Doing Hitches for Bike Carriers - Hitch Hauls - Mobility Chairs - Trailers

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by PriusCamper, Sep 3, 2022.

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  1. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    So Happy to be trailering again!

    PXL_20221009_204958566.MP.jpg
     
    #21 PriusCamper, Oct 9, 2022
    ColoradoCrow likes this.
  2. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    holy balls of steel...
     
    #22 black_jmyntrn, Oct 9, 2022
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Not sure how to take that... Can you clarify?
     
    #23 PriusCamper, Oct 9, 2022
  4. MCCOHENS

    MCCOHENS Active Member

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    I like it and will probably use the idea to tow my 400# sailboat/trailer rig. One comment, go to a truck spring shop and have some custom U bolts made up. The steel straps on the top of your bumper look like they are bending already.
     
    #24 MCCOHENS, Oct 11, 2022
  5. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    If I did this, I’d make two changes:
    1. Extend the length so it sits against the jack point.
    2. Use a thicker gauge steel and also use angle iron rather that flat steel.
     
    #25 dolj, Oct 11, 2022
  6. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    let's just say I know with first-hand experience the crash bar has no strength... no way I would personally use it how you did... love the concept and will utilize some design options you used in my next build.
     
    #26 black_jmyntrn, Oct 16, 2022
  7. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    One key concern might be: that bumper reinforcement is made of aluminum.

    Every time the car accelerates, pulling the trailer ... subtract 1 from the number of flexes left on that reinforcement.

    Every time you brake, with the trailer pushing from behind ... subtract 1 from the number of flexes left on that reinforcement.

    On the other hand, if you can do all your driving on flat ground at unchanging speed, it's good for the long haul.
     
    #27 ChapmanF, Oct 16, 2022
  8. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    oh yes, I am fully aware.. issa why I removed the front and replaced it with steel...

     
    #28 black_jmyntrn, Oct 17, 2022
  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    So it has now been 3-1/2 years since I installed this hitch and two years ago the landlady sold the home I was renting and had to use a 4X8 Harbor Freight trailer to move a massive water garden with huge boulders as well a Giant tree nursery as well as all my personal belongings, wood shop, metal shop, auto shop, hybrid battery collection... The move went on for 7 months and in the last couple-few months I was hauling a fully loaded/often overloaded trailer every day minimum 2 to 4 loads per day. I also did a great deal of backing up over curbs aggressively.

    As you can see by the photos I took today, the damage was minimal despite hundreds of loads. Also the extra bar I welded on to address torsional loads on aluminum bumper (not my idea) wasn't necessary because it broke off in the first month because it was the first thing I ever welded and I didn't weld it on very good.

    Conclusion: This super inexpensive Prius rear bumper hitch configuration is more than able to handle extreme abuse. Some of the hardware I used could probably be a little stronger though.... Also If you look closely the sheet metal bumper mounts have separated in the upper inner corner a little bit and I'd probably replace those bolts and more thoroughly inspect it if I put a hitch like this back on this particular Prius.
     

    Attached Files:

    #29 PriusCamper, Apr 1, 2026 at 10:57 PM
  10. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I have a reese $38 bumper hitch mounted to the metal bumper of 02 rolla been on since like 05 been beat to death . Checked the U bolts once . Still on car today. Fixing the engine to go another 540K which is on her now. Dad car
     
    #30 Tombukt2, Apr 2, 2026 at 8:40 AM
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