We've had a family addition. So there are four of us plus baby gear. I bought a hitch and carrier because I had never seen the car backpacks. Anyone have experience with the car backpacks on their prius? It looks like one can not open the hatch while one is attached. This inconvenience vs bolting on the receiver and taking it off after I'm done? The for footed children might have to stay home on some of our trips. This is what I mean by a car backpack. They make clips for use on hatchbacks. Rightline Gear 100B90 Cargo Saddlebag : Amazon.com : Automotive
I like the concept but I would be concerned about it rubbing against the paint finish. Also, if you stop somewhere overnight, would it be secure if left on the vehicle?
It looks a bit inconvenient. Also I would worry about car damage from it rubbing or breaking the spoiler. I would personally go with a hitch platform and box or bag.
Robmoo I like the idea backbag, I might try it, If you try first please let me know how you like it ok. V/r Khoi nguyen
I am interested in the same idea of having some additional storage space and I checked the link. BUT please consider that there is only 20-21 inches between the top of the rear bumper and the plastic spoiler. The Cargo Saddlebag was 28 inches high so I do NOT think it will fit gracefully between bumper and spoiler. Maybe they sell a smaller model that might fit the space available on a Prius better? Second, be very careful of the plastic spoiler! It is a weak ABS type of plastic and there is a whole thread on how easily it breaks and how expensive it is to replace ($275 for part, I think, and another $100+ to install). Third, I also agree with the folks who would worry about paint abrasion if that pack buffets around in the wind of the slipstream. But if it were small enough, tightly strapped on, and mounted in the "dead zone" in the slipstream between the bumper and spoiler, maybe it would not move enough to cause damage. Not sure. Please post if you do find something that works as I am looking also! (I am also considering attaching small carry-on luggage at the rear, but have not figured out how to do so safely--the rear hatch framework is aluminum, many other pieces are weak plastic, and that all complicates matters.) One final thing: that backpack will hide your rear license plate and in some states I believe that would be illegal.
