Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 2012 Toyota Prius

Updated 04/24/2014 | Published 04/22/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

(721)

$161.10

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(149)

$56.54

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

(469)

$160.97

Curt Clamp-On Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Ball Mounts

(78)

$143.64

Question:

Congratulations on the videos. Very well explained. I though I would have to get from local place and pay for installation... What is the difference between part # 24847 and C11276? Both are Class 1. In one of the videos, you mentioned to use a bike rack with only 2 bikes since the hitch is class 1. I guess an aluminum bike weights around 25lb. The bike rack made of steel, 15lb. That makes 215lb. Do I need to move on to a class 2??? Do you sell the tongue with a ball over 2? My bike rack is the one that grabs on both sides of the ball, and stays open on a V shape, and needs that ball size to have grab properly The wiring video shows it is for a 2010 Prius. Mine is 2012. Is there any difference? Why you cannot install the ear for emergency tie-ups? Does not fit?

asked by: Robson O

Expert Reply:

Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 24847 has a square cross tube and a little bit different design than Curt hitch # C11276 which has a round cross tube.

Both bike rack and hitch manufacturers agree that on a Class I trailer hitch the maximum capacity is 2 bikes. The issue is not how much weight would be on the hitch it is where that weight is placed relative the the hitch receiver. The further the weight is away from the receiver the more stress and torque is put on it like using a cheater bar to loosen a lug nut. Class I trailer hitches are not built or rated for that and damage to the hitch and vehicle can occur.

There are no Class II trailer hitches available for the 2012 Toyota Prius. It sounds like you have bike rack # C18013 or something similar which is a towing bike rack. You would have to have a Class III hitch for that type of rack, also not available for the 2012 Prius.

You are going to want to check your Prius owners manual to make sure you can install a hitch and tow with the vehicle. It has been our experience that Toyota states not to tow with the Prius.

Wiring harness # 118505 does fit the 2012 Toyota Prius as well as the 2010. The installation on the 2012 will be basically the same on a 2012. I am not sure what emergency ear for emergency tieups you mean. Just a little more information on that and I will be happy to help.