Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver and Other Parts for Towing with a 2011 Toyota Prius
Question:
We want to buy a bike rack for a 2011 prius. # TH934XTR We need a 1 1/4 receiver hitch. we would also like to tow a small trailer using this hitch. Can we do this?
asked by: Alex M
Expert Reply:
The Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR is a great bike rack that you can carry on a Class I hitch receiver with your 2011 Toyota Prius. However, with a Class I hitch you are restricted to only 2 bikes. So you might consider a 2-bike option like the Swagman Trailhead # S63360. I've linked our selection of 2-bike hitch mounted hanging bike racks that fit a Class I hitch for you as well. But if you just like the Hitching Post Pro there's no reason why you can't use it with just 2 bikes.
The Class I, 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch I recommend is the Draw-Tite # 24847. It's custom designed for your Prius. I've linked an install video for you. I like the Draw-Tite over the Curt because the Curt requires you use a support strap to carry a bike rack.
To tow the small trailer the recommended ball mount to go with the Draw-Tite hitch is # 3593. This includes the pin and clip but will need either a 1-7/8 inch hitch ball # 19256 or a 2 inch hitch ball # 19258.
You'll also need a wiring harness to power the trailer's lights. The Tekonsha # 118505 will provide a 4-way trailer connector for you. It plugs into the Toyota's wiring in the trunk behind both tail lights. Then you'll run the hot wire to the battery so the harness doesn't draw power from the tail light circuit.
I've linked some install videos as well as some articles on towing you may find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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