Hitch for a bike rack?

I have 5K on mine since install and I'm due for service in about 1500 miles. When I get it in the shop, I'll take pictures of the non-existent or existent debris in there from the PNW winter. This should help resolve or absolve concerns. I've been everywhere, snow, ice, mud, protestors and the like. If there is anything there it will show.

I personally feel the shield is there to secure the bumper and keep it from blowing the bottom side out, that issue is resolved with the use of two bolts

 

Makes good sense and I agree it definitely helps hold that bumper cover in place. And thanks for your input! I installed one on my gen 4 and didn't have to leave out any parts except one clip - always hate leaving out parts and the instructions weren't really clear to do so. Thanks for the photos you'll take - it will alleviate concern as you said. I and my wife (she has a truck) will appreciate being able to carry my bikes again!

 

I hate to keep spamming but.. found a photo in the library that shows exactly how far below the rear bumper skin the hitch hangs. The only part below is the welded 3/16" tabs that go backwards. Otherwise it's even with bottom of bumper.



Keep in mind this will be completely hidden once the lower stinger is removed by the bolt and completely invisible. This should show as well how much lower the muffler sits than the hitch, making the muffler the lowest point in the rear area of the car.

(For reference, I have installed EcoHitches on our 2010 Prius, 2012 Prius, 2022 Rav4, 2023 Prius, Customers 2013 Prius, 2023 Dodge Ram (front bumper receiver), 2019 Rav4 and some more that I can't remember), all hidden.

 

Curt replied to my request a couple days ago with the following:

"As of right now engineering is working on hitches for the vehicles but there is no time frame for when the hitches will be available, sorry."

 

I decided I could not wait so I ordered a Ecohitch, should be here next week. I also ordered a Curt 56353 wiring harness. According to Curt website it fits the 2023 Prius. Unfortunately it was not even close . Going to wait a few months to see if they come up with something, other wise I will create my own wiring harness.

 

Here you go, you can remove the hitch reciever and have the hitch completely out of sight.

 

This will help.... if they don't have a solution.

 

Thanks Dyjital this is going to be very helpful.

I installed my Ecohitch today. Install took me about 2 hrs. I should have been able to do it quicker but sometimes I get in my own way. It is a nice system Torklift has come up with. I installed it without a lift or jacking the car up, as they suggest. I sure my 63 yr old hips will let me know that laying on a cement floor for a couple of hours it not what they like.

Going to have to get a wiring harness installed as quick as I can. We took the bikes out for a ride today with the new hitch and the bikes completely obscures the tail lights. Again thank Dyjital your document will give a great place to start. The pic below is with my running lights on.

 

Good idea with the running lights...

 

Here's mine

 

Following Dyjitals lead I installed a trailer wiring harness on our 2023 Prius LE. Everything worked out great. I am no longer afraid to throw my bikes on the back and head out west. It took me about an 1 1/2 hours to complete.

 

This is awesome. I'm glad I could help.
I know the write up was crappy but I hope it helped a little even if to take the anxiety down a notch.

Congrats!!

 

I Had the 2” Eco hitch stealth hidden hitch on my old WRX. Excellent quality stuff. Highly recommend.

I actually just sold my Kuat NV 2.0 anodized hitch that I used for my E bike and my downhill bike this week figuring even if I do eventually get a hitch for the new prime, It’s probably just too much weight back there and I don’t really need a double bike rack. I think if I were to buy a new bike rack for the prime it will be the one up aluminum single bike hitch rack. Just seems so much lighter and not as huge.

although I have been making do recently with just taking off the front tire and using a moving blanket in the hatch with the backseats down when I go to my local trails with the E bike. It fits just fine that way for now. Eco hitch now that it’s released and one up single rack will most likely be a future purchase though.