage the vehicle that voids the warranty.
Sounds like fun! Thule works for the roof. Curt for the hitch. Hollywood for the hitch rack. Or get all three-- see pic. Unless your front end paint is trashed, get a "bra" clear or black. Cross country really dings up the front of the car.
Thanks guys! Excellent pic DGH. :rockon: However, what's better, your Thule roof rack or a permanent set up like EVNut has? Because I'd like to store the racks in the back area when not in use. A scratched up roof will come so that's life I guess ..... I'm headed to U-Haul soon for installing the Curt hitch .... it can't effect MPG that much, can it? Thanks again! I appreciate the advice.
