Installing receiver hitch question

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Frogerelli, Mar 21, 2013.

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  1. Frogerelli

    Frogerelli Junior Member

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    Car is a 2010, the underside of it is covered by a plastic belly pan. There is an oriface on the left side of the pan for the bolts that the hitch fastens to the car with. The right side, by the muffler does not have the belly pan near it. If I have the correct hitch, do I need to modify the pan to bolt on the hitch or will it fit through the oval hole in the pan?
     
    #1 Frogerelli, Mar 21, 2013
  2. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Resize of 008.jpg
    Should bolt right up. I think you use one of the muffler bolt holes, with a longer bolt shipped with hitch. If I'm wrong someone chime in.
     
    #2 retired4999, Mar 21, 2013
  3. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    All the hitches use the same bolt holes. I just installed mine hours ago.

    Are you having problems fitting it through the plastic cover? The key was on the Curt hitch, I bet the same with others, is angle the drivers side into position first, then lift up the muffler side into place.

    These photos aren't too helpful but here's the link;

    Done deal, got my Blizzard White Persona! | Page 2 | PriusChat
     
    #3 Sfcyclist, Mar 23, 2013
  4. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    The right/passenger side bracket, I used 2 new bolts. 4 new bolts were included and torqued down to 75 ft lbs.
     
    #4 Sfcyclist, Mar 23, 2013
  5. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Nice install pic's, good job looks great! :)
     
    #5 retired4999, Mar 23, 2013
  6. detroit11

    detroit11 Junior Member

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    can you use the existing bolts ? for the hitch. or do you need different ones ?
     
    #6 detroit11, Mar 26, 2013
  7. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Four new bolts come with the hitch. I think you should use some of them where need, extra length because of the added metal thickness of the hitch.
     
    #7 retired4999, Mar 26, 2013
  8. detroit11

    detroit11 Junior Member

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    I have a hitch but it didnt have any additional hardware thats why I was asking :)
     
    #8 detroit11, Mar 26, 2013
  9. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Oh! Just check for length when installing you may find they are long enough. If you think you will need longer ones, any parts house will have them they are really cheap. :)
     
    #9 retired4999, Mar 26, 2013
  10. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    You may find that you need one by the muffler because you are adding the metal thickness of the muffler bracket also!
     
    #10 retired4999, Mar 26, 2013
  11. detroit11

    detroit11 Junior Member

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    roger that ty
     
    #11 detroit11, Mar 26, 2013
  12. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    The bolts provided are also higher grade.
     
    #12 Sfcyclist, Mar 26, 2013
  13. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    correct! Grade 8 bolt would be good.
     
    #13 retired4999, Mar 26, 2013
    TwoUnderPar likes this.
  14. detroit11

    detroit11 Junior Member

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    Does anyone know the exact size of the bolts needed ?
    I will have to go pick up some more. I didnt the hitch did not come with any hardware at all.
     
    #14 detroit11, Mar 26, 2013
  15. mnsweeps

    mnsweeps Member

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    btw what brand of hitch did you get? I have a 2012 Prius
     
    #15 mnsweeps, Mar 26, 2013
  16. detroit11

    detroit11 Junior Member

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    I dont know I cant find a brand but its tubular
     
    #16 detroit11, Mar 26, 2013
  17. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    Only tubular one I know of is Curt.

    Bolt size is M12-1.25x40 hex bolt. Came with 4 conical washers too. Per Curt, torque to 72ft lbs.
     
    #17 Sfcyclist, Mar 27, 2013
  18. detroit11

    detroit11 Junior Member

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    awesome, thank you
     
    #18 detroit11, Mar 27, 2013
  19. Frogerelli

    Frogerelli Junior Member

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    I bought a tubular Reese hitch through Amazon for $106, delivered. Now if I could only find an equally good deal on a Saris Thelma...
     
    #19 Frogerelli, Mar 31, 2013
  20. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    How's the finish? Curts finish looks durable and glossy.
     
    #20 Sfcyclist, Mar 31, 2013
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