Hitch for a bike rack

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(The Ericsons @ Apr 13 2006, 08:13 AM) [snapback]239031[/snapback]</div>

I ordered the hitch in early '04 for my 2004 Prius. Shipping time, I believe, was average. Installation was relatively easy with a good rachet set. It has held up quite well and I will be transferring it to my '06 if the fit remains the same. If it doesn't fit, I will certainly put it up for sale.
I have heard some stories of slow processing with Coastal the past several months. It seems to be hit and miss.

 

I have not heard of any delays in shipping Coastal hitches, just the electronic goodies.

There are at least two out there, including Coastal's. I chose the 2" Coastal and am happy with it. It installed easily and appears very strong. I added trailer light witing which I will rig to my bike rack.

The Coastal hitch lacks safety chain rings, so if you plan on towing a light trailer, you might look elsewhere.

 

My husband and I own a 2006 Prius. We are contemplating purchasing two new bicycles and wonder how we will haul them in our Prius. One bike dealer says that there is no problem installing a hitch onto the Prius even though the Owner's Manual says to never do this. What product has worked for those of you using this chat room. We will be hauling two bicycles. I'm concerned about possible damage to the back of the hatchback...and I definitely don't want the bicycles to fall off the back of the car into oncoming traffic.

 

Neither of the hitches available for the Prius are designed for very heavy loads, keep that in mind.

The 1.25" Curt hitch is better-designed than the Coastal 2" hitch. There has been several instances of the coastal hitch failing, like in this thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...-you-put-your-hitch-carrier-3.html#post403668

I would stay away from the Coastal one.

I got the Curt hitch instead, bought it at U-Haul and have them installed it for me back in '07 on my Gen-2 Prius. I use it to haul 2 light road bikes max. No problems. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...-curt-hitch.html?highlight=finally+curt+hitch

Either hitch would be capable of hauling one heavy mountain bike, using a reasonably light rack. I wouldn't use the Coastal hitch to haul more than that. The Curt is better, but I wouldn't haul 2 mountain bikes with it. I also wouldn't haul more than 2 road bikes with the Curt. JMHO.

 

I just installed a Curt about a month ago. You want the flat bar new one not the tubular model which will melt the bumper as its gets to near the muffler. The tubular one is cheaper and still avail. so beware.
I got my newer flat bar model off eBay brand new fast shipped for $143. delivered.
From ebay seller eCustomhitch Curt Model 11468. Plenty strong for 2 bikes and light towing.
Plus there's a ton of cheap bike mounts on eBay. I like the Coleman myself. The 11468 Curt has a 1 1/4 receiver.


But like many many other people, the brand new Curt was pretty bent. The mounting flanges where bent in and they also misaligned the mount holes on one side of the hitch so I had to re-drill the holes. Took an easy 1 hour bolt up install and turned it into 3.

So whoever you bring your Curt to for installation be ready for some complaining & extra install costs. Nice quality hitch, nice paint, terrible QC.

 

Or do what I did and buy folding bikes and put them inside... I got a Brompton.

 

I bought my Curt hitch about 2 1/2 years ago after many recommendations in this forum. I bent it all out of shape trying to get the bolt holes to line up. After calling Curt, they explained how to get them lined up by using a rubber mallet, and offered to replace my hitch with a brand new one, which I accepted.
Using a rubber mallet, I got it to line up perfectly, and sent the old one back to them, (they even paid all the shipping charges.). I would not hesitate to recommend Curt to anyone looking for a hitch for their Prius. They are well made and provide excellent customer service. (Note: I am not affiliated in any way shape or form with Curt. I only purchased it based on recommendations in this forum.)

 

The bent in ears was not bad but a rubber mallet would not have fixed the inaccurate hole to hole position on one bracket.

Drilling was easier as compared to boxing it back up, shipping it back and waiting another week, re-setting the car back up for another install, which knowing Curt the replacement hitch could have been just as bad.

There basic quality is very good. Nice welds, great paint, good bolts etc, but there build alignment QC is a joke.

 

i bought the newer revisioned Curt rack used on Craigslist, looked new...i don't think the PO ever used it. it seems very well built and strong. not sure who would hesistate to put more than 2 bicycles on it (which would equate to what, 80lb WITH the bike carrier?), i have a cargo rack on mine that i built...it weighs in at about 61lb i believe it was. i have 2 diesel battery's in it (about 60lb/ea), it's been like that for 1 week....with no issues thus far. (essentially stress testing around town prior to going on a trip)

p.s. it took 1 socket, 1 extension, 1 rachet, and about 15minutes to install the hitch.