Light-Duty Class I Trailer Hitch for 2015 Toyota Prius

Question:

I have a 2015 Toyota Prius. Does you trailer hitch bolts directly to the frame with the 4-bolts or to the sheet metal? Local trailer shop warns against installing hitch.

asked by: Bill N

Helpful Expert Reply:

All passenger vehicle trailer hitches we sell will bolt to the vehicle's frame, which is its strongest structural part. Three hitches are offered for your car, all of which are 1-1/4-inch Class I types that are shown on the linked page. All share identical capacities.

For the simplest no-drill installation I suggest the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch # 24847. You can watch a video of this hitch being installed on a 2014 Prius by clicking on the link provided. All hardware needed to install the hitch is included.

Hitches for a light-duty vehicle such as a Prius are not intended to allow towing trailers so much as to allow use of a small 2-bike rack or a cargo carrier. Examples of compatible Class I bike and cargo carriers are the Swagman XC # S64650 and the Curt # C18110.

That said, the online owner's manual for this vehicle indicates on page 328:

"Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc.
Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers".

I suggest checking your printed manual in case it differs.

The manual does not expressly state that installing a hitch will void the vehicle warranty but this is a matter to consider carefully.