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PLUS Lowering Springs + Trailer Hitch?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by The Critic, May 5, 2012.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Just spent an ungodly amount of money on a new bike today and am looking to install a trailer hitch so that I can properly transport it.

    Since my car is lowered, I am concerned about the potential clearance issues. Does anyone have a trailer hitch installed on their lowered Gen III?

    Thanks.
     
  2. d2mini

    d2mini Active Member

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    Not yet but I will.
    Should be installing eibach springs this weekend and the curt hitch is also sitting in my garage. I just haven't put it on yet because I don't have a rack yet.
     
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Funny you mention this. I was considering buying a hitch to tow a very small trailer to carry my work gear in. Then I wondered how that would work if I lowered the car. :)
     
  4. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    The hidden hitch that I just installed, sits roughly 3" below the rear bumper. My car isn't lowered, so I can't give any insight as to if there's any issues, but that should give you some idea of how it would sit relative to the ground.
     
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Thanks. 3" is a LOT. In that case, the stealth hitch is a must. The TRD springs already reduce the rear clearance by 1.5".

    MB860 ? 2
     
  6. ockevin

    ockevin Active Member

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    I dont see why not...You get a hitch receiver with a 3" lift in it. Meaning you flip the drop receiver over and bring the hitch ball back up.
     
  7. jaymac

    jaymac membore

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    Stealth hitch or not wouldn't the receiver be located in the exact same spot ?

    John
     
  8. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    Here's some pictures of the hidden hitch installed. I hope the one with the tape measure came out OK enough, because I just had time to take it.
     

    Attached Files:

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  9. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    That's a good point I had no considered. In that case, the only advantage of the $275 stealth hitch is the tube not being visible. The stealth hitch still has the receiver that hangs down slightly less (< 1") than the Curt or Draw-Tite models since it is mounted flush to the bumper, but there's still a loss of clearance as the receiver hangs below the bumper.
     
  10. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Excellent, thanks. I will measure mine tomorrow, but I think this will work.

    Any particular reason why you went with a Draw-Tite/Hidden Hitch vs the Curt?
     
  11. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    No specific reason.
     
  12. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    It looks like I have about 9" even with the springs on, so there should be no clearance issues.

    I will order the $110 Hidden Hitch and get a custom wiring harness receiver welded on when it arrives.
     
  13. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    Nice. I ordered from etrailer.com and reversed the install. I found it easier to mostly secure the driver side first, because then I wasn't supporting all the weight of the hitch while trying to secure the passenger side. Their Prius specific wiring harness was simple as day to install. It took me longer to remove all the "junk in the trunk" than to hook up and run the wires.

    That site also has "how to" videos for the install when you get to it.
     
  14. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Good to know, thanks. I am really looking forward to the welding a bracket for the wiring since this will give an OEM look.

    MB860 ? 2
     
  15. d2mini

    d2mini Active Member

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    FWIW, I installed the curt hitch today and the hitch sits just a hair above the muffler.
    So I'd be worried about scraping the muffler before scraping the hitch.
     
  16. yyyiiikes

    yyyiiikes Junior Member

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    Let's see a pic of that new bike!
     
  17. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Ask and you shall receive....

    [ame="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/SodaJunkie/Crux/"]Crux pictures by SodaJunkie - Photobucket[/ame]
     
  18. mvrider

    mvrider New Member

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  19. d2mini

    d2mini Active Member

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    It's only customized to fit your old 2" rack, right?
    Or is there something else?
     
  20. mvrider

    mvrider New Member

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    Modified with a 2" receiver. I suppose it would fit anything 2", since they didn't test-fit the bike rack until after installing the modified hitch.

    It's not the stiffest assembly in the world (when I put my weight on the folded-down rack, I can see the receiver move with respect to the bumper), so don't expect to tow a pile of bricks with it.