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2010 Prius Hitch Receivers and Bike Racks

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by frodoz737, Jul 24, 2015.

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  1. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Son is inheriting my 2010 before leaving home to do college part 2. He has 2 trail bicycles and I made the choice to set him up with a hitch mounted platform 2 bike locking carrier. There are literally days of related thread readings specific to the Gen III Prius here. Someone save me a little time please.

    2010 Toyota Prius Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com appears to be the most popular receivers so first question does either of these have an advantage over the other. 1.25" Class I is acceptable, but I want solid quality. Also found Torklift Central | 2010-2015 Toyota Prius & Prius Plugin EcoHitch - Prius - Toyota - Find Your EcoHitch® - Trailer Hitch and Towing with a 2" Class I.

    Thule Doubletrack 2 Bike 990XT - Thule appears to be a good choice for the carrier and clearance issues look good per PRIUS with CURT hitch and THULE double track 990xt | PriusChat.

    Comments and discussion please.

    Now this Carrier is very nice...but holy cow...that's expensive.

    Products | Küat Racks
     
    #1 frodoz737, Jul 24, 2015
  2. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    I have a Curt hitch and no issues with it. Bolts on and I like the round tubing.

    Since the class (1) defines tow and tongue capacities, all bolt on hitch for the Prius are class 1 so same capacities. With the Torklift, you are paying for the aesthetics. I don't notice mind being too noticeable. No matter which hitch you choose, the receiver must protrude. At more than 2x the price, I thought it was an easy decision. You maybe looking at Torklift since it's 2" though. Most if not all the bike rack hitches I've seen are available in 1 1/4".

    In regards to the bike rack, the popular models are "touch less" and just hold the front wheel. Reason for this is a lot of bike no longer have top tubes to clamp on to. I have the Yakima Hold Up and it's worked well.





    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]Santa Monica Beach

    I also bought my hitch from etrailer.. fast and smooth transaction. Well packaged too.

    The issue I do have is ground clearance BUT that is due to my Plus springs. Either way, you just need to pay attention to how you approach drive ways.
     
    #2 Sfcyclist, Jul 28, 2015
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  3. J Dunn

    J Dunn Active Member

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    Curt hitch, 1UpUSA bike rack. Wouldn't change a thing. Ever. Yes, the rack is expensive, but when you see your $$,$$$ bike bouncing in the street because you bought a one tire hold, or frame hold bike rack (ask me how I know) you'll wish you had bought a 1UpUSA. Just my experience, not a rep for them just for the record.
     

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    #3 J Dunn, Jul 28, 2015
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is the curt the 'hidden hitch', or do they make both?
     
    #4 bisco, Jul 28, 2015
  5. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    #5 Sfcyclist, Jul 28, 2015
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thank you! is the hidden hitch as good as the curt? i kinds like not having the end stick out when i'm not using it.
     
    #6 bisco, Jul 28, 2015
  7. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    Sticking out? The receiver position(part that stick out) are the same on all the brands. That's a standard so all attachments fit properly. The main difference is the frame design between them. Curt using round tubing and the others square. The Torklift is unique where they purposely hide the frame structure of the hitch and you only see the receiver.
     
    #7 Sfcyclist, Jul 28, 2015
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ah, i thought the hidden hitch was tucked further in, and you added a piece when you wanted to use it. my bad. why do they call it hidden?
     
    #8 bisco, Jul 28, 2015
  9. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    "Hidden Hitch" is their brand name.
     
    #9 Sfcyclist, Jul 28, 2015
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    dang!:cool: yours doesn't stick out much, and is very attractive.
     
    #10 bisco, Jul 28, 2015
  11. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Thanks for the feedback.

    The first issue I'm having with this pursuit is no local distributors carry these specific Prius hitches. Confidence is high they are good, but guess I'm just an old school touch-taste-feel buyer. I have actually found all the popular and relative platform carriers except the 1UPUSA because no one stocks them here...which is my second issue Their site shows they sell direct...and I just don't have time to go chasing bike people around town to find and see one. They actually have very good reviews and I like the weight and folding feature, so will call them tomorrow to see my options. The only thing I don't like (other than price) is their receiver locking mechanism...no pin...locking or otherwise. They used to offer replacement hitches if stolen, but their site has since rescinded that. I prefer the way Kuat does the receiver with a pin and tensioner. Granted anything can be stolen, but those pined allen key fasteners, even with the optional lock, are about as secure as the John Deere Lawn Tractor key you can buy anywhere. In college town folks would just steal the carrier alone they cost so much, even without bikes installed. Son's not leaving until 18/19 Aug now, so I still have time.
     
    #11 frodoz737, Jul 29, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2015
  12. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    Free shipping.... and etrailer photos are quite detailed. Old school I do understand but the market isnt' the same anymore.. consumer don't pay enough to have local stores stock items for show.

     
    #12 Sfcyclist, Jul 29, 2015
  13. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    So here's my next quandary, the hitch mounted bike rack (any configuration) obscuring the rear license plate and lights? We live in and Son will be attending Part 2 in Texas. Looking up laws are tedious at best, but this is what I found so far and "my interpretation": A bike rack as it related to this conversation is not a violation, but if you get a ticketed the court will throw it out if you pay an $10 administrative fee.

    TRANSPORTATION CODE CHAPTER 504. LICENSE PLATES

    Guess I'll have to check with DPS on this one.
     
    #13 frodoz737, Jul 29, 2015
  14. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    J Dunn, would you post a picture of your vehicle with the 2 bike 1UPUSA in the stowed position please?
     
    #14 frodoz737, Jul 29, 2015
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  15. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    You can relocate the plates onto the rack?
     
    #15 Sfcyclist, Jul 29, 2015
  16. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Yes...but not sure the legal on that either.
     
    #16 frodoz737, Jul 29, 2015
  17. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    I'll have to take a look to see how bad it is.. I have never been pulled over and I've had it on for years.
     
    #17 Sfcyclist, Jul 29, 2015
  18. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Per DPS, we are good with Texas Law. As to the rack...we are looking at the Kuat NV and 1UP USA now. Thule 990XL is out because it's a frame hold down.
     
    #18 frodoz737, Aug 3, 2015
  19. Tim Nolan

    Tim Nolan New Member

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    I have a 2011 with the Drawtite and the Kuat Sherpa. I chose both because of quality and weight, and I've been extremely pleased since purchasing both online six months ago.
     
    #19 Tim Nolan, Aug 4, 2015
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  20. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Thanks. I looked at the Sherpa and NV side by side. While they are both quality units, I find the integrated cable lock, wheel cradles, "trail dock" and over all build on the NV worthy of an extra buck on a bike rack I already think cost too much anyway. Disclaimer...I'm not a bike guy,
     
    #20 frodoz737, Aug 4, 2015
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