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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. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    Well the Torklift Eco hitch "stealth" is up out of sight, so even if it rusts you won't be able to see it AND it comes in 1 1/4" and 2" sizes
     
  2. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    It will leave rust stains all over the drive or garage floor. On my last car I painted it every 2 years. I do not want to do that again.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    Since its located up under the aerodynamic panel (underneath)...most of the rust will stay with the car. Or, if you can find someone that will fabricate one in aluminium?
     
  4. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    I am shocked no one makes an aluminum hitch.
     
  5. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    Yeah, I was thinking the same thing...especially since I have all-aluminium Motorcycle carriers. I just recieved my torklift central "Stealth" Ecohitch today. I contemplated having an aluminium fabricator make an aluminium version but, I'll bet that ain't cheap (especially for a 1 up custom) or somebody would be doing it by now. I guess since tow hitches generally started out as an item on gas guzzling vehicles where fuel consumption was a moot point, there probably was never a need or market for a light weight rust proof hitch until now. And its questionable whether people would pay say 475 bucks for hitch they could get for less than half the price in steel (price based on my motorcyle carrier cost).
     
  6. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    According to my bathroom scale, the "Stealth Ecohitch" (still in packaging) weighs in at 33lbs. or about the weight of a bicycle. I don't know how much an aluminium hitch would improve upon that figure but, it begs the question...If I could save weight on the hitch, could I maybe safely get away with a third bike on my Thule Helium rack?
     
  7. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    Yeah, I was incredulous too. When I went to an interview website with him the MPG figures quoted there were lower (50 MPG). But, as I said, he did do some kind of battery mods as well.
     
  8. ZPriusv5

    ZPriusv5 Junior Member

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    Hey all, I found a promo code to get $25 off the Torklift Central Eco-hitch good till this Sunday (brings the price on Prii versions of the ecohitch to $225 shipped). Promo code is "Pluginday2012".
     
  9. ZPriusv5

    ZPriusv5 Junior Member

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    What kind of paint did you use? Did you sand/prime it first?
     
  10. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    I had this vehicle for 10 years and 305,000 miles.

    After the 2nd year I took it to a friend that owns a powder coat shop. He had it dipped in acid, cleaned, and they put their most rugged powder coat on.

    After the 4th year it was rusting bad again so I decided to paint it myself. I used a wire wheel and stripped all the paint and rust down to clear metal. I primed using a Krylon primer and let it set a few days. Then I coated it with a Krylon flat black paint.

    After 6, 8 and 10 years I had the same issue. I did the same think as I did the 4th year over and over.

    If you live in an area that uses stone and salt to keep the roads clean you will have a rusty hitch. The only way around this is a hitch made out of a resin, a resin fiber mix or aluminum.
     
  11. Bawb Hoss

    Bawb Hoss ...... V8 Biker ......

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  12. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    I really want an aluminium hitch for its light weight and rust proof qualities but, I'm long on ideas and short on cash so, if you get an aluminium hitch, be sure to tell us all about it and what it costs because, you're preaching to the choir here.
     
  13. JayLn

    JayLn Active Member

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    Hi is this the same hitch that you have
    CURT Manufacturing 112762 Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 2" Euromount, Pin and Clip

    amazon.com/gp/product/B007JEJP92/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=
     
  14. SaraB

    SaraB Junior Member

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    I am trying to decide what Hitch Bike rack to buy for my 2012 prius - I think the same model that you have. What Yakima model did you buy, and are you pleased with it. The reviews for both Thule and Yakima are mixed, and before purchasing I'd love to hear how you like it, and how many bikes you carry. Thanks so much!