Concealed Style Class I Hitch Recommended for 2014 Toyota Prius V

Published 07/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(138)

$390.67

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(68)

$170.96

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

(470)

$169.43

Hitch Reducer 2" to 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(251)

$80.57

Question:

Looking for a Class 1 hidden hitch, 11/4, your recommendations? How far can I into the receiver before hitting the stop on the 200lbs class 1 hitch? My wife has a 1014 Prius V and wants to carry one bike 25 lbs. We have a inch Bell Folding Right Up inch two bike hitch rack we want to use.

asked by: John A

Expert Reply:

For a 1-1/4 inch Class I hitch with a concealed crossbar like the Class III EcoHitch # 306-X7192 you'd looked at, I'd recommend the Draw-Tite # 24967. As you can see from the provided photo, the only portion of the hitch visible from the rear is the receiver tube and the safety chain loops. The remained of the hitch is concealed behind the rear bumper and fascia.

When we installed the hitch on a 2016 Prius V, we found that when installed, the hitch pin hole in the receiver tube was recessed 5 inches rearward of the rearmost portion of the bumper. You can take a quick measurement on your bike rack to see if it would be compatible. On the shank portion of the rack that slides into the hitch receiver tube, measure from the center of the hitch pin hole rearward to the closest upright portion of the rack. If this distance is greater than 5 inches, the rack would work perfectly with the # 24967 hitch.

The Curt # C11276 Class I hitch is slightly less recessed under the vehicle, at 4-3/8 inches, but it isn't a concealed-type hitch. The entire hitch would be visible from the rear.

The EcoHitch # 306-X7192 is only recessed under the vehicle by 4 inches. You could use a reducer sleeve like part # HT02 which would allow you to use a 1-1/4 inch accessory such as a bike rack in a 2 inch hitch place and would place the upright of the bike rack 3 inches further rearward for more clearance. This hitch would be concealed except for the receiver tube and safety chain hoops.

I've linked to some installation videos that you might find helpful.