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Need to tow a cargo carrier and two bikes, what should I get?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by MiaTwo, Nov 18, 2019.

  1. MiaTwo

    MiaTwo New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2019
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    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have a 2008 Prius and want to convert it for long-distance road trips so my girlfriend and I (6'2" male) can sleep in it.

    I plan to put a 4 inch mattress topper in the back, and tow a cargo carrier with a trunk and two bikes. I'm not sure exactly what I need.

    I know I can do either 1 1/4 inch or 2 inch hitch, and most people say to do the 1 1/4 inch because a 2 is overkill. Is that still the case if I need to tow bikes as well as a cargo carrier and trunk like this?



    I'm trying to find a cargo carrier but from what I'm reading, some of them have an adapter so you can put a bike rack on the other side of the carrier as well, but I'm not sure which ones have that.

    Should I get a bike rack that mounts on the trunk of the car instead of trying to attach it to the cargo carrier?

    I just bought a Habitent to use in case there's not enough room for me to sleep in the backseat, and also to use while camping when I don't have to worry about being discreet when sleeping in it.

    Does anyone have suggestions for what I should get? So far the only thing I've ordered is the Habitent. I need to decide.

    1. 1 1/4 or 2 inch hitch?

    2. What cargo carrier can I attach two bikes to and also a trunk for luggage, or should I mount the bikes on the car's trunk directly?

    3. Is there a better way to do this? I was thinking of doing a roof rack for luggage and putting the bikes behind the car or vice versa, but I've heard mpg gets a lot worse when mounting stuff on the roof.
     
  2. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2019
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    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Three
  3. Davidude

    Davidude Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2017
    94
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    Location:
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I have a 1 1/4" hitch. I tow a harbor freight trailer with a motorcycle on it, I don't like to tow more than 400lbs or so though to be safe.

    You should not use a cargo carrier on a Prius. I really wanted to put one on mine. As a rule of thumb, tongue weight should be 10% of your total towing capacity. So if your Prius maxes it's tow rating at 2,000lbs, you can only have 200lbs on the tongue weight, which is 200lbs on the cargo carrier. Might as well get a small trailer and you don't have to worry about the weight at all. I get 35mpg when towing at 80mph on the highway, I usually get 40mpg with this weather.