Curt Hitch Released for ordering 2010 Prius

Thanks for sharing this update.

Is there a website reference you can offer?

 

I just looked at hitch web, thanks for the tip! It does say that non trailer loads must be supported by additional straps. Anyone know what they mean, i just want to carry my 2 bikes. I dont know where the stabilizing straps would go.

 

yep, I ordered mine last night from www.etrailer.com. they had it priced at $127.95 and $12.07 for shipping. but, if you spend $150 then shipping is free.

 

What bike rack do you have?

 

I have used the Harbor freight cheap-o bike rack for a couple years now and have no complaints, or rather I still have my bikes. If you are crazy about your bike's finish then they may clank together too much for you, but I'm not sure if an expensive model will solve that or not. It uses an adapter to go to 2", the base metal is 1 1/4".

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

i have the thule t2 917. it is easy to load bikes and they don't sway.

 

Here's the link to the hitch on the Curt site.

Kris

 

thule just came out with a new hitch mount bike rack. it is called the helium. they have 2 and 3 bike carriers. i am trying to find the weight of them though.

• 40% lighter weight than traditional hitch racks.
• Light weight aluminum construction makes for easy rack handling during installation and removal.
• Hitch Switchâ„¢ quick-release lever for rapid rear vehicle access.
• Bike arms conveniently fold down when not in use.
• Accommodates both 2†and 1-1/4†receiver hitches with Stinger Swingerâ„¢ hitch adaptor.
• Easy bike loading with narrow distance between bike cradle arms – ideal for women’s and kids bikes w/o the need for adapters.
• Maximum bike stability provided with T3â„¢ cradles. Cradles easily adjust along the bike arm to accommodate different style bikes.
• Simple - no tool - installation to receiver with efficient tightening knob
• No Sway Cageâ„¢ anti-sway device prevents bike to bike contact.
• Maximum bike security – integrated locking cable locks bikes, and locking knob locks rack to receiver.

 

my hitch should be here tomorrow. i am going to try to install it tomorrow night.

 

When someone has some time, can we get some pictures and ride height info?


I'm a little nervous about scraping on the road when I back out of my sloped driveway or while driving over speed bumps.

I was looking over the Curt hitch. What size is that receiver? I took a look at the installation document but can't figure out what size a D-55001 ball mount is or anyone that sells one.

 

Curt receiver is the little one, 1.25" I think it is? I forget the exact size of the smaller one, but I know theirs is the small size and not the 2". I'd like one with the larger size - not for towing capacity, obviously, but because hitch mounted racks just seem more stable to me on the larger receiver.

 

I'll be looking for your comments (and pictures) later tonight!!

 

Sort of related question: I'm planning on buying the Curt hitch and get another bike rack. I currently have a 2" Yakima Holdup which I had on my HiHY and it's awesome but weighs about 45 lbs. Does anyone have experience with such a heavy hitch rack on a Prius? I have several buyers for the Yakima rack, so I can either sell it and get a lighter weight rack or order the 1 1/4" hitch spine to convert it to the correct hitch size.

I'm just not sure if that much weight on the hitch would be too much.. I do have light weight Cannondale bikes, so the total weight would be ~60lbs.

UPDATE: I just sold my Holdup rack (that was fast!) Rackoutfitters.com is recommending the [FONT=&quot]Saris Thelma as the lightest platform rack.
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I installed it tonight. It was really easy and only took me 30 mins. I did it by myself with no help. It seems really solid. I had a Curt hitch on my gen II and had no problems with it. I expect the same with this one. I have a Thule T2 bike rack and it is pretty heavy. But, I like it since it is a platform rack and the bikes are really stable. If you are looking for something light Thule just came out with the Helium. It is made out of aluminum I think. I also have a ball on it since it provides added protection with city parking. I don't have any license plate screw indentions on my rear bumper and would like to keep it that way. With out the ball it doesn't stick out at all if that is a concern. I will take pictures of it tomorrow.

 

Great, I'm very interested in seeing the photos of it. Is there any cutting holes in the bumper required for the hitch. I thought that on some other company's hitch there was. Thanks.

 

Looking at the sketch the problem is torque loads on the receiver. If you take a turn, the weight of whatever is on the hitch can put one heck of a torque on the receiver and over-stress one side of the mounting bolts.

I need to carry my wife's motorized wheel chair. I can put it on a battery diet, replacing the lead-acid cells with salvage NiMH cells. But I still need a way for her to 'dock' with the car. I'll also need to put on stronger springs and stiffer shocks.

Of course if I do it right, the chair will charge when docked in the Prius. <GRINS>

Bob Wilson

 

Here are some quick pictures I snapped this morning.

 

There was no need to cut anything in the gen III. In the gen II you did.