e-Bike Hitch Rack Recommendation for a 2013 Toyota Prius v

Updated 07/26/2024 | Published 07/24/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Rack Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(10)

$237.92

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(138)

$390.67

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(469)

$160.96

Thule Epos Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount

(36)

$1199.95

Question:

Thanks for being there to help! I know nothing about hitches or racks! I have a 2013 Toyota Prius v and am strongly considering this Yakima rack. I want to be able to carry 2 bikes, mine is electric, and I really like the ramp feature so I dont have to lift the bike onto the rack. Im afraid it all may ride a bit low though. I have a 2 inch hitch that I purchased from you that will be installed soon, and the rack I buy needs to work with that. Curt Rack Receiver C92NR. I see there are lots of Receiver extenders sold to go with Curt racks, and wonder if I will need one of those to make this whole thing work?? Thanks very much!

asked by: Becky G

Expert Reply:

Hey Becky, thanks for reaching out!

The 2" Curt Rack Receiver # C92NR that you purchased unfortunately isn't a fit for your 2013 Toyota Prius v (it fits a 2023 - 2024 Toyota BZ4X OR 2023 - 2024 Subaru Solterra) but if you really want that 2" hitch receiver you'll need to go with the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7192. This sits about 13-3/4" from ground to the top inside of the receiver so with the rise of the Yakima OnRamp Y36FR I'm confident you'll be just fine on clearance. I currently own a 2009 Prius so I definitely know that ground clearance is a pretty big factor.

If the EcoHitch price is a little more than what you wanted to spend (understandable) then I recommend the Curt Hitch Receiver # C11276 instead. This is a Class I hitch with a 1-1/4" receiver, but it has a reinforced collar on the receiver which is a design feature I like on the Class I hitches. In this case you'll need to use the Thule Epos Bike Rack # TH99XE for something similar to the OnRamp.

Extenders will reduce the weight rating of your hitch receiver so I don't recommend using them, especially for a Class I hitch on a Prius.

expert reply by: Jon G

Becky

7/25/2024

Thank you,Jon. I thought I was following the recommendations on the website when I bought the curt product I bought, but I must have been mistaken. It has not been put on my car and though the shipping box was opened, nothing else has been touched or used. So I will contact customer service and return it for a refund. And thank you so much for your recommendations. I see a Yakima y28dj on-ramp for 1 1/4 inch hitch, is there some reason that wouldn’t work for my car? Thank you!

Jon G.

7/25/2024

@Becky No worries! The Yakima OnRamp LX Bike Rack # Y28DJ will technically fit in your hitch receiver, but Yakima has only rated it for Class II hitches with that 1-1/4" receiver because they don't think the Class I hitches are strong enough. You can choose to use this rack if you want to, but if something were to happen to the rack then it wouldn't be covered under warranty.

Becky

7/25/2024

@JonG So if I would get the 2" hitch, would that be STRONGER?? Would it be preferable, Jon? If I want something strong?? Unfortunately I already ordered the 1 1/4" in hopes of receiving it in time to keep my appointment to get it on, but maybe I can switch before it's sent out.... Thanks again

Jon G.

7/25/2024

@Becky The 2" would be a stronger hitch, yes. If you go with the 2" hitch then you'll need to use the Yakima OnRamp LX Bike Rack # Y88DJ which has a 2" shank. It looks like the Yakima OnRamp (1st gen) has been discontinued so the kit with the 1-1/4" shank are the racks that we have left in stock.

Becky

7/25/2024

AND....the Yakima I originally was going to order (for my 2" hitch) is no longer available it looks like....I see that 2" is definitely stronger....

Becky

7/25/2024

@Becky Thank you so much for all your help. The Yakima rack isn't available until September....do you have any other racks you would recommend for an e-bike?? (For now it's just one ebike and one road bike, but that may change.) I may just have to be patient. I DO like the ramp feature, for the long run. Thanks again.

Jon G.

7/26/2024

@Becky Happy to help! I have 2 alternatives to the OnRamp LX: the Hollywood Racks Destination E Bike Rack # HLY66ZR and the Thule Epos Bike Rack # TH99XE. Both racks have similar features and specs to the OnRamp LX, but I would say the Destination is more clunky than the OnRamp LX and the Epos is more streamlined and easier to use than the OnRamp LX. Check out the linked videos below for a more in-depth look!

Helpful Links

tv-review-hollywood-racks-destination-e-bike-rack-hly66zr.aspx

tv-review-thule-epos-2-bikes-rack-th99xe.aspx