Platform Bike Rack Recommendation for 2017 Toyota Prius Hybrid

Published 08/07/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(515)

$1099.95

Access Ramp for Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack

(132)

$129.00

Kuat NV 2.0 Base 2-Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black

(399)

$898.00

Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(472)

$299.99

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

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

Jill L.

8/7/2019

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.