Another hitch post

I know. There are a lot of hitch vs cargo box threads. I read them all. Maybe. I still can't make up my mind.

I have a 2009 Gen 2 with 190k miles. In pretty good condition, except that it is eating some oil. And only doing 40 mpg or so. We'd like to go on a long road trip, and because we are partly camping inside the Prius, we'd like to carry things outside the Prius. And we did already go on a trip with everything in the Prius, and it was too much of a hassle - moving everything around before you go to sleep. So, the question is where's best. Roof cargo box or hitch cargo box?

I understand that in terms of fuel economy, hitch cargo box is probably best. But that that could damage the car, wheel alignment, etc.

I have the following questions:

1. Echohitch claims 300lbs tongue weight vs. 200lbs for curt. Is that an advantage? Or is the main limitation the car itself?
2. For causing torque on the attachment to the car, what matters would be how much weight we put in the back, and how long the weight is from the point of attachment. What are good carriers that bring that weight as close as possible to the car? And still far from the ground.

Advantages to hitch cargo box: easier to reach, cheaper, better fuel economy
Advantages to roof cargo box: possibly less damaging to the car, possibly more secure against theft

If the damage to the car risk is serious, it seems that should tilt the balance to rooftop.

 

Oh, wow. That is pretty cool. This thread: #JimThePrius Overland Conversion in the making. | PriusChat
I guess I haven't read ALL hitch threads yet. If I understand correctly, this is a self-built hitch. I guess if it is sturdy enough for that overland drive, it should be sturdy enough for me.
But I have to remove rear bumper cover and read bumper. Would that still be legal?

 

Yes, I tested the 12V battery, and it seemed OK. But it was quite old, so I replaced it. Didn't seem to help much.
I also tested and had Toyota test the main battery. Seems OK. I do align and recondition is from time to time.
It could have to do with altitude? 7500ft here. Also, the air conditioner is mostly on. Except when I remember to turn it off.

 

Thanks, yes. I need to go though it with a lens. Do you think the subaru hitch fit as is, or did he need to cut and weld? I should ask him.

 

That sounds good. What did you use it for? Did you carry load on the hitch? I'm thinking of a little box to hold stuff, and try to keep weight down...

 

So, I think he used the factory bumper reinforcing bar mounts, and somehow attached them to the Subaru hitch mount. Not sure how. It looks welded. But I guess one could use bolts. It isn't clear how he attached it to the "same tow hook bolts that the Curt ones use".

I guess I could get a regular mount, something like the Draw-Tite 75236, cut off what I don't need, then get the Curt mount, put the Draw-Title on the bumper using the mounts, and the Curt as directed, and then connect the two together somehow so that the hitch is held by both the underside bolts and the bumper bar mounts.
This would still be cheaper than the Ecohitch, and probably sturdier. And I would have two hitches.

 

I'm just trying to understand the dangers and solutions. There isn't anything in particular I'm worried about. I heard that putting too much weight on the hitch can cause problems with the drivetrain, and would like to see is that is true, and if the danger can be remedied.

Yes, I do have the original battery.
I wasn't really worried about the battery with respect to the hitch or the roof carrier. Maybe I should be.