Carrying an Electric Bike and an Electric Trike with a 2005 Toyota Prius

Published 09/13/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(231)

$218.94

19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs

(1102)

$193.50

Aviation Tin Snip Set - Left Cut, Right Cut, and Center Cut - 3 Pieces

$35.59

Question:

I put the Rack Bar to my Hitch Receiver 1-1/4 in. Mounted the EBike to the rack and found the Bike rocks back and forth by about 4-5 inch. I placed the locking bar thru the untreaded hole in the receiver and rack square pipe I looked at that Square pipe and found a threaded hole and I inserted the lock bar through the threaded hole and the threads are a perfect match and allows me to tighted the bar to the receiver. I suspect this would reduce the twisting. Please look into this to see if this is a better option.

asked by: Robert D

Expert Reply:

I may have a solution for you, but the 2005 Toyota Prius will not be able to carry these bikes on a traditional bike rack.

Instead, you'll need to use a hitch-mounted cargo carrier and tie downs in order to carry these bikes.

For a hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class I Sport Frame Hitch, part # 24808. This Class I hitch will provide a mounting point for your bikes. I've included a video of this being installed on a 2005 Toyota Prius. This doesn't involve drilling, though you may need a pair of tin snips like part # PT79ZR to trim the trunk pan of the vehicle.

According to my research, you're looking to carry approximately 130lbs of bikes, 120 if the Liberty Trike's battery is removed and stored in the vehicle. Before loading you'll need to verify your 2005 Prius' tongue weight capacity in your owner's manual.

For this application I recommend the 20x48 Curt Cargo Carrier, part # C18110. This carrier is only 30lbs, putting it well within the limits of the hitch and likely the Prius itself.

To use this, you'll want to load the Liberty Trike sideways, with the front wheel in one corner, and then use the remaining space to load the RadMini in its folded position next to the Liberty. You may have to turn the front wheel to fully fit the bike onto the platform. This will maximize the space in the carrier and allow you to move them around with the 2005 Prius.

expert reply by: Jacob W

Robert D.

9/13/2017

Jacob W.

9/13/2017

What using the Swagman XTC, part # S64670 with Fat Tire adapter, part # S64674 will allow you to do is carry the trike on the hitch and fold the Rad Mini up and carry it inside the vehicle. It sounds like you've got the anti-rattle pin installed correctly. If you use the Anti-Rattle Hitch and Cable lock, part # S64031, will significantly reduce the amount of twist and sway that the rack goes through as it rides behind the vehicle, though there will still be some.