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Curt hitch install question... Help please!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by nola_Prius, Aug 31, 2009.

  1. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    I'm installing my Curt hitch right now.
    I had to remove the big black plastic splash guard thing, because I didn't have a socket extension long enough to reach through the "tow loop cut out" in the fascia.

    Is it necessary to remove the big plastic fascia thing for this install?
    Is it ok if that piece remains off of the vehicle, or should it stay on? Will this be cause for any potential problems?

    Please let me know soon, if you can!

    Thanks as always. :)
    EDIT - I have the problem solved, and also added pics of the Curt hitch and my Saris T-Bones bike rack to post #21 (top of page 3) in this thread. Enjoy!
     
  2. rachaelseven

    rachaelseven New Member

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  3. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    Awesome! Thanks! ;)
    I assume that the only problem might be a little extra drag without that fascia piece... But that shouldn't be too bad... Right?
     
  4. rachaelseven

    rachaelseven New Member

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    Ummm... maybe more than a little. I thought I read the rear fascia piece was pretty important to the CD improvement in the Gen III. Some auto parts stores rent tools... just a thought.
     
  5. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    I wonder how much drag in reality it will cause. Can you link to wherever you read that?
     
  6. rachaelseven

    rachaelseven New Member

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    It was the Wikipedia article:

    Toyota Prius - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    I guess it was claiming the rear fascia was for stability improvement and not drag. My bad.
     
  7. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    With the Gen II Prius Curt hitch you extend the slot in the plastic fascia and reinstall it. I haven't looked at the Gen III hitch, but it wouldn't surprise me if it worked the same way.

    Tom
     
  8. donalmilligan089

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    There are only a few plastic clips (2005) that snap out and in easily.Use a razor knifeto cut slot for hitch . U Haual installed mine in 30 min. It was his first prius. no worry then about drag.
     
  9. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    So are you guys suggesting takethe fascia completely off, install hitch, then cut a slot in the fascia so it will reinstall "around" the already installed hitch?
    This was a fairly simple install, as I read it would be... but I of course made it a little more difficult than it needed to be. ;)

    Thanks a lot, guys.
    I appreciate the help!
     
  10. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    The fascia is being a real PITA to put back on. UGH.
    UGH.

    Any tips? Anyone?
     
  11. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    It really seems like it doesn't want to go back on with the hitch being there. It's like there isn't enough clearance now.

    Can anyone with a 2010 and Curt hitch please confirm whether or not the fascia will fit with the hitch installed??
     
  12. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    Ok... I kinda gave up on reinstalling the rearmost fascia. It just didn't want to fit in between the Curt hitch and the car.

    I did see what rachaelseven mentioned. There are two "fins" on the other fascia piece, the one that is adjacent to the one I removed. (toward the front of the car)
    So, the two fin things are still there, which supposedly help with handling at high speeds...

    I guess only time will tell if that rearmost fascia was really needed or not.
    I can't imagine it creating THAT much more drag, but maybe it will.

    According to another's post, the installer referenced the fascia and sure made it sound like the hitch does indeed fit over the fascia without having to remove it. Ugh.
    Maybe tomorrow I'll take the whole thing off and try to put the fascia back on, then start over again. (since I know have a socket extension that's long enough) UGH!!!!!!!!! Unless of course someone convinces me in the meantime that it's not worth putting the rearmost fascia back on.
     
  13. krisirk

    krisirk Junior Member

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    When I installed my Curt hitch I found that a long enough socket extension and a wobble adapter were needed. The wobble was used for the passenger side to remove and reinstall the bolts that also hold on the muffler. No plastic needed to be removed for the installation.

    Instead of cutting the plastic because you don't have the right tools, I'd recommend buying the tools that you need and doing it right.

    Kris
     
  14. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    I already took it off and installed the hitch.
    I did cut one single slit into the fascia, so that it would hopefully slide around the driver's side hitch mount... and it did slide around it, but I can't squeeze the fascia back into place between the hitch bar and the car itself.

    I ended up going to buy a socket extension that was long enough.
    I will probably end up taking the hitch back off, trying to put the fascia back on, then putting the hitch on over the fascia by using the socket extension.

    I took an approximately 30 mile commute to school today (where I am now), which included about 25 miles or so of interstate travel.
    I didn't notice any drag (judging by the MPG meter)... but I don't like the idea of the wind rushing back and catching in the rear bumper... so I guess I will be back on the ground when I get home. Yay!! (not)
     
  15. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    Well... it was MUCH easier the second time around... I guess because I knew what to expect and because I had a long enough socket extension from the beginning.

    I took the hitch off, put the black plastic rearmost fascia piece back on, followed by the hitch going on again. I got my bike Saris T-Bones rack in a few days ago, so when my bike comes in (hopefully next week) I will take pics and display it all for those who may be interested in these things.

    Phew...glad that's over with. My hands are a bit cut up, but I feel accomplished! ;)
     
  16. mel1000

    mel1000 New Member

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    Can you take a picture of the hitch? I have followed your saga but don't know what this thing looks like and now you have my interest up!
    thanks
     
  17. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    It looks great. You can barely see it when no ball / bike rack mount is there.
    It really is a simple install.

    It's as easy as removing four bolts, taking off the factory tow plate thing, putting up the Curt hitch, and bolting it into the factory holes.

    I will take a few pics in a little while. I'm about to go off for a bit.
    Check back later.
     
  18. Jim Coleman

    Jim Coleman Junior Member

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    I installed my Curt receiver last week.

    The instructions estimated 30 minutes to install, but I took closer to an hour (due mostly to being unorganized.)

    Be aware that the muffler heat shield may need to be loosened and shifted temporarily so that it doesn't get 'sandwiched' along with the passenger side hitch mount.

    Looks good too!

    I'll put the car on a rack today and get photos.
     
  19. nola_Prius

    nola_Prius New Member

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    Sorry, mel1000. I meant to take some pics yesterday evening but have been super busy lately. School just started back up again and the girlfriend ended up coming over, so you know what that means. ;)

    If Jim Coleman doesn't beat me to it, I'll post some pics up as soon as I can.
     
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  20. L8rnr

    L8rnr New Member

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    Please do, I'd like to see both of your installs, as I might attempt this myself rather than hand it off to the dealer or a Pep Boys...:cool: