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Coastal Electronic's "Receiver Hitch" for 2004?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Hoagie, Mar 23, 2004.

  1. Hoagie

    Hoagie New Member

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    Hello all.

    Does anyone have the Receiver Hitch for the 2004 installed? I am thinking about getting it so I can pick up a bike rack to carry my bike around, but would like to hear any feedback any current owners might have.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Hoagie, Mar 23, 2004
  2. xlarimer

    xlarimer New Member

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    Me too. I'm really finding it hard to put my electric bike in the back of the car.

    Okay...I admit, I'm lazy.
     
    #2 xlarimer, Mar 23, 2004
  3. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    I've got his 1¼" hitch installed on my '02 (Classic version), works great for a wheelchair carrier. Eventually will order one for my '04 as well. His instructions are easy to follow and the workmanship on the hitch is excellent. It's one solid beast :)

    -Rick
     
    #3 HTMLSpinnr, Mar 25, 2004
  4. fredr500

    fredr500 Junior Member

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    Rick,

    How does the wheelchair carrier effect gas mileage? I'm thinking about getting a cargo carrier but if it is too big a hit to mileage I'll just use my truck when I need more than fits in the Prius.
    Thanks
    Fred
     
    #4 fredr500, Mar 30, 2004
  5. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    The Coastal Hitch on the '02 with the chair has a 5mpg or so hit. The top of the chair sits above the trunk line so there is some additional drag. Driving to/from Disneyland in OC, we get probably 39-41mpg average.

    Without the chair, it's a negligable difference since the carrier is below the trunk line.

    In the end - the MPG hit still makes it so that you get WAY more than the truck unless your truck gets 30mpg or better with cargo :)
     
    #5 HTMLSpinnr, Mar 30, 2004
  6. fredr500

    fredr500 Junior Member

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    Thanks Rick,

    The only thing is I have the truck, I need to spend $150 on the hitch and $150+/- on the carrier.

    15mpg on truck, 30mpg on Prius w/ carrier. I need to save $300 to break even. If gas is $2.00/gal that's 150 gallons I need to save. That would be 150 x 30 = 4500 miles to break even.

    My upcoming vacation is only 1200 miles, so it's actually cheaper to take the truck, I'd have more room and be more comfortable (It's a Chevy Avalanche that is a great driving vehcile) and my stuff would be enclosed, locked and save from th elements, but not have nearly as much fun driving.

    I never really thought it through until now, thanks for the push.
    Of course the best thing is to fit it all in the Prius, but with 3 women I'm not sure that's an option.

    Oh well....
    Fred
     
    #6 fredr500, Mar 30, 2004
  7. Hoagie

    Hoagie New Member

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    Remember that the 30mpg that spinnr is pointing out there is for the '02 Prius. You should be able to do much better with the '04.

    Although, having replaced a '95 Nissan truck when I bought my Prius, if I had the two cars I would probably still take my truck on a long trip with that kind of cargo. I would think of it this way -- if a bike slips, which car would I car less about getting hit? :)

    I did order the hitch from Coastal Dave, but have yet to hear anything back from them. It is still (technically) less then a week, but things are obviously not jumping out the door when you order them. You might not even get the hitch before you leave! :lol:

    I'll see about getting some numbers about current and post-hitch (with, and without rack + bike) for the '04 Prius. Unfortunately, I don't travel much at the moment and most places I want to take my bike I can get there on my bike. ;) The hitch is more of a hopeful things to come. :mrgreen:

    I'll try and find a nice county road and take a Saturday to do some testing.
     
    #7 Hoagie, Mar 30, 2004
  8. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    When I ordered, it took a week or two myself. He's busy and makes these himself (I believe).

    The product is worth the wait, but coming UPS ground adds some extra time to boot.
     
    #8 HTMLSpinnr, Mar 31, 2004
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