Can 2012 Toyota Prius Handle 300 lbs of Tongue Weight

Question:

I’m considering buying the attached tow hitch to install on a 2012 Toyota Prius. I want to transport a motorcycle with a weight of 300 lbs. The motorcycle rack weight is factored into the weight plus extra.

asked by: Tony K

Expert Reply:

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7178 is a great hitch for your 2012 Toyota Prius and will be able to handle the 300 lb weight of your motorcycle and the motorcycle rack (if the 300 lbs you mentioned includes both), but I'm not sure if your vehicle will be able to handle that weight.

In the owner's manual Toyota mentions that you should not tow with the Prius so there isn't a max tongue weight rating given. Normally this means you need to stay around the 150 lbs - 200 lbs tongue weight benchmark since those weights are more light-duty so bumping that up to 300 lbs means you need to reach out to your local Toyota dealer to make sure they approve of that much weight behind your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jon G