Hitch type cargo basket

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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(icarus @ Jul 28 2007, 05:49 PM) [snapback]486861[/snapback]</div>

Try a raised ball mount 4-9 inches should do it. Here's my experience with the hitch style cargo carriers. I use it on my Highlander not the Prius. Good way to get extra cargo capacity but, you need something to protect your cargo/luggage (option at extra cost of $50-$250) remember that you're right behind the rear wheels and they tend to kick stuff up. Can't go into your hotel room for the night and leave anything out on the rack cause it's not secure, although I guess you could find a box somewhere to mount on the carrier which could lock but that would be another option at extra cost. I really don't think you are going to gain any aerodynamic advantage over the Hitch style carrier from the roof mounted and streamlined Thule or Yakama style carriers. Personally I think the Thule or Yakama locking roof top carrier is the way to go. I have read somewhere on the net that the MPG hit is about 2-3 MPG with the Thule or Yakama system.

Econonmics

Hitch $100-$170
Ball and Ball mount $40-$120
Hitch Cargo Carrier - $90-$140
Cover or locking box $50-$200
Total . . . . . . . $280-$600


Thule or Yakama system $300-$700

Wildkow

p.s. send a PM to darelldd he has a Thule/Yakama system and can tell you more or goto his site here.

 

You make a point against roof boxes because of the center of gravity, which I agree on. But having that extra weight way back on your car isn't ideal for handling either.

Also, as the Prius doesn't come with an OEM hitch (Toyota seems to discourage use of this on the Prius), I do not know if the hitch mounting points are comfortable with this weight.

BTW, I believe the norwegian manual states that you are not allowed to any carriages with the Prius.


Stein

 

And, of course, it's much easier to reach your stuff in a hitch basket compared to a roof box.

Non-Prius story: I once saw some guys on the ferry between Sweden and Norway. They had bought tons of beer in the tax-free shop, and filled their Thule roof box completely. You shopuld have seen that poor old Audi A6 through the curves! I chose to keep a good distance between myself and them, in case the roof rack gave up. They were way luckier than they deserved....


Stein

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(icarus @ Aug 17 2007, 07:26 PM) [snapback]498101[/snapback]</div>

Excellent. I can hear it now.

Behave yourself or you're riding in The Box.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Aug 17 2007, 06:41 PM) [snapback]498107[/snapback]</div>

The New Age " Rumble Seat" :lol:

 

Icarus,
What was your MPG like on your trip with the hitch, carrier, and boxes?

YSC

 

Our rear-basket setup looks a lot like the one pictured. We went with Coastal Tech's 2" receiver and 20" x 30" x 2" cargo basket, came with a 9" step-up hitch. On the '05 the receiver installed easily but is a little springy and hangs 3/4" below the black plastic trim. I wanted every bit of clearance I could get, so for the '06 we had a custom hitch made up that is rock-solid and pressed right up against the underside of the bumper.

We typically carry a soft-crate dog kennel loaded with camping bedding and lightweight tent, along with the cooler filled with ice and stuff. Total weight with carrier is around 120 lbs. I can sit or stand on it with no flex; on the '05 there's a good 1/2" of flex. The crate slips into the wind profile with excellent results and stays very clean, even in the rain.

I've considered getting a couple notebook-pc cable-locks to "secure" the load but I haven't bothered yet... they're probably more than we need for pit stops and short sightseeing walks, less than we need for leaving overnight.

To get a small enough roof system, we went with Inno. Their box and bar combo was lighter than T or Y, leaving more weight available for gear, and the box is short enough to not interfere with the back hatch. This year I modified the box+bar, putting the bars 2 1/2" up inside the box, dropping the box for easier access and better aerodynamics. I like the Inno box but their roof-clip system is a pain; I'll probably put in T or Y aero bars next year.

With both boxes loaded, all cargo crannies filled, 2 small dogs, and 3-4 adults we are right at the car's 900 lb max load. The ride is a little springy but not bad at all. I prefer not to drive this way much at night since I don't think the leveling headlights compensate enough, but I'll try turning them down a little next time. We seem to get 53 mpg at 57-60 mph, 44 mpg at 67-70, 37 mpg at 75-78... this is about a 3-4 mpg hit vs the same route with no rooftop box and only 2 adults... the rear basket+cargo has no measurable effect on our mpg.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(icarus @ Aug 2 2007, 11:12 AM) [snapback]489306[/snapback]</div>

The picture says it all -- except for cost, convenience and satisfaction. How much can you share about these? Also, what specs? Did you do any of the work yourself?

 

does the box restrict the view of the licenses plate? if so that could get you a ticket in some jurisdictions.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon @ Aug 21 2007, 09:24 PM) [snapback]500116[/snapback]</div>

Every box I've seen blocks the plate; the baskets do not. I think you need a plate on the box if it's a box, but not if it's a plate. It's up to the officer whether to stop you, issue a warning, or issue a ticket if you've obscured your plate for any reason.

Every time I load the basket up, the plate is obscured. I've never been stopped, maybe keeping the front plate on helps. I did buy a lighted plate frame but I've never installed it.

The boxes I've seen all seemed to have a plate-mount point on the back.

Another concern about baskets is potential for shin damage and parking/stopping damage. I lined mine with soft-plastic wiremold and hooked up LED markers to brakes, turn signals, and parking lights; also put 2' red wands on the outside corners to help pedestrians and as a parking reminder. Looks pretty cool when it's all lit up.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(icarus @ Aug 23 2007, 01:10 AM) [snapback]500847[/snapback]</div>

Great help! Thank you very much.

I'm a bit concerned about cutting the plastic, but I'll take a look.

 

Hi there, i realize this is an old post, but i'm a 'new' prius owner. I would like to get something like the basket and hitch to add ice chests/camping stuff for road trip, but I'm so LOST about the kind to get, and some of the technical jargon/prius speak people use in the forums, but bear with me as i'm determined to become 'Prius' educated in the most basic things at least.

Thank you so much i've read about bars on top, baskets, what has to be modified etc, it's all so confusing.. i can't afford more than 300 to 400, and i'm a single girl so i will have to pay to get it set up, but want something that won't hurt my gas mileage too terribly, or be hard to put on/off.

A GAZILLION thanks to all you prius EXPERTS in travel and gear.. it's so amazing to me the prius community a different breed altogether!! LOVE IT