Preventing Rear End Sag on a 2007 Toyota Prius

Question:

We occasionally shuttle our mountain bikes using our hitch mounted bike rack. It causes the back of the car to ride very low. Additionally, when we go over bumps or subtle swells and depressions at highway speeds our tires rub the inside of wheel wells. We never plan on towing with our prius, but do not want to damage it with the extra weight. What do you suggest to help with our dilemma?

asked by: Drew

Expert Reply:

I know from experience that Toyota states not to tow with a Prius but you may want to check the owners manual to determine if carrying a bike rack is acceptable. Any trailer hitch for a Prius is going to be a Class I with 200 pounds tongue weight capacity. Also on a Class I you are limited to carrying a maximum of 2 bikes. Any more than that puts the bikes too far from the receiver which produces too much stress on the hitch, like using a cheater bar to loosen a lug nut.

But to help with the issue you are having I do have a solution that should work quite well. You can install Coil SumoSprings # CSS-1145R. What this will do is prevent that sag and provide a better ride overall. These springs fit many vehicles so the video I have linked should be used as a guide for installation. I have also linked the isntallation instructions.

expert reply by: Michael H