Is anyone interested in seeing pictures from the install? I plan to install 1 1/4" Curt hitch tomorrow evening, and bike rack on Thursday evening. Can't wait to install them.... Updated: 03/12/12: Stock brackets and 17mm bolts removed:
Sure, I would like to see some pix. after the install. I'd like to add that I have a Curt hitch installed on my lexus suv & feel it is a quality product.
I have the Curt class 1 hitch too. I have yet to use it, it's top notch quality, did my research extensively. Now i'm thinking of selling it since I really have no use. Thought I'd tow my motorcycle one day, but i'm not sure now...
curt hitch and swagman rack is precisely what I have on my 2010. Install was a breeze and carried a bike from Fl to NC at high speeds with no issue at all. Good idea to figure a way to secure bike to hitch since with 2 easy to reach bolts on the bike rack, it can be removed from the hitch even if you have a standard hitch lock that goes thru the hitch. good luck should be easy,....oh I bought a decent torque wrench to get the torque correct but I think you can get by without one.
Did you install on a lift of jackstands? I installed on our lift, which seemed like the only way to do it without removing the rear undertray. I also left off the tie down bracket on the left side. Right side was also the exhaust hanger bracket, so I needed to keep that on. I have an older Saris rack that I swap between my GTI and the Prius. I drilled and tapped for a 3/8-16 bolt to reduce the amount of play up and down, which I wish I did on my GTI before installing.
You don't have to jack up the car, but it would be easier. Go to Harbor Freight and get the $10 extension kit. You will need two or three of them from what I remember.
No jacking up the car and no need to drill any holes with the curt hitch I used. Simply took out the tie downs on the rear of the car, per instructions, and put bolts back in holding down hitch. Used extension for the socket wrench.
I watched a video about installing it, and they inserted the left side with the hitch at 45 degrees, the rotated it up to the right side. I didn't even try to do it on the ground since we have a lift anyways. I only added the 3/8 bolt to the top of the receiver just to lock down the bike rack. Might not be an issue on other racks, but my Saris is pretty loose up and down without it.
Sorry guys for the delay. My wife and I decided to hold off on the install since we don't plan to go biking until weather gets warmer. Don't feel like driving around with additional 25lbs of weight. Will update this thread once I get a chance to install one.
Finally had a chance to test out the hitch and bike rack on our trip to Cape Cod, MA over Easter holiday weekend. First thing I've noticed was how sturdy it felt compared to top mounted bike rack. I think it's best $260 I spent on our Prius. So far no complains!
Curt also sells a nice tray-style bike rack that is very similar. That's what I have. Love it. Only issue with a rear mounted rack is that you should move the license plate to avoid tickets. I built a lighted bracket with my 3D printer for this purpose.
