Platform Bike Rack Recommendation for 2017 Toyota Prius Hybrid

Question

Question:

so Jameson recommended the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider #HR200Z and also Draw Tite #24966 for the hitch..... Dont see ramp piece to attach when loading/unloading from ground to rack. Is that a separate purchase? does that rack fold so I can open the hatchback or do I need the Thule EasyFoldXT #TH903202 to get that feature?......way more pricey!

asked by: Jill L

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Platform bike racks like you mentioned are definitely the easiest style to load so that is the style of bike rack I recommend. On the value end of the platform bike rack spectrum you can't beat the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider part # HR200Z. It's pretty easy to use and load but what I really like about it is how stable it is in the hitch of the vehicle compared to other less expensive bike racks.

Now for the absolutely easiest to load option you'd want the Thule EasyFold XT part # TH903202 as it comes with a ramp that pulls out and makes loading/unloading as easy as possible.

I attached review videos for both racks for you to check out as well.

You'll need a hitch to install either rack if you don't have one already. For that the Draw Tite part # 24966 is the hitch to use as it's priced the best and was basically designed for bike rack applications.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

Jill L.

8/7/2019

so Jameson recommended the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider #HR200Z and also Draw Tite #24966 for the hitch..... Dont see ramp piece to attach when loading/unloading from ground to rack. Is that a separate purchase? does that rack fold so I can open the hatchback or do I need the Thule EasyFoldXT #TH903202 to get that feature?......way more pricey!

Jameson C.

8/7/2019

The bike rack options that have ramps available are on the higher end of the price spectrum since that's considered a premium feature. I wish there was a lower priced option but the other option that has a ramp is the Kuat NV 2.0 base part # BA12B which you could use the ramp # ANVBRB with. There isn't a way to use a ramp with the lower priced racks like the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider you mentioned.

Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 4

Hey Jonathon thank you so much for all of that additional information! To haul your bikes behind your class C Sprinter motorhome, while flat towing your Mini, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack item #HLY64FR and the Roadmaster Dual…

view full answer...

Answer 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

view full answer...

Answer 8

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

view full answer...

Answer 9

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

view full answer...

Answer 12

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Platform Bike Rack Recommendation for 2017 Toyota Prius Hybrid

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching