Drawtite 24966, Curt 11473, or Eco-Hitch 306-X7369 My local Rack N Road only has the Curt hitch and can install it. I only plan to use it for a 1-2 bike rack (maybe 1 e-bike and 1 regular bike, combined weight like 100lbs for both bikes). Do some of these hitches recess really far back behind the bumper? Anyone have any experience with any of these hitches?
I recently purchased the drawtite hitch but haven’t installed it yet , I will most likely do it on Sunday. My bike rack has a long mounting bar and can reach a hitch recessed in. I will give you an update once I install it
I love the Curt hitch for my Highlander but from what i see for the Prius I would stay away from the Curtis as it is well hidden and you would probably need an extension to install the bike rack. The Drawtite looks its almost flush with bumper and the price is good price point. I wouldn't pay more than $150 for a hitch.
I installed the DrawTite, and I'm happy with it. It's strong, and I can't imagine how it could be less visible.
I recently installed the Curt hitch. Was getting grief borrowing pickup trucks from others. So picked up a 4x8 utility trailer as a remedy. Getting the bolts out and back in took some effort. The hitch has some weight to it, so used a floor jack and an extra set of hands to position it in. Had trouble getting 1 of the 4 bolts back in as well. Am happy with the way it looks. Though the hitch was shiny and new, I still put a coat of wax on it before installing it. As hitches take a lot of wear and tear from the road.
That looks tidy. How much of the center underbody panel did you need to cut away? Any install issues worth a note or two?
I was about to comment and say you didn't need to cut, but then realized this wasn't a 3rd gen thread.
Did not have to cut any of the plastic under body away. Can't say whether or not that will be the case with the other brands. Had to carefully maneuver the left side in first. Is a tight fit on that side. When ratcheting in the 2 bolts on the left side, do not let your socket fall! It'll get lost in the abyss of the black plastic under body shielding. If it does, would have to break the factory (grey) specialized plastic clips that secure the shielding covers up. Those things are not user friendly. And they don't sell replacements for them at the auto parts store. The hitch is quite heavy. So sitting it on a floor jack or some pieces of wood is advised. Not worth pulling a back muscle out. Also, make sure to wear eye protection. You'll be looking straight up and debris will fall straight down.
