2" hitch for 2012 Prius v

Torklift Central | Torklift Central | 2012-2016 Toyota Prius V EcoHitch

I have the Liftback version on my 2012.

 

I have the Torklift 2" Hidden Hitch. Torklift Central | Torklift Central | 2012-2016 Toyota Prius V EcoHitch

 

I've got the Torklift also. Nice hitch and installed well. I think Curt or Drawtite also make a 2" hitch but I decided the Torklift was best don't remember why anymore.

 

Here is a pdf scan of the Torklift installation instructions / manual:

 

Thanks for the Install Manual.
This looks like the only 2" receiver on the market for the v. It's rated as 350lbs tongue & 3500lbs tow weight. That's more than the car weighs...

 

FYI if you weren't already aware of this, I think the hitch itself is rated for those weights but the vehicle isn't. The Torklift page for the Prius v carries this disclaimer right above the install video: "*WARNING* Your vehicle may have a lower tow rating than this trailer hitch. If your vehicle's tow rating is less than the rated towing capacity on your Torklift Central trailer hitch, your trailer hitch capacity is limited to your vehicle's factory rated towing capacity." Toyota says not to put a hitch on the Prius v and gives no load rating. However, there are several posts about people towing things. I don't think I would go anywhere close to those weights. The mounting points on the unibody look like they wouldn't carry a lot of weight.

I've got one and it works great for a bike rack with two bikes. I'm afraid to go with the 4 bike version of my Thule T2- it extends quite a ways back and would create a lot of leverage.

 

I visited the Torklift folks in Kent, WA. They have a sizeable operation doing a lot of custom trailer hitch work, as well as their factory a few miles away, and a warehouse with 3 types of ecoHitches and accessories in Sumner, WA. Sadly, they don't have the 'stealth' type for the Prius v wagon, but their 'hidden' x7192 is a sturdy Class II build that attaches to the bumper support bracket as well as the frame 'rails'. Easy, bolt-on installation that hugs the bumper makes it less noticeable, and more solid than the others out there. They make a 1 1/4' receiver version (x7193) but I got the 2" (x7192) to support multiple heavy e-bikes, as well as the hitch cargo carrier and the trailers I tow.

 

Irisius, I wouldn't worry about the leverage of the Thule T2 with 4 bikes, but that's just me. The added weight affects performance, handling, and stopping distance. I do not recommend you imitate what I do, nor will I be held responsible nor liable for any decision you make ...

This may be hijacking the thread, and I should likely move it to a towing thread, but here's my experience:

The Prius v frame looks about as strong as the Gen2 Prius I just let go of (sad day.) I had the Curt 11468 on my Gen2 until we backed it into a cement wall with the hitch ball attached, thereby crumpling the frame on one side, and bending the hitch. SO it's just sheet metal, and definitely has limits; don't push your luck.

I also ran soft oversized (wide) tires for traction and stability, and this cut my mileage by 10mpg, but allowed me to traverse dirt, sand, and rock trails that were labelled "4X4 ONLY" with a little skill and effort.

I regularly towed my SnowBear 7000 (see post #5 at CRV for a pic) overloaded at 2000 lbs, sometimes sticking out 16' long, and it performed admirably. At 60mph, it started to sway a little on the biggest loads, so I slowed down.
It also handily hauled my 10' Burro and 10' Aristocrat Lil Loafer across this land. With four adult passengers, it was very overloaded. Even with two, we were in the slow lane on some of the mountain passes, and I had to take a long run on a couple of steep dirt logging roads. But I only found two streets in San Francisco that I had to back down from! I decided (after towing it) that the 15' Aristocrat Lo Liner was more than even I wanted to pull across the continent. It was just too heavy and bulky, dwarfing the car, and tossing it like a tail wagging the dog. The small trailers under 1000 lbs feel like a better fit for me. Anything over that is simply waaay too much, IMHO. SO why would I use a Class II hitch like the Torklift x7192? Because it's sturdier, more rigid, and transfers the stress loads more evenly onto the car.

The stresses of a carrier full of stuff, wobbling and swaying around, are quite different from a trailer, so do your research. Also, know what's happening with your rig; have the frame inspected regularly by someone qualified to assess any damage or imminent failure, for example.

If you're going to disregard the manufacturer's recommendations, know your limits. Realize that by taking matters into your own hands, you are assuming responsibility for any risks associated with your actions. Are you comfortable with the chances you are taking, and with the possible eventualities?

Finally, is any of this within specs? NO! Is it a good idea? Well, it worked for me...but YMMV. I'm a trained, seasoned hauler with stories to tell of what happens when you push the limits...I don't recommend that anyone follow my example.
Safety recommendations are there for a reason, and if you flaunt them, you're endangering not only yourself, but innocent bystanders as well.

 

I had the torklift 2" on my Prius v and my RAV4. Great hitches.


iPhone ?

 

Does anyone have a 2" hitch for a Prius V they would like to sell? I have a 2013 for reference. Located in 30144 but I can pay shipping.

Moderators, please move this to the proper place if it is not in the right forum.