Comparing Trailer Hitch Options for Carrying 2 Bike Rack on a 2006 Toyota Prius

Question

Question:

Hi, Im looking at getting a C11468 Curt or 24808 Draw-Tite hitch for my 2006 prius to haul my bike around. I keep looking at the ecohitch but the $180 premium for moving to 2 is hard to justify. So, if Im looking at the 1.25 to 2 adapter being part of the picture, Im wondering if there is any rattle difference between the curt and drawtite parts. Thanks,

asked by: Alan

0

Expert Reply:

Betweeen the Curt # C11468 and Draw-Tite # 24808 for your 2006 Toyota Prius, I recommend the Curt simply because we have found that they tend to have better welds and a thicker powder coat than other options on the market. All of this translates into a more durable hitch that you can rely on.

While you can use an adapter like the Brophy # HTAD to carry a bike rack with a 2" shank, we typically advise against this for a few reasons. First of all it's more connection points so there are more potential places for there to be play and movement. Secondly it means the the weight capacity of your hitch is cut in half. This means that you only have 150 lbs to work with for both a bike rack and any bikes (up to 2 bikes).

You could get away just fine with the 1-1/4" htich and an adapter if you're just going across town or for short drives every now and then, but if you plan on making frequent trips and some of them longer then I highly recommend the EcoHitch # 306-X7196 instead. Not only does it eliminate the need for an adapter (which cuts your tongue weight in half), but ithe EcoHitch also has a hidden crosstube design so all you can see is the 2" receiver. This means that you have a better looking hitch that is more safe and secure to use for your application.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Bill M.

6/21/2020

Hi Jon, I need a 2" hitch for my 2006 Prius, and it looks like the Eco Hitch 306-X7196 is the only option. I notice there is no installation video for this item, and you rate it 10/10 for install difficulty. Plus, it's a lot more expensive than the other options, albeit they are both 1-1/4". I'm reluctant to buy this without knowing a little more about the installation. What makes it so difficult? Thanks,

Reply

Chris R.

6/24/2020

You're right that the EcoHitch # 306-X7196 is the only 2" receiver available for your Prius. Most EcoHitch models actually require a more in-depth install (regardless of the vehicle) because of their design. They're made to be as "invisible" as possible, meaning only the 2" receiver itself can be seen on the vehicle. This provides a super clean, OEM-like appearance, but does require bumper fascia removal and trimming. No drilling is required, but you'll need to cut up the fascia below the bumper to allow the receiver to protrude through.

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Answer 1

From the hitch pin hole to the end of the receiver tube of the Curt #C11468 is 1-7/8 inches and the same measurement on Draw-Tite #24808 is 2-1/8 inches. They're both a Class I hitch receivers so you'll need to use accessories specifically…

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Answer 2

The Draw-Tite #24808 and Curt #C11468 are the available hitch receivers for your 2006 Toyota Prius. Both are Class I and have a towing capacity of 2000 lbs. Our most popular hitch for your Prius is the Draw-Tite #24808. I have included a short…

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Answer 3

We do have trailer hitches available for your 2007 Toyota Prius that have a 200 lbs Tongue Weight (TW) rating. I recommend going with the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver #24808 which is a Class I, 1-1/4" hitch receiver which has that…

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Answer 4

Since fuel mileage is a concern you are going to want to go with a hitch and a hitch mounted cargo carrier over a roof rack option. For a hitch I would recommend the Draw Tite Hitch part #24808. This would work well to support a cargo carrier. For a…

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Answer 5

We have a great way to carry 50 lb e-bikes with your 2005 Toyota Prius but none of the trunk mounted bike racks have the capacity for an e-bike as the highest capacity trunk racks are rated for 35 lbs per bike. So instead you'd want the Thule…

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Answer 6

There are only Class I hitches available for your 2006 Prius. The most popular one we carry is the Draw Tite Hitch part #24808. I attached an FAQ article on hitch classifications for you to check out to give you a better idea on why they don't…

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Answer 7

All the hitches that we have that are for a 2007 Toyota Prius are Class I hitches and have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. Due to the attachment points on the vehicle and the weight rating of a Class I hitch it is limited to carrying 2 bikes. Some…

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Answer 8

For your upcoming cross country trip (and every trip, short or long, thereafter) I highly recommend a hitch-mounted bike rack for your 2008 Toyota Prius. I'm not sure if this was already the way you were leaning but even if your Prius isn't…

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Answer 9

For your 2005 Toyota Prius I recommend the Draw-Tite Sportframe Class I Trailer Hitch Receiver #24808. This features a 2000 pound towing capacity and 200 pound tongue weight. I prefer the Draw-Tite because it does not require the use of a support…

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Answer 10

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7196 for your 2008 Toyota Prius doesn't use a traditional class rating system like other receivers since it does use a 2" receiver that does not carry the minimum weight capacities that would…

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Answer 11

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7196 that fits your 2008 Toyota Prius weighs 30 lbs. This is a superb option for a hitch because this is the only hitch for your Prius which has a 2 inch receiver, and it's tongue weight capacity…

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Answer 12

The Kuat Transfer 1 bike rack part #KU64FR that you referenced will stick out 28 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole it is installed in. So what you'll want to do is measure from the center of your hitch pin hole out 28 inches and…

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Comparing Trailer Hitch Options for Carrying 2 Bike Rack on a 2006 Toyota Prius

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