1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Hitch Install problem

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by dpframing, Jul 6, 2023.

  1. dpframing

    dpframing "Nobody tells me what to do, not even me."

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2005
    78
    15
    0
    Location:
    Chester NY 10918
    Vehicle:
    2022 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    On my 3rd Prius- I was all excited since my 2005 and my 2013 recommended NO TOWING and my 2022 Prime can tow 1598 lbs. I found out Toyota does not make an OEM hitch for the car. So eTrailers has one with a wiring kit for the car. I call my dealership service dept. and I was told that the aftermarket hitch and the install will VOID my Platinum 7 year VSA coverage which cost me $2000. AND the service guy told me he wouldn't even install it if I paid the dealership to do the work. So essentially, I can't have a hitch installed because it will void the warranty. Anybody else run into this illegal move by Toyota?
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,686
    39,235
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Where'd you see that? In the 2022 Prius Prime Owner's Manual:

    upload_2023-7-6_10-27-14.png
     
  3. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2022
    1,014
    382
    0
    Location:
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    2022 Prius
    Model:
    XLE
    My 2022 Prius XLE Nightshade manual says the same thing as Mendel showed.
    So not much of an “illegal move” by Toyota that I can see. (n)
     
  4. kc5dlo

    kc5dlo Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2015
    266
    163
    0
    Location:
    DFW TX
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius
    Model:
    XLE
    Find an independent mechanic or even a body shop to do the job for you.
     
    Georgina Rudkus likes this.
  5. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2018
    3,244
    2,257
    0
    Location:
    Taylors, SC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    That's one reason why I would never buy an extended warranty. I'd invest my $2,000 and keep it all with seven years in proceeds. $2,000 will cover most all repairs and there would be no exclusions or escape clauses on covered repairs.

    That insurance policy called an extended warranty covers all their ad costs, their celebrity endorsements, if any, all their administrative fees, ther commissions and still makes them a tidy profit.

    And, most policy holders don't make a claim.
     
    AzWxGuy likes this.
  6. Plugin_RK

    Plugin_RK Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2022
    100
    31
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Coastal city
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius PHV
    Model:
    N/A
    1598lbs converts to 725kg, which is Toyota's rated towing weight for many Prius hybrid models - possibly including the 2022 Prius hybrid:
    Towing the line with the new Toyota Prius - Toyota UK Magazine (dated 2016)
    Toyota Hybrid towing: your questions answered - Toyota UK Magazine (dated 2020)

    And the 2024 Prius Prime appears to have a similar rating:
    2024 Toyota Prius Prime: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing
    However, I don't know if this includes the 2022 Prius Prime, which the OP originally asked about. His dealership may be nervous because that particular model i.e. 2022 Prius Prime, is not recommended for towing by Toyota.

    So, I imagine insurance companies should be able to cover any Prius and Prius Prime models, which do have a towing rating of 725 kg (or 1,598 lbs).

    I do wonder though, what the situation is for a Prius (or Prius Prime) using a Trailer Hitch (Stainless Steel) by EcoHitch, which is rated at 2,000lbs (907kg)? For example, the manufacturer of the towbar clearly has a rating of 2,000lbs for a 2018 Prius Prime, which seems to be more than Toyota's rating for the vehicle e.g. possibly as mentioned above for many models. Would insurance companies cover vehicles fitted with these towbars? Perhaps insurance cover would only extend to towing up to 1,598lbs (725kg)(if Toyota has recommended a towing weight for model concerned) but not when towing loads above this e.g. 2,000lbs?
    Torklift Central | Toyota Prius trailer hitch by EcoHitch®
    2018 Toyota Prius Prime Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com
     
    #6 Plugin_RK, Apr 5, 2024
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2024
  7. Plugin_RK

    Plugin_RK Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2022
    100
    31
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Coastal city
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius PHV
    Model:
    N/A
    A few day ago I asked a local manufacturer/installer of towbars if they would install an eTrailer hitch to our 2018 Prius PHV, which was imported from Japan. After looking at the hitch via 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com he said he'd be happy to install it as long as the manufacturer was reputable and provide a sticker with the design rating. When asked about legailty/insurance/etc he replied it is dependent on the jurisdiction. In his area (and presumably mine) the law would allow it as long as braking distances were within certain limits. He also said that insurance companies would provide cover if the vehicle passes the regular vehicle inspection e.g. annual certification check. I'd suggest you contact a local towbar manufacturer/installer regarding legal and insurance requirements in your locality.
     
    #7 Plugin_RK, Apr 27, 2024
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2024
  8. John6012

    John6012 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2007
    132
    19
    0
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I installed a receiver hitch from etrailer.com on. my 2028 Prius Prime Advance. Never consulted anyone to include insurance company. (USAA) and I expect no problems as long as I remain within the tow capacities of the receiver.
     
  9. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2022
    1,014
    382
    0
    Location:
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    2022 Prius
    Model:
    XLE
    Glad to know that 4 years into the future we will be able to still buy one.
     
    PriusPaddler likes this.
  10. Charlie M

    Charlie M Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2016
    4
    2
    0
    Location:
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I read that the Prius sold in Europe is rated to tow 750 kilogram. The vehicle is the same as sold in USA.
     
  11. Plugin_RK

    Plugin_RK Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2022
    100
    31
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Coastal city
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius PHV
    Model:
    N/A
    The weight rating for towing for many smaller Toyota hybrid vehicles in UK is 750 kg although the Prius is rated at 725 kg - which I believe is the same as in Europe. For example, read this 2020 article in mag.toyota.co.uk:
    Toyota Hybrid towing: your questions answered - Toyota UK Magazine

    There are reasons why different countries have different ratings. Some more detailed explanations can be found at:
    Why Tow Ratings are Different in the EU vs. the US | PriusChat
    https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/towing/1502-sae-j2807-tow-tests-the-standard/
    Great Explanation for USA vs EU Tow Ratings | Toyota RAV4 Forums

    I think it depends on lots of things, including: open-road speeds, road design, road surfaces, average/usual vehicle sizes and weights, common tow activities, etc. There is also the risk of litigious complications and insurance aspects. Then there is the legal framework especially whether car manufacturer recommendations are an integral part of the country's laws or whether they are only included in insurance policies' small print. Both the technical factors and the legal/commercial factors can be very different between countries.
     
    #11 Plugin_RK, Oct 7, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2024