1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2010 Prius Hitch Installation (Los Angeles)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by tripwire, Jan 20, 2011.

  1. tripwire

    tripwire New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2011
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Marina Del Rey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hello all,

    I recently bought a hitch (Curt Manufacturing 11469 Class I Receiver Hitch) for my Prius. The supplied instructions and a YouTube video shows that the installation should be extremely easy, but I discovered that removing the bolts that are under the muffler is a challenge.

    So my questions are as follows:
    1. Does anyone know a place in the Los Angeles area (preferably near the Westside/South Bay area) that can do the installation for me? I have tried going to a few muffler places and they wouldn't do it. U-Haul said they would, but they said they would have to remove the entire rear bumper, which I am confident that they are lying just to make more money with unnecessary labor.

    2. Does anyone have more detailed steps to taking the bolts off around the muffler? The YouTube video above (From :10 to :25) makes it look simple, but the muffler appears to be in the way of the bolts and I do not want to do anything that could damage the muffler or body.
     
    #1 tripwire, Jan 20, 2011
  2. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    7,856
    6,658
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I didn't even know that they would let you put a hitch on a Prius in SOCAL.....

    Sorry.....no info.

    However (comma) I can give you a warm greeting and Welcome Aboard!
    :welcome:

    As soon as one of our forum beat cops gets back from his/her Krispy-Kreme break, they'll probably yell at you for not using the ^%$@! search feature. (without giving you any kind of answer to your original question...:D )
    I'll save you some time.
    The search feature is challenging for me. I've tried Boolean terms, throwing things at my computer, and cursing. Nothing works for me.

    I did enter "hitch" into the so-called 'advanced search' fields under G3 forums...or something like that.

    I got this:
    PriusChat Forums - Search Results (108 threads...that's the problem....you either get zero hits, or 100's)
    Lemme know if it helps or hurts.

    Good Luck with Prius Ownership!!!
     
    #2 ETC(SS), Jan 20, 2011
  3. cossie1600

    cossie1600 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2009
    898
    92
    0
    Location:
    CT
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    get a lot of extensions, use a 1/2" ratchet and a metal bar for leverage if you dont have power tools, the bolt is on pretty tight. you should be able to get all those parts for less than 25 bux at harbor freight
     
    #3 cossie1600, Jan 20, 2011
  4. vnhk

    vnhk New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2009
    106
    21
    0
    Location:
    san jose
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I installed the same hitch before, it was easy. You could do it, just use extensions.
     
    #4 vnhk, Jan 20, 2011
  5. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2009
    2,173
    1,312
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    What is a "hitch"?
     
    #5 pakitt, Jan 22, 2011
  6. Much More Better

    Much More Better Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2009
    655
    163
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    The bar under the rear bumper used to tow things, or in most cases for Prius owners, bike racks.
     
    #6 Much More Better, Jan 22, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  7. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2009
    2,173
    1,312
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    ah - that "thing" costs in Germany (can carry 2 bikes), from Toyota, 785€, excluding installation costs...(unless you ask for it when ordering your Prius)....
     
    #7 pakitt, Jan 22, 2011
  8. tripwire

    tripwire New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2011
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Marina Del Rey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hey everyone! I just thought I would come back with an update.

    I decided to take cossie1600's advise, get the extensions, and that is all I needed! I don't know what the exact term was, but getting the universal joints (extension tools so I can loosen/tighten at almost any angle) was the major difference. The extension bars also mattered too.

    Here are a few tips I found for anyone that is thinking about doing this:
    1. Get the joints/extensions.
    2. Know how to use a torque wrench.
    3. Raise the rear of the car using some ramps or large bricks about 6 inches.
    4. Have a powerful magnet on standby. This will make it a lot easier to get any bolts/washers that fall into the plastic.
     
    #8 tripwire, Feb 3, 2011
  9. cossie1600

    cossie1600 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2009
    898
    92
    0
    Location:
    CT
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I bought like 4 extensions for $9 from Harbor Freight a week prior to fill up my garage, they came in very handy.
     
    #9 cossie1600, Feb 3, 2011
  10. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
    29,110
    8,591
    201
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    #10 Paradox, Feb 3, 2011
  11. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2009
    1,610
    246
    0
    Location:
    So Cal
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    My add - there are now Class III 2" hitches - same thing - just rated higher - a class III hitch can pull 5,000 lbs - slmost as important - they support 2" receivers (many things that can be plugged in), and are more strong horizontally... There are adapters - but I'd go with the more heavy duty - besides - you can pull lots of stuff...
     
    #11 rrolff, Feb 4, 2011
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)