Will Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack Fit Draw-Tite Class I Trailer Hitch on a 2017 Toyota Prius

Updated 07/25/2017 | Published 07/24/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(667)

$15.80

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(194)

$178.71

Question:

I am looking at this hitch and need to know the depth of the receiver mounting hole to backstop. I want to use it to carry the Yakima Ridgeback bike carrier but it requires 1.5inch minimum depth. Can you confirm if this will fit?

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

Yakima bike racks such as the RidgeBack do not fit Class I trailer hitches (with few exceptions). The issue is that on most Class I trailer hitches there is a stop punched into the receiver so that Class II accessories cannot be used thus helping to avoid overloading the hitch.

You can, however, use Curt hitch # C11473 on your 2017 Toyota Prius because even though it too is a Class I trailer hitch it does not have the stop in the receiver. It is also open in the back so there isn't any part of the hitch that would prevent the rack from fitting in the hitch properly.

But the Curt hitch is still a Class I rated hitch and on a Class I rated hitch you are limited to a maximum of 2 bikes even if the rack can hold more. Curt also says you have to use stabilization strap # 18050 when using this hitch for any non-trailer load (such as a bike rack or cargo carrier) per their warranty requirements. I have linked a video showing how the strap works.

expert reply by: Michael H