Cycle Transport Options For Gen3 Prius

[Cocomango]

I have a 2009 Gen 3 Prius and would like the option of carrying 3-4 bikes either on the roof or at the rear. Officially Toyota does not recommend this and will probably will invalidate your warranty, but my car is no longer under warranty and would like to give it a go so long as I can find a robust system.

I went to Halfords this week and the bloke there tried to sell me a ~£50 rear carrier but it didn't look very robust to me. I've seen some better solutions on Prius Chat, but the carriers and modifications seem to be limited to the US market. Any suggestions for a good, robust and safe system available in the UK?

Many thanks.

[barrycoll]

I have fitted a Thule dedicated bike tow hitch, and a delightful Thule 23 bike carrier, plus electrics, to my 2013 Gen 3.

Two trips to Spain with 20kg e-bikes, and easy itself to get on and off, plus the fact that the rack drops forward. even while loaded, too get access to the boot space. Riding out in Herts last weekend, using the rack

The car has been serviced at Toyota, and nobody batted an eye-lid at the very neat fitting

Very satisfying, and recommended.

Using a removable rack is now in the past for me, and I have had enough of almost dropping a bike while loading the roof

[Bibsy]

Is this idea one you have to tell your insurance company about? Just a thought.

[Cocomango]

I have fitted a Thule dedicated bike tow hitch, and a delightful Thule 23 bike carrier, plus electrics, to my 2013 Gen 3.

Two trips to Spain with 20kg e-bikes, and easy itself to get on and off, plus the fact that the rack drops forward. even while loaded, too get access to the boot space. Riding out in Herts last weekend, using the rack

The car has been serviced at Toyota, and nobody batted an eye-lid at the very neat fitting

Very satisfying, and recommended.

Using a removable rack is now in the past for me, and I have had enough of almost dropping a bike while loading the roof

Can you please give me some links to the products you used? Was the tow hitch straightforward to install?

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Is this idea one you have to tell your insurance company about? Just a thought.

Is it a permanent modification to standard specifications?

If it doubt tell them.

[barrycoll]

http://www.towriteupminster.com/#

are the people who come to you to fit the dedicated Thule bike fitting....very professionally, as the fitter really knew his way around the car

and http://www.gttowing.co.uk/Towbar-Mounted-BikeRacks/products/455

provided me with a discounted Thule 2 bike rack

the "non-tow" bar is a bolted on as all proper tow bars are, engineered and designed for the Prius.....but could be moved to another Gen 3 if that happens in the future...

so the car is not modified, any more than a Roof Rack is a modification

[MEP's Yaris GS]

http://www.towriteupminster.com/#

are the people who come to you to fit the dedicated Thule bike fitting....very professionally, as the fitter really knew his way around the car

and http://www.gttowing.co.uk/Towbar-Mounted-BikeRacks/products/455

provided me with a discounted Thule 2 bike rack

the "non-tow" bar is a bolted on as all proper tow bars are, engineered and designed for the Prius.....but could be moved to another Gen 3 if that happens in the future...

so the car is not modified, any more than a roof rack is a modification

A towbar is still something that technically needs to be declaired to your insurance company, but 99% of them won't charge for this. Its still a modification, anything that is added after the car has left the factory is a modification. Different insurers will have different views on what they do and don't need to note, and what they do and don't charge for, but you should always check and never make an assumptions when it comes to vehicle changes.

Just my recommendation as someone who works within the industry.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

http://www.towriteupminster.com/#

are the people who come to you to fit the dedicated Thule bike fitting....very professionally, as the fitter really knew his way around the car

and http://www.gttowing.co.uk/Towbar-Mounted-BikeRacks/products/455

provided me with a discounted Thule 2 bike rack

the "non-tow" bar is a bolted on as all proper tow bars are, engineered and designed for the Prius.....but could be moved to another Gen 3 if that happens in the future...

so the car is not modified, any more than a roof rack is a modification

A towbar is still something that technically needs to be declaired to your insurance company, but 99% of them won't charge for this. Its still a modification, anything that is added after the car has left the factory is a modification. Different insurers will have different views on what they do and don't need to note, and what they do and don't charge for, but you should always check and never make an assumptions when it comes to vehicle changes.

Just my recommendation as someone who works within the industry.

I used to work in the industry too. You're right, most will just note their records that you have a cycle carrier and there'll be no problem. The problem arises when people think they know better or just assume it'll be ok. It matters what the question on their proposal form asks. "Has the car been modified in ANY way". The answer would be Yes. Not "well, not really it's only a cycle carrier and it'll be ok because it doesn't make the car go faster" etc etc.

We've had this sort of discussion many times on here. It's not rocket science. Just tell your insurer and so long as it doesn't make the car go faster or make it more likely to be stolen they're usually not bothered and will just note their records. But don't tell them and you'll end up a certain creek without a paddle if you make a claim and their assessor inspects your car. They might even refuse your claim and that has significant financial implications if you were at fault and injured the other party.

[johalareewi]

.. anything that is added after the car has left the factory is a modification.

The answer to "has your car been modified in any way" is pretty much always YES because as soon as you replace something that has worn out (Wiper Blades, bulbs, tyres, oil), unless you use the exact same part, it's a modification.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

.. anything that is added after the car has left the factory is a modification.

The answer to "has your car been modified in any way" is pretty much always YES because as soon as you replace something that has worn out (Wiper Blades, bulbs, tyres, oil), unless you use the exact same part, it's a modification.

You might want to look up the definition of modification ;)

Modifiy: Make partial or minor changes to (something).

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/modify

But you're welcome to try and argue the case. The insurers have bigger lawyers and such law (or whatever it is) has been established over about 70 years. One can either try and play barrister in the event of a claim (and lose) or just tell your insurer when you change something on the car. A cycle carrier is a modification as the car didn't come out of the factory like that. If a cycle falls off this carrier or someone is hit as you pass and you haven't told your insurers, you're not covered.

There are companies out there that specialise in modified cars for those who wish to heavily modify their pride n joy. For small modifications most insurers will be ok so long as you tell 'em.

You might also find that the cheaper insurers are potentially less flexible or will charge higher admin fees for changes. You pays your money you takes your chances :)

[PeteB]

I think it's a very valid argument.

When I've had cruise control switches fitted to all 3 of my own Prius (the Gen 1 wasn't even officially available with CC in the UK, but the whole system was present bar the switches [right down to fuses and bulbs in the dash!]). Similarly with parking sensors.

They've always been happy to record them on the policy and never charged any extra. Worth a phone call for the peace of mind.

When I worked in the insurance regulatory body i the 1980s some colleagues were sent to investigate an insurer that was taking things a bit too far, and had been rejecting quite serious claims because cars had mud flaps or wing mirrors [before door mirrors!] fitted! In this case they were fined and told to make good.