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Looking For a Hidden/Stealth Trailer Hitch

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by The Critic, Feb 19, 2012.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    In The Market For a Hidden Trailer Hitch

    I am considering a trailer hitch so that I can install a bike rack.

    However, I cannot stand the appearance of a trailer hitch so I am looking for a completely hidden trailer hitch. So far, the best option I have found is the Torklift Central Eco-Hitch Stealth for $250.



    http://shop.tlcentral.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=157&idproduct=1040

    Does anyone know of any other hitches to consider? I saw a picture of the Hidden Hitch brand, but the hitch is still too obvious.

    Thanks.
     
  2. Torklift Central

    Torklift Central Junior Member

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    We offer the ONLY hidden/stealth hitch on the market.


    Trust me. We have looked for a competitor.

    Our hitch is 100% no drilling to the frame and is bolt on.

    If you have any questions please feel free to email me at [email protected]

    We also ship them to you for free.
     
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  3. skey44

    skey44 New Member

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    where did you find it for $250 it looks like its 275 on the site
     
  4. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    It was probably $250 at the time of the original post. The hitch is only sold through their website afaik.

    The hitch is probably not worth the extra money esp considering that this hitch is not easily removable before you bring the car into the dealer. The Hidden Hitch /Draw-tie one looks fairly decent and is only $110.
     
  5. eseymour72

    eseymour72 Junior Member

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    I just installed this hitch yesterday. It took me about 3 hours to fully install it.

    The only part of the install I was not really comfortable with was having to cut part of the sheet metal behind the rear bumper. It's a very small amount and I painted and sealed it up before finishing the install. There is also a decent amount of cutting of the rear undercover plastic panel but I really didn't mind cutting that because it's replaceable.

    I think Torklift should note on their website that you must cut the metal on the car because I think it's kind of a big deal.

    I do like how it looks and it is really solid - zero flex.

    As far as removing it for dealer servicing - that is NOT going to happen; way too much work! I personally have no intention of towing with it, just wanted something that will work with 2" bike racks.

    I would recommend this rack even with the minor trimming of the sheet metal.

    BTW...it is $275 shipped from Torklift.
     
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  6. Rh0

    Rh0 Junior Lurker

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    On some of their install videos, they splash "no weld", "no drilling" banners. I guess they didn't say "no cutting"!:eek:
     
  7. GaR619

    GaR619 Junior Member

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    I was going to buy this til I read that you have to do some cutting.. are there any hitches that are a straight bolt on?
     
  8. d2mini

    d2mini Active Member

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    I have the Curt hitch.
    The round gloss black tubing blends in nicely, it's cheap and it works.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
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  9. GaR619

    GaR619 Junior Member

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    Thanks. I just found your previous thread and am deciding to buy the Curth hitch. Thanks for your posts.
     
  10. d2mini

    d2mini Active Member

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    No problemo.
    And install was super easy. 20 minutes tops.
     
  11. GaR619

    GaR619 Junior Member

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    I was going to order the Curth hitch, but customer service told me that its not recommended for my 2 Stretch beach cruisers becauseof the 200lb tounge weight.. I think the bikes weigh less than 50 each and a rack would way about 40. She said she would love to sell me one but she would not reccomend it for what I want to use it for..
     
  12. d2mini

    d2mini Active Member

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    So the 120-ish pounds is too heavy for their 200lb tongue weight? o_O
     
  13. bielinsk

    bielinsk Gremlin

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  14. GaR619

    GaR619 Junior Member

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    Thats what I'm saying. I'm going to buy it anyways. Just hope she just did bad in math in high school. :)
     
  15. d2mini

    d2mini Active Member

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    The following is just my thoughts based on previous experience...
    The helium is good option if you don't mind clamping over the top tubes (may not be a good choice if you have carbon frames) and having your bikes at funky angles (see pics in that link above), since most bikes today have angled top tubes. Some frames like full suspension mountain bikes are really difficult to slide on to that type of rack, too since their is not much space left in the frame, especially when you have to slide it back to the second or third mounting point. You'll also have to secure the wheels with a bungie or strap or something so they are not dangling around. I like the look of this type of rack sans bikes for it's minimalist style, but in actual use I prefer the tray style. Another thing... look at the pics in that link. Notice how far out there that bike is? Then look at the side view of mine here:
    7216008350_5779b9d41b_c.jpg
    I'm not meaning to bash the helium style rack. It's just that after using all kinds, I really prefer the tray style for all the reasons mentioned above, and IMHO of course, it's worth the extra weight. YMMV.
     
  16. BreitrthnU

    BreitrthnU Can you smell the premix?

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    Heres what I use and can recommend. Curt hitch with this rack.
    SportRack 2EZ Premium Hitch Platform System - SportRack Hitch Mount Bike Racks

    I was searching for a rack and this one has tons of reviews. Alot of fellow mtbers at my parks also have this model or the lower. This brand is associated with Thule. The main reason I bought it is because it does the same job as the comp. at half the price and half the weight. This rack weighs in at about 26lbs. The bottom trays are adjustable so they can fit recumbants. Only thing though is that it attaches to the frame, and it doesnt fold up like popular brands. However the trays do fold up so its not as bulky. Ive had it for almost a year now and its never failed. For that price it comes with locks for the bikes and a hitch lock too. Plus with it being only 26lbs or so it helps with your concern for the hitch tongue weight although I wouldnt worry.
     
  17. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    For you die-hard Hitch enthusiasts, I have some juicy information. I have been dilegently researching the
    2" class I "Stealth" Ecohitch (Ordered) and its compatibility with what I want to accomplish for my 2012 Prius IV. What I wanted to accomplish was to be able to rack a minimum of 2 bicycles and, trailer a miniumum of 2 X 350lb (fueled)=700Lbs KTM 690 Enduro Motorcycles.
    As far as the bicycles, I ended up with the super light (2o something pounds) Thule Helium 3 bike rack that is maximum load rated rated at 105 Lbs. (3 X 35 lb bikes) for the class I hitch. This appears to be as heavy as you should go on Tongue weight given that you have to factor in the leverage/ torque of the rack in addition to the weight. I got the Helium for the great discount price of 290.00 at autoanything (ends today 9/1/2012). And in case you were wondering...the "Quality S" (NOT stealthy) hitch that seems to be unavailable right now, is in reality a class I hitch NOT class III as they claim ( see the bottom of instruction manual posted on-line where its says 200 tongue weight/ 2000 tow weight). For the motorcycle towing, I just talked to the guy who runs greentechnologiestransport.com. He travels all over the country pulling a three bike 400LB steel trailer
    (they sell) with two x 800 lb Harleys loaded (2000lbs) AND he claims he gets 60 MPG while towing it! He said a stock Prius only would get 30MPG doing this and, his easiest MPG fix was to change the transaxle fluid to "Royal Purple full synthetic". He said "I don't care what Toyota says", because it makes a world of difference. I think he also made some battery mods to get 60 MPG so, I didn't get how much difference the Tranny fluid by itself makes. He travels all over and said that he was comfortable trailering 2000-3000 lbs with a prius. He didn't seem to think I would have trouble doing any of the above with the class I "stealth" Ecohitch.
    Amen!
     
  18. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    This falls into the 'too good to be true' category, and demands substantiation before I can believe it.

    If he can get 60 mpg towing that much air drag on the trailer & motorcycles (even my bicycles on the hitch rack make a substantial difference), then his mods would do much better when not towing anything. We all could use it without towing -- if it is real. I'm not holding my breath.
     
  19. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    Now I see the Thule Helium 3 bike rack has a shipping weight of 26 Lbs. and it says to only load "2 bikes" on a class I hitch.
     
  20. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    I want a hitch that will not rust. If you live in an area that gets snow all hitches will turn to pure rust after 2 years.