External bike carrier

I bought the ETrailer hitch version. Just like the video it's an easy install, comes fast, and is well made. It's nearly invisible when the bike rack is not installed. I ended up getting the Yakima Double down Ace 2. Perfect fit, locks in place and also easy to install. I do not believe a strap bike rack will work with the Prius V spoiler. I would not trust it.
Good luck.

 

How often do you plan to bike? If substancial, get the hitch! Best to keep anything from touching the paint on the car.

And if you don't bike often, it's a V, store it inside!

 

Hitch receiver install is quite simple. If you can change your oil, "you can do it". 4 bolts and a muffler hanger is all you need to deal with. I bought a Curt. You can search under my alias to find photos I posted.

 

I had a hitch for my GII prius and installed a hitch immedately on my V when I got it. Simple installation. All it took is to remove and install 4 bolts. Here is a pic of how the rack will look like with my bike. I do not have pics of the hitch itself. there is a small gap which a buddy of mine would have helped me modify but it does not really bother me. The only observation I have is that you will have to remove your bike, tilt the bike rack mast to gain access to the back unlike the liftbacks.

 

Interesting rack as that style holds the bike up by the top tube. The more popular racks sercure it by holding the front wheel.

Nice Pina! How are those Sram wheels? I don't see many people running those.

 

I have the same hitch and carrier as this guy: New hidden stealth Ecohitch for Prius v | Page 5 | PriusChat

It's a really great setup and I highly recommend it if you can justify the cost.

 

I have the EcoHitch 2" receiver and a Thule 916XT. Love it.

 

I personally prefer the hitch racks that secure the front wheel vs top tube.

 

Rather than start a new thread, I figured I'd use this one. The roof option is out for us, we're around 60 with bad backs etc lol

Normally, it would be only 2 bikes, although three would be nice. I had been looking at the Thule Helium Aero, mainly because it includes all the bells and whistles, including rack lock and bike locks. I found one for $278 delivered.

That Thule 916 looks pretty heavy duty too. I know nothing about the Hollywood racks here in the accessory store, anyone have one?

 

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Incredibly svelte.

 

Yikes. They look very easy, and easy to install and take off.

I'd have to evaluate our needs to see if that kind of money is worth it though. I have no need for a roof mount, and the one listed for two bikes is $529.

 

If you have higher end bikes it's worth it as they don't touch, run, bounce, etc.

 

How about a Saris Bones? Used it on the former Grand Caravan. Looks like it would mate up properly, but I haven't tried it on the v. Apparently works well on the hatchback.

Bike rack for 2007 Prius | PriusChat

 

I have a Saris Bones in the garage. It was a sturdy rack that did the job, even with the more complicated setup. I won't use it for a couple of reasons.

1. It left marks on the trunk lid of the car I had it on. Although there is a newer one out with a much better design.

2. I don't want to attack it to the back of the v, just doesn't look like a good candidate for that weight.

Our bikes are well-taken care of Treks, nothing too exotic. There's a lot of good racks out there now even at the lower end.

 

The more I look at the picture, the more I'm thinking about that Thule, possibly the 990XT which gives two trailer receiver size options. Love the integral locks and the way it works.

 

I'm using an old swagman 2 bike rack(top tube clamp) with an 1.25" receiver eco hitch. My dream rack would be a "Transit Bus" style hitch rack that clamps onto the wheels, and a 2" reciever so I could carry 4 bikes. :Kuat NV 4 Bike Platform Rack for 2" Trailer Hitches - Aluminum Kuat Hitch Bike Racks N101-103

 

Torklift makes a 2 inch hitch for the Prius v

Torklift Central - Toyota Prius V Hidden Trailer Hitch|Ecohitch|Seattle|Kent|Auburn|Puyallup|Tacoma|Renton|Covington|Sumner|Bellevue|Burien|Enumclaw|WA

 

That is the one that I have. I just put a 2" Ecohitch on my Rav4 as well.