Torklift Hitch/Firestone RideRite/Thule Transporter Combi

This solves the same problems vs. a roof rack/cargo box of lost mileage, damage and wind noise. Last year we installed our camping upgrades to our '11 Prius. This replaced a '00 Acura Integra which lacked space for 3 + gear + firewood. The 60/40 rear bench is folded down on the 60 side, leaving room for one passenger and the "D" rings are used with adjustable straps to keep cooler, Bento Box and wood from moving around the cabin or bumping the rear seat passenger. Now we can carry three, plus gear and enough firewood for a 3-day weekend using our Thule Combi. This is using a TorkLift Eco Hitch (mounted by U-Haul), a Curt wiring harness (I installed it), Firestone RideRite air adjustable air suspension bags (Off Road Warehouse first and later and my own added mods to the airlines), and a Thule Transporter Combi cargo box. It is illuminated and the wiring harness is routed under the hatch through the bumper - there is a small plastic cap that comes off to allow the cable to fit through and be invisible. The Firestone air bags let me set the rear deck level and avoid any contact with the hitch/cargo box during off-roading in campgrounds and local desert. I can add/remove lift with the line (2-into-1 T) mounted behind the right side tail light access in the trunk. The cargo box allows me to avoid mileage-killing roof racks, plus I can tow small trailers if so desired. The Thule stows upside down in my garage from the ceiling using a Harbor Freight receiver and pulley system.

 

That'll be the 4136, $99.00 at Summit Racing:

Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Spring Kits 4136 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

 

Lines run from the wheels to a "T" fitting and up through the trunk, under the right side trunk liner and out through the tail light inspection hatch. Zip-ties are used to secure lines: