[Homebirtha]

Ok, so if we do the Prius as our family car, there will be times when we'll need to carry more cargo then will fit inside. (For instance, camping) How feasible is it to use a roof rack? Are there racks that fit that are easy to take on and off? I'm thinking we'd want something removable since I imagine it will significantly cut down on fuel efficiency.

We'd want to carry things like a tent, an EZUp shelter thing-y, maybe luggage or a big cooler.

 

[moocatdog]

Ok, so if we do the Prius as our family car, there will be times when we'll need to carry more cargo then will fit inside. (For instance, camping) How feasible is it to use a roof rack? Are there racks that fit that are easy to take on and off? I'm thinking we'd want something removable since I imagine it will significantly cut down on fuel efficiency.

We'd want to carry things like a tent, an EZUp shelter thing-y, maybe luggage or a big cooler.

I bought my '04 just prior to the start of ski season. At that time neither of the major rack makers (Thule, Yakima) had a roof system for the new Prius. You can check their websites to see if they have released anything yet, but I decided to go for a trailer hitch ski/bike system and it is working great. Here's where I got the hitch mount--

http://www.coastaletech.com

As you will see, they are custom Prius accessory specialists. The hitch was easy to install and is universal to anything designed for a tralier hitch connection.
(Note: Hitch mounts come in 1 1/2" or 2" sizes. If you go that route you need to make sure any add-ons you get later match the size you have. I went with the 2" size because that allowed me to get a bike rack that will hold more than two bikes.)
Anyway, look around a bit and you'll find lots of choices for ski and/or bike racks, as well as racks intended to carry car camping gear such as tents, coolers, etc. In fact, if I remember correctly, coastaletech might have one on their web site. (In case you are wondering, I don't work for them.) One thing to remember: the Prius is not meant to tow or haul anything, so don't plan on hanging too much stuff off the back.
All that said, three of us took off last weekend with sleeping bags, knapsacks, a small cooler, groceries, two sets of golf clubs, a guitar and an industrial sized bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos (a road trip neccessity) and half of the back seat was still clear for easy riding.
Drive happy,
Moo

 

[veggivet]

Sounds like the Prius eats up cargo like its driver eats up nacho chips! It's hard to imagine how much room this car has until you test drive, or rather, test pack it.

 

[Daniel]

... and an industrial sized bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos (a road trip neccessity) ...

Cheese chips inside your brand-new Prius??? Gasp!!!! Call me a grinch, but nobody brings any food or drink inside my car, at least until normal wear and tear has begun to show on the upholstery. And no liquids, ever.

 

[moocatdog]

Sounds like the Prius eats up cargo like its driver eats up nacho chips! It's hard to imagine how much room this car has until you test drive, or rather, test pack it.

I wouldn't have been able to fit much more, but it does carry quite a bit. Remember that knapsacks are much smaller than backpacks and the guitar had to leave its case behind.

Cheese chips inside your brand-new Prius??? Gasp!!!! Call me a grinch, but nobody brings any food or drink inside my car, at least until normal wear and tear has begun to show on the upholstery. And no liquids, ever.

Wow, and I thought I was obsessive. We're a fairly neat and tidy group; five months of eating and drinking on the go and the hovercraft remins stain-free. Of course I probably just jinxed it. Sometimes you've just gotta let go and live a little. Start small--perhaps distilled water--and work your way up. I've found that putting more trust in the Toyota engineers can be liberating!
Drive happy,
Moo

 

[leebek]

take notes

You would be a good test case for the rest of us. Take good notes of your mileage without addends on the car, then take more good notes with attachments. Let us all know how externals effect the mileage. Also let us know if you get better mileage with nachos in the bag and nachos in your stomach...