best DIY hitch mount for a bike rack 2012 Prius Two?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by RebL, Sep 18, 2025 at 11:49 AM.

  1. RebL

    RebL Junior Member

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    Don't know how many of these are still running around (though my first Prius, 2009, is still on the road, and in New England no less). I've read through many of the posts here but most(all?) of them are from a decade ago. Are you still happy with whatever one you chose? I saw that "Curt 11469 does not require trimming or removal of panel" but I cannot find that item on the Curt website anymore. Are there others taht also don't require removal or modification of the airshield?

    Thank you!
     
    #1 RebL, Sep 18, 2025 at 11:49 AM
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    #2 frodoz737, Sep 18, 2025 at 5:47 PM
  3. RebL

    RebL Junior Member

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    Thanks?
    Does this mean you have no hitch, or a different brand, or ???
     
    #3 RebL, Sep 19, 2025 at 12:49 AM
  4. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Curt hitch still installed on my 2015 Prius and has been used many times for towing. 1UP rack left with my Son.
     
    #4 frodoz737, Sep 19, 2025 at 5:25 AM
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  5. RebL

    RebL Junior Member

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    Thank you! May I ask which of the 1up models you went for: Quik, Heavy Duty, Equip'd? One bike or more? I did see some posts from 2021 and had looked at the 2015 thread as well as the others in the ":best hitch for the money post, but with the years gone by, I wasn't sure if the hitch or the carriers were the same models. I do see you used the Curt 11276 which is what is currently available. Was any trimming or other modification of the airshield involved? I'm hoping my daughter and her BF can do the install themselves. Looking for a two bike carrier
     
    #5 RebL, Sep 19, 2025 at 10:13 AM
  6. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    The receiver was pretty easy if you know how to turn a wrench...and it is a 1 1/4". As for the rack...it's been a while but my thread refers to Quick Silver singe...with a add on. Son is all grown up and gone now, but still uses the rack with his Tacoma. Give 1UP a call. They were very helpful back then.
     
    #6 frodoz737, Sep 19, 2025 at 10:55 AM
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  7. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The hitches do fit without bumper cover modifications and are bolt on. But they are heavy and do require some vehicle disassembly to bolt them in where other hangers etc are already attached. Mine also required partial removal of the bumper cover.

    If you are trying to do this without a lift and something like a transmission jack it can be difficult as you are lying on your back with someone else trying to hold it as you bolt it in. To say nothing of the poor access as you disassemble parts to get to that point.

    This one made for a Prius says it's a difficult 9 of 10 job taking 1.5 hours.


    IMG_9902.jpeg

    So if it's on a lift with a shop's selection of tools it can be relatively easy but still time consuming.

    I will say the hitch was well made and could handle a trailer assuming the Prius was up to pulling it. I once saw a hvac guy driving a Gen2 Prius pulling a small enclosed trailer setup for his trade.


    A couple of accurate reviews
     

    Attached Files:

    #7 rjparker, Sep 19, 2025 at 11:03 AM
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2025 at 11:43 AM
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  8. RebL

    RebL Junior Member

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    Thank you both, very helpful


     
    #8 RebL, Sep 19, 2025 at 11:06 AM
  9. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    ;)
     
    #9 frodoz737, Sep 19, 2025 at 11:08 AM
  10. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    For the amount of work it takes upfront and considering the value of many high end bikes along with the versatility to pull a small trailer, I would go with a 2" receiver hitch.
     
    #10 rjparker, Sep 19, 2025 at 11:50 AM
  11. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    I almost did 2", but purchased the 1-1/4" to dissuade my Son from trying to tow anything well beyond the limits of the vehicle and his experience. College life sometimes "clouds" a person's judgement.
     
    #11 frodoz737, Sep 19, 2025 at 4:22 PM
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