Bike Rack Recommendation for 2018 Toyota Prius Prime with Curt Hitch Installed

Updated 03/05/2020 | Published 09/09/2018

Question:

Prius Prime 2018 Hi, I just installed this hitch. Install took me about four hours, but it was not too bad and the directions you provided were perfect. The issue is that I have a three inch gap see picture from the opening of the receiver to the edge of the bumper. The Prius Prime must have a slightly different bumper than the normal Prius, which shows a flush mount to the edge of the bumper. I purchased a 1-1/4” to 2” Hitch Adapter with 4” inch rise MT73055 I intend to use 2” hitch accessories bike rack and cargo carrier with this hitch. This part does not fit due to the 3” inch gap. Can you recommend a hitch adapter that will fit? I don’t want the 2” portion of the adapter to be rubbing against the bumper if possible, which means the 1-1/4” portion should probably be longer to clear the 3” gap. A rise is preferred but not necessary.

asked by: Dustin C

Helpful Expert Reply:

For a Class I hitch like yours we do not recommend the use of hitch adapters since they cut the capacity of the hitch they are installed on by 50 percent and add quite a bit of movement. Instead we'd recommend a bike rack like the Thule Camber # TH9058 that has a longer shank that will fit underneath the bumper and not cause any fit issues. I attached a review video for this rack for you to check out as well that shows it installed on a similar 2016 Toyota Prius.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

Danw

3/4/2020

With my Prius prime 2018, I want to carry a spare tire on it. Any suggestions?

Chris R.

3/5/2020

If you want to have a spare on hand I honestly think the best route would be to simply store it inside the trunk of your Prius. You could put a basic rubber mat beneath it so it doesn't slide around during travel. If you can't afford to lose cargo space in the trunk the next best route would be either with a hitch-mounted carrier or a roof rack and basket. The most cost effective solution would be the trailer hitch route. I like the EcoHitch # 306-X7369 coupled with the Curt Spare Tire Carrier # C31006.

Helpful Links

Spare-Tire-Carrier/Curt/c31006.html

Trailer-Hitch/EcoHitch/306-X7266.html