Best Hitch For Carrying Heavy E-Bikes On A 2018 Toyota Prius Prime

Updated 06/29/2026 | Published 06/23/2026

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(28)

$481.99

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

(199)

$168.26

Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Hitch - 6-1/2" Long

(273)

$49.42

Question:

I have a 2018 Prius Prime that I would like a hitch for a e-bike rack. My bikes weigh about 65 each, so with 2 bikes and a rack I need something with a tongue weight limit of 200. Most of the heavy duty racks I have seen use a 2 receiver, but your 2 receiver hitch is pretty pricey. Would you recommend a 1.25 curt hitch with an adapter for a 2 rack? Thanks

asked by: Tom T

Expert Reply:

Hi Tom!

Though the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" # C11473 is significantly less expensive, it isn't the one I am going to recommend in your case. The reason for that is your bikes. Technically, the hitch has 200 pounds of tongue weight (which meets that requirement), but with it being a Class 1 hitch, it only has a 1-1/4" receiver. That means you would need to use an adapter (like the # e43YR). The problem with these is they cut your tongue weight in half, so that 200 pound tongue weight capacity would become 100 pounds of tongue weight capacity. So I would not go this route.

I know it's a lot more expensive, but I recommend going with the EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 306-X7369. This has a 2" receiver, so there is no need for an adapter that will cut the tongue weight in half. This is the much better option for you and I think you will be happier with it in the long run.

Out of curiosity, what kind of bikes will you be carrying? And do you have the bike rack yet?

expert reply by: Lazer S

Tom T.

6/26/2026

Thanks for your advice. We have two Velotric Discover 1's, which weigh about 60-65' each. I have not picked out a rack yet, but would like to get one with a ramp since the bikes are too heavy for me to pick up. I have looked at a Young Electric rack.

6/27/2026

After Installation Report: 1- This Stealth Hitch is the ONLY way I could get a Real 2x2 inch receiver. Plus the highest available load rating, for my Prius Prime. 2- While the removable lower hitch part is cool, in practice I never remove it, since it clears almost anything I back toward. BUT watch your backup cam to be sure!! 3- I also got and installed the wiring kit with interface box and flat 4-pin connector. 4- BUT I planned ahead, and added a pair of wires to bring front batter Hot and Ground to the rear, for future needs to power items, or adapting to 6 or 7 pin plugs that offer a power feed. Hint- when running the hot wire from rear to front, add the additional separate hot/ground pair, and enclose all three in high temp wire loom for protection. Good Luck!

Lazer S.

6/29/2026

@TomT You're very welcome! I hadn't heard of Young Electric before, but they look like pretty nice racks with very good capacity. I think the closest options we have to them would be either the Hollywood Racks Destination E Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # HLY66ZR or the Yakima OnRamp LX Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # Y88DJ. They are both quite a bit more expensive though.