Car Top carrier

Is there an alternative box that would fit on the rear bumper?
I used to use a hitch mounted storage unit (on a non-Prius.) Yeah...you'll have to graft a hitch onto the rear of your G3, but it might save you a little $$$ in the long run.

The only reason I'm asking is that you're about to get lit up from a bunch of hypermiliers telling you that a roof mounted unit will wreck your fuel economy.

Good Luck!

 

Yes I do have experience with this. I have had both a Thule and Yakima system on my car. I now have the Whispbar. On my car, I carry the Thule Atlantis 1600 and it works great. I can get you towers and bars if you need them.

 

Class III hitches (2") are readily available as bolt on (Quality S brand), the 1/14" Class I is also bolt on (Curt). Both cost like $120. I like my Class III because it's rated to 5,000 lbs :fish2:

 

The hitch may be rate as a class III but that does not mean the car can handle it.

 

I regularly tow in the 3,000 lb range (5th wheel camper) - that, and 120lbs on the roof. We tend to get around 31.4 MPG!

 

I use a whispbar system with an inno shadow 14 box. It's an awesome setup! The bars are (as advertised) whisper quiet and I'm still getting 56mpg highway. The size of the box is perfect for the Prius plus its very solid and aerodynamic. It's lower profile than the Thule or Yakima boxes in the same length.

 

Yup, there's a big MPG hit with a rooftop box. I avg. around 70mpg summer w/o box,
winter low-mid 50's w/ snows w/o box.

When I put the box on to go skiing & drive 70-75 to get there sooner - about 38mpg. It's like a parachute up there.

The Yakima rack & box are quick to remove/install so you don't drive around with it when it's not needed.

The hitch mount option will definately have less impact on mpg if you just need it for luggage & such, obviously won't work for longer stuff like skis.

 

I find yakima rack noisey once you are over 8okm/hr(50mph)

 

Just some thoughts!!!

Maybe the OP rides bikes or like to take his Prius on trips.

That box is not permanent up there, these boxes are for temporary trip use only right???

Who cares about taking a hit on MPG if you need more cargo room.

The MPG would still be better than driving a bigger car or truck.