Why choose a 2" hitch over a smaller one?

I wouldn't and didn't choose 2" over 1.25". The reasons to do so are strength and availability of products to fit it. Both are higher for the 2". The Curt hitch is the better product anyway.

 

As Darell said, the only reason to go with a 2" receiver is because there are a greater selection of accessories made for 2" receiver. You will never pull enough weight to require a 2"

 

It all has to do with what you intend to pull which should be decided by the vehicle doing the pulling. Hitches are rated by "Class". Here are a couple of sites that define the various classes and receiver sizes and ball sizes.

Trailer Hitch Classes Defined and Explained
trailer hitches

Use the following for Goggle Search: trailer hitch class

Good luck,
Bob

 

+1 Bob's got it right. Class defines hitch strength - not shank diameter. Since many have complained about the Coastal 2" hitch .... the bottom line is to get the Curt hitch. I have one, and I have no complaints.

... Brad

 

If I remember right the 1" has 200 and the 2" has 300lb tongue weight or there about. If you put a carry platform on the back it adds leverage to the tongue weight you could easily exceed the 200lbs by using leverage. It would also seem that the 2inch square tube would give less slop from side to side but that might not be correct.

 

I don't think this is correct. As BAC stated, Class defines hitch strength - not shank diameter. I could not find a class rating for the CT 2" hitch, and I didn't think it looked as sturdy as the 1 1/4 curt. So I went with the 1 1/4".

Now I am looking for a good light weight bike carrier for 2 bikes. Any suggestions?

 

Actually it IS correct.......... (tongue weight)

Hitch ClassTongue Weight Capacity
Class I -200 lbs.
Class II -250 - 350 lbs.
Class III- 350 - 500 lbs.
Class IV- 500+ lbs.

 

Those numbers are correct, but again, as I understand it, they have nothing to do with the size of the shank dia.

 

Correct.

... Brad

PS: I've not heard of anyone that's had a problem with a Curt (1 1/4")hitch. (jump in if you have!) However, do a search on the Coastal stuff, and you'll see that many have had issues.

 

I have not looked at any kind of hitch for the Prius so I am a little confused. What are these numbers? CT 2" hitch vs 1 1/4 curt

Are you folks talking about ball diameter? or the receiver? I've always thought that a 1 7/8" ball was used on a Class I hitch and a 2" ball was used on a Class II (and higher?) I always looked as hitch strength as a measure of the overall "system", not any one component. You can put a different sized ball on any hitch but that doesn't change the class rating.

I have seen some small, maybe 1", hitch balls on motorcycles from time to time but I don't think those are even class rated.

Bob

 

Sorry...
CT is Coastal Tech.
1 1/4" Curt hitch.

That is the shank dia. not ball size.

 

I have never seen a smaller receiver than 2 inch.
Most light duty towbars sold here don't use a receiver but have a bolt on tongue with a 50mm ball through bolted to the tongue. Until recently only 4x4s had quickly removable tongues. I haven't seen accessories designed to fit in the receiver here either, most attach under the tow ball.

Here is the hitch I use on my lightweight motorcycle trailer

It pivots in 3 axis to allow lean during turns.

 

Darell will tell you all about the problems with the Curt hitch...
Fortunately it wasn't a problem with the performance of the hitch, it was actually a minor design flaw that caused the exhaust to flow directly at the hitch and (I'm guessing) at speed the flow of air under the car directs the exhaust over the hitch... thus melting the black plastic trim under the rear bumper cover. This problem has been corrected with a new version of the Curt hitch, and as far as I can guess all faulty units have hopefully been removed from the market by now. Still, although I currently do not have a hitch if I were to get one my money is on the Curt hitch opposed to the Coastal.

 

If you have the smaller size hitch, and you just really really need the 2" for some accessory you already own (or really really want), you can buy an adapter.
It's a solid barstock for the 1 1/4 with a 2" receiver box welded on.

Problem is.. it adds length to your hitch, making it jut out even farther from the mount and adding more leverage to the package.

 

I plan on going with the Curt hitch if I ever need one.

 

I've read practically Everything that I can get my searching eyes on, but I still have a practical question.

With a 2008 Prius, I plan to tow a trailer that has a GVWR of 2250 pounds. If I load the trailer to where there is less than 50 pounds(practically nothing) of tounge weight applied to the hitch(1 1/4" Reciever), is there any forseable issues that I will have(besides the added drag/lower MPG).

The Steaks

 

i just installed the 2" hitch from Prius Accessories
purchased second hand...


It's great so far. the rear of my car is soooo much more stable.