Carrying Kayaks, SUPs, And Mountain Bikes With A 2018 Toyota Prius C

Updated 03/06/2025 | Published 07/27/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Inno Locker Watersport Roof Rack w/ Crossbar Pads - Locking - Clamp On

(22)

$296.99

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

(3)

$188.47

Malone FoldAway-5 Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(123)

$206.95

Rhino-Rack Vortex Roof Rack for Naked Roofs - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2

(335618)

$604.96

Question:

What product do you recommend for a 2018 Toyota Prius c to carry 1 standup paddle board 2 kayak 3 girls mountain bike trailer hitch type

asked by: Bonny

Expert Reply:

Hello Bonny, thanks for reaching out. That is certainly a lot of gear to be carrying with a Prius, and we do have some solutions for you.

For the stand-up paddle board and the kayaks, you will first need to install a roof rack, and for that I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Roof Rack # RR65NP. This will allow you to mount a watersport carrier and for that I recommend the Malone FoldAway-5 # MAL38FR. This can carry two kayaks, or one (or two) SUPs.

For your bikes, you will first need to install a trailer hitch, the Curt Class 1 Hitch # C11523. This hitch has a 1-1/4" receiver, which will allow for a bike rack. As far a rack for 3 mountain bikes, I suggest the Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack # S63365. This can hold 3 bikes weighing up to 35 lbs apiece so this will work great for 3 women's mountain bikes.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Bonny

7/30/2024

Hi Jesse. Sorry my message was confusing. I should have used a “)” after each number. I only wanted a rack for one bike, and one kayak and one paddle board. Could you recommend a trailer hitch type bike rack for 1 bike? The hitch is already installed on my car. Are there any paddle board racks that aren’t on the roof? I’m concerned I wouldn’t be able to lift it. Also how easy is the installation? Is there a video on these?

Jesse M.

7/30/2024

@Bonny Oh ok thanks or clarifying. I can see how I might have read that wrong too. There are bike racks for just one bike, but a vast majority of racks are made for two bikes, so I do recommend going with a two-bike rack, even though you need to carry just one. The Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack # HLY94FR is a great affordable option. The platform style rack is lightweight and easy to use. That said, all of the paddleboard carriers we offer are roof mounted. The size of most paddleboards limits the options for carrying, so a roof mounted carrier will be the only option. I still suggest using the Malone Foldaway 5 # MAL38FR since it can be used for a Kayak and a paddleboard. Assembling the roof rack is not bad at all. Most of it is finding out which pieces go where, and finding the correct position for the crossbars. This is generally something that can be done in an hour or so, even if you are not familiar with installing a roof rack. The link below will show you an install video. Give it a watch and see how you feel.

Helpful Links

tv-install-rhino-rack-roof-rack-2021-ford-f-150-rrva150b-2-rrrlkva-dk427.aspx

Bonny

7/30/2024

Also, it’s a woman’s mountain bike. And is there a kayak and sup rack without the tie downs?

Jesse M.

7/30/2024

@Bonny The Hollywood Rack # HLY94FR I mentioned will work great for a women's bike since it is a platform rack. There is one option for a kayak/SUP carrier that does not need tie downs, and that is the LockRack Series-X Universal Adjustable Watersport Carrier # LR24VR. Below you will find a link to a video review for this carrier. I think you will like this option better since it will be easier to load and unload - especially if you are by yourself.

Helpful Links

tv-review-lockrack-adjustable-watersport-carrier-lr24vr.aspx

Bonny

8/7/2024

@JesseM Hi Jesse. So in summary, i need Roof rack https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Rack/Rhino-Rack/RR65NP.html Sup rack with no tie down https://www.etrailer.com/p-LR24VR.html Bike rack https://www.etrailer.com/p-HLY94FR%20.html Is there a store where I can actually see these and how they work and how easily I would be able to install and use them? Thanks.

Jesse M.

8/7/2024

@Bonny Hey Bonny, yes, the parts you mentioned are exactly right. This will be everything you need to carry your Kayak, paddle board and your bike. We are online only so we do not have a physical store where you can come in and see parts. Installing this stuff is not too hard. Assembling and installing the # RR65NP roof rack will be the hardest part. Even if you are a beginner and have never used a roof rack before, you could probably get it done in an hour or two. I will link an install video for you below. The LockRack # LR24VR kayak carrier requires some minor assembly so this will be no problem, I am sure. Same for the # HLY94FR bike rack. You just need to put a few parts together and it is very straightforward. Here are links to come DIY install videos I think you will find helpful. As always just reach out to me if you have questions.

Helpful Links

tv-install-hollywood-racks-destination-bike-rack-2020-toyota-rav-4-hr34fr.aspx

tv-install-lock-rack-kayak-carrier-2012-dodge-durango-lr24vr.aspx

tv-install-rhino-rack-vortex-aero-crossbars-2021-chevrolet-silverado-1500-rrva165b-2-rrrlkva-dk427.aspx