2016 Prius Four Which trailer hitch do you recommend? Curt seems to be the only choice on Amazon. Also, what size receiver works best with most bike racks? Thanks
I got mine at UHaul. Works fine. Inexpensive. They install a lot of hitches, so it was done right. one-and-a-quarter hitch size holds my two-bike rack just fine.
I bought this one on Amazon. Really like it. BV 2-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack Carrier for Car Truck SUV - Tray Style Smart Tilting Design (2-Bike Carrier) Whatever you do, be sure to get a "tightener" Hitch Tightener for 1.25" and 2"Hitches LIBERRWAY 304 Stainless Steel Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Stabilizer Rust-Free Heavy Duty Lock Down Easy Installation Quiet
Interesting design! 1. Does it accomodate bikes without the cross bar? Is that the reason for the clamp on the wheels instead of the traditional cross bar hanging rack? 2. Do you leave this attached all year long or only when hauling bikes? How easy is it to mount and unmount? 3. With the rack on, can you open and close the trunk hatch? 4. Finally, does either the hitch or the bike rack affect the mileage you get? Thanks
My bike doesn't have a cross bar which is why I chose this design. The hook lowers enough to catch the frame lower than where the crossbar would be. I take the bike rack off when I am not using it. The bike rack hinges away from the car which allows the hatch to be opened and closed. I'm sure that the mileage is not helped by the added weight or the increased drag of the bike rack or bicycles - but I have not noticed a measurable drop.
The rack has a 1.25x1.25" receiver so I'm not sure I understand why you recommend the tightener. Can you please clarify? How long does it take to attach/detach the rack to the hitch and what tools are needed? Do they come with the rack or do you need to purchase separately?
The tightener adds a layer of stability to the hitch to bike rack connection. Makes it rattle-free and more secure. I can remove or install the bike rack into the hitch in just a minute or two. The bike rack attaches to the hitch without any tools (except for a wrench for the two tightener bolts). You will want to purchase a lock to secure the bike rack to the hitch for security. The bike rack does come with a wrench to tighten some included bolts.
^ +1 for the 1up. Best-made bike carrier there is. No need for tighteners or anti-rattle attachments, they did theirs right the first time. No need for band-aids. The 1up (and some others like it) only touch the tires- no chance of damaging the finish on your bike, and makes it slightly more universal- works no matter what frame configuration your bike has.
