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Cargo Space Solution

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by walk6776, Nov 13, 2008.

  1. walk6776

    walk6776 Junior Member

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    We are traveling with our dogs for the first time since purchasing our Prius. We have two small children that will also be with us. We need to find a solution for our luggage. We have a cartop carrier from our old SUV, but no luggage rack on the Prius. Does anyone have experience with the luggage carriers that do not require a rack on a Prius?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 walk6776, Nov 13, 2008
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    If you have time, get a 2" receiver hitch and then a small, open trailer from Harbor Freight or similar sources. You really don't want anything on the roof. However, towing a small trailer with say 100-150 lbs of stuff in the Prius slip-stream would be perfect.

    GOOD LUCK!
    Bob Wilson
     
    #2 bwilson4web, Nov 13, 2008
  3. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Some people carry stuff like kayaks and bicycles on the roof without any problems. Personally, I prefer to do without a trailer or a roofrack by carrying less stuff, and filling every available space within the car.
     
    #3 hyo silver, Nov 13, 2008
  4. problemchild

    problemchild New Member

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    DONT put anything on top. My mpg went from 48 to 27 with a roof cargo box from yakima. Not to mention that it tore up the paint where it mounted.

    I got a curt 1 inch receiver and installed a cargo rack in the back. It does not effect mpg at all. I can get 53mpg while doing 75mph and the ac on.

    [​IMG]
     
    #4 problemchild, Nov 13, 2008
  5. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    problemchild,

    Is your cargo rack generic or Prius specific?

    Can you provide a source/website?
     
    #5 Rokeby, Nov 13, 2008
  6. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Poor dog. Are you sure there isn't room for him IN the car? :rolleyes:
     
    #6 hyo silver, Nov 13, 2008
  7. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Very nice solution. I may have to consider it at some point myself.

    Great pic, BTW. The dog looks a bit thin though. You feed him beef jerky on long trips or something? :)
     
    #7 zenMachine, Nov 14, 2008
  8. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    We're going to have to do the same thing for gamedays at Carolina next year. This year about killed me having to pack the Prius to the gills with all of our crap, the dog's crap, and the tailgating crap. My Dad has a tailgater like that on his Tundra and loves it.
     
    #8 Danny, Nov 14, 2008
  9. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Q: Can that rack be modified/adapted to carry bikes?
     
    #9 zenMachine, Nov 14, 2008
  10. bruceha_2000

    bruceha_2000 Senior Member

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    Nice idea, why pay for a platform and a bike rack if you could get something that does both.

    A quick Google search came up with a number of racks, this site has bike rack attachment for $35. They show 3 60" wide racks it will fit from $100 to $150.

    Flatbed hitch mounted cargo carriers, hitch receiver flat bed racks
     
    #10 bruceha_2000, Nov 14, 2008
  11. problemchild

    problemchild New Member

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    Generic 48" rack.
    GSP dog is a puppy so he is thin.
    Puppy rides in crate inside (thats why we have no room)
    The link posted has a rack that looks like mine.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    #11 problemchild, Nov 15, 2008
  12. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Wow PC...what size crate? The one I have for my dog who's about the same size will not even get close to fitting in there...even sideways...then I'd never get the dog in.
     
    #12 efusco, Nov 15, 2008
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