Trailer Hitch Size & Class Available for 2010 Toyota Prius

Question:

I have a 2010 Toyota Prius and want a class 3 receiver hitch for it. I have several class 3 hitch accessories that I want to be able to use. Do you have any? Thanks

asked by: Steve

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your 2010 Toyota Prius can be fitted only with a light-duty Class I hitch like # 24847 from Draw-Tite. No higher-capacity hitches are made for the car since its underlying frame structure cannot support the weight of more than the 200-lb tongue weight rating of a Class I hitch. When it comes to vehicle capacity, there is no way to bolt on more. Please refer to the two linked articles for more on hitch sizes and classes.

Although there are adapters like # HTAD made to allow installing 2-inch accessory items in 1-1/4-inch hitches these all have the undesirable side-effect of cutting your hitch capacity in half. This results from the extended geometry of the set-up when the adapter is added. Since the adapter places the load further from the hitch, there is more leverage on all the components, so your 200-lb-rated Class I hitch will suddenly only be able to handle 100-lbs if you use a hitch adapter.

Also, makers of many bike racks and other hitch-mount accessories will void their item's warranty if it is used in conjunction with a hitch extender/adapter. Yakima, Saris and Swagman all prohibit use of adapters with their hitch racks.

I have linked our main pages for Class I bike and cargo carriers in case you wish to select one that will work with your Class I hitch.

expert reply by: Adam R