We have a 2015 Toyota PriusC, fitted with a Yakima roof rack, and two J-Racks (hull raisers) for carrying our 10', 35lb kayaks (they are small!). We've been struggling to figure out where the best place is to tie the bow and stern of the boat - specifically, where the attachments for towing might be. We don't want to tie them anywhere where there is risk of catching, or where they might damage our car. Anyone with experience know the best place to tie the bow/stern of a kayak of canoe on the PriusC specifically?
Does the bumper cover have little squarish snap-in covers hiding some large threaded holes? Tow eyelet bolts can be threaded into those holes, and used for tiedown points. The Gen3 Liftback has two locations in the rear, one in front, with a single bolt stored with the tire change tools. People using these holes would need to acquire additional bolts. The 'C' may be different, I don't have one to check. I believe the Gen2 liftback had only one hole each front and rear.
EDIT: I found the front, just needing assistance with the back! I don't see the squarish snap covers that you might be referring to - would this be on the front (black grill, so to speak)? Where might it be found on the back? If anyone has a picture on this model that would be very helpful!
Success! I've found this on the front. I'll have to find a way to keep the ropes over in that direction, seeing as there would be two ropes (two kayaks), I'm assuming this would just require them to be very taut. Thank you. Now, for the back. Can anyone provide an indication as to where I can safely and securely tie down the stern of the kayaks?
Oops. My memory failed, and I misled you. Sorry about that. Checking a random parked 'c' today, I noticed no rear tiedown point. Then I noticed my own Liftback doesn't have it either. It is on our 2014 Forester's rear, not on the Prius. Both our rigs have two such points on the front bumper. Our kayaks are carried only on the Forester, with rear ropes tied to the hitch receiver, and front ropes to some straps bolted to other other tiedown points below the bumper. Foam pipe insulation keeps the ropes from chafing the bumper. The Prius also has a hitch (for bicycle rack) that would work for us. But you probably don't want to put on a hitch just for this purpose.
I think these or similar are best for the front. You will find bolts along the sides of the hood to attach them. Thule 529 Hood Loop Strap Heavy-duty loop provides tie-down point at Crutchfield.com
