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Best Roof Rack System for 2006 Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Ray66, May 27, 2010.

  1. Ray66

    Ray66 New Member

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  2. Supreme

    Supreme Hypebeast

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    I saw someone at the dealership the other day with the Yakima bars. They looked very nice but I think it would deform the rubber window molding over time.
     
  3. Ray66

    Ray66 New Member

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    Yes, that can be a problem!
     
  4. imfletcher

    imfletcher New Member

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    I have the Yakima rack for my Prius and I can attest that the Q towers with the proper clips do not deform the primary door seal, they do not even touch the secondary door seal. Just my .02
     
  5. jcgee88

    jcgee88 Member

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    If you are targeting transporting bikes, why not
    consider a hitch-mounted rack instead? They
    are easier to attach and load, do not significantly
    reduce your mileage, have minimal exposed hardware
    when the rack is detached, and you don't run the risk
    of inadvertently smashing your cargo against your
    garage door.
     
  6. PaulRivers

    PaulRivers Member

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    Perhaps he/she wanted to carry 4 bikes held by the wheels - something it turns out none of the bike racks or Prius hitches are capable of doing without going over the tongue weight limit. :mad:
     
  7. fastring

    fastring Junior Member

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    Here's my 2 cents:

    I have a 2008 with a bolt through the roof like Darells (I used his great site for the idea, parts, etc.). I also have a 2" rear hitch. My conclusions:
    - Bolt thru roof is great. I would NOT use clamps.
    - MPG is worse on roof than back but not by much
    - I use the roof more than the hitch. I like the bike up top, I worry about getting rear ended (its happened twice in 2 years). My bikes are $$$ and twice a year I go on a 2000 mile trip with two $$ bikes on the car. If I was rear ended on that trip I'd be upset andout alot of $
    - Rear hitch mounts move aroundalot. I have modified mine but it still moves alot.
    - Ignore the comment on hitch tongue weight. I've had 4 big bikes on the hitch mount (29r MTB, tandem, Surley Big Dummy,etc) and it holds fine.
    - For long trips with 1 bike, I put it inside. For 2k mile trip, the MPG difference covers meals:) Its also locked up better.
    - I welded support to the 2" hitch, it rotated WAY too much without xtra support.



     
  8. PaulRivers

    PaulRivers Member

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    So...your hitch moves around a lot, you welded support to it to keep it from rotating to much - but don't worry about the hitch tongue weight, using the hitch is great? LOL

    I am rather curious what you welded to reinforce the hitch?

    Lots of things work for someone once, then fail for other people, having my bikes tumble off the back probably isn't worth the risk. What rack did you use? As I mentioned, a rack that holds the bikes by the frame seemed fine for hauling for bikes (edit - without exceeding the hitch tongue weight), it was the tray-style racks that weighed much more and put the bike farther away from the car/hitch that seemed to be the problem.
     
  9. Ray66

    Ray66 New Member

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    Guys -

    PLEASE ... I dont want to drill in to my roof !!! And I already have a Hitch on the Prius. But like having roof racks as another option should I need to throw a Plamsa TV up there and the car is full with other stuff. But I am worried about marks in the paint and rubber door molding detereoration. Can we get back to my original question?

    Best Roof Racks For The Toyota Prius? :confused:

    THANKS :)
     
  10. PaulRivers

    PaulRivers Member

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    Lol, I agree about not wanting to drill into the car, but was the rest of the post a joke? A plasma tv?
     
  11. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Buy a Thule clamp on and be done with it.

    Anytime you have a roof rack with clamping devices there is a good chance for a bit of scuffed paint. But the utility and fun delivered is well worth it.
     

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  12. Ray66

    Ray66 New Member

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    Thanks DGH ... Finally a direct answer! Now, DGH .. where did you buy those racks? How much you paid? And what model are they?

    Once I get the 411 on DGH's racks, I will order Monday AM.

    Thanks DGH.
     
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  13. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Fit your car with your choice of accessories here: Thule - Thule Racks - Rack Fit Guide#

    You can buy online from several places, or you can support your local paddle or bike shop and buy it there. The local guys should install it for you, which may be a plus.
    Price is dependent on where you buy and what add-ons you select (fairing, lock cores, carriers, etc).
    Expect a layout of several C notes, again depending on what you want.
    My rack is old, models change, so pick what you need from the fit guide.

    I have made several trips to your state with my human powered devices, rock solid at 80 MPH.

    Glad to help and good luck.
     
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  14. PaulRivers

    PaulRivers Member

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    I just gotta know - did any of those trips involve strapping a plasma tv to the roof?
     
  15. Ray66

    Ray66 New Member

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    Not only is the big Plasma TV up top ... my Lazyboy fits perfect in the back (with seats down). I wrap the TV for rain protection. I love having the freedom to take 21st century techonology to the local campground and watch all the tree hugger squirrel lovers pitch a hissy fit.

     
  16. PaulRivers

    PaulRivers Member

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    Ah. While I kinda like your lazyboy idea, as you've self identified yourself as the kind of obnoxious asshat who drives to a wilderness campground to be loud and obnoxious blaring his tv doing what he could do just as well at his house or in his back yard, I welcome the natural result of strapping a plasma tv to a roof rack, and see no need to dissuade you. By all means - let us know how it goes.
     
  17. Ray66

    Ray66 New Member

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    Mr. Rivers -

    I'm not a nasty person but I do like to rock the boat :)

    Last night at my local Gym, we had 5 obese women ( Fact: American women are the most obese in the world ) and I could not resist telling them all about my recent trip to Rio de Janeiro - Brazil and being spolied by all the beautiful women there. :)
     
  18. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Lots of other stuff but so far no TV:)
     
  19. Ray66

    Ray66 New Member

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    Thanks DGH!

    Yesterday, I ordered your exact same setup but with a wind fairing and I'll post up pics once installed.

    Thanks again all :)
     
  20. Ray66

    Ray66 New Member

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    How you protect the paint under the Thule feet?