Recommendation for Receiver Hitch and Cargo Carrier on 2011 Toyota Prius

Question:

I have a 2011 toyota prius and I would like to know what is the best hitch and hitch cargo carrier for my vehicle.

asked by: Papal F

Expert Reply:

I recommend consulting the vehicle owner's manual regarding the use of a trailer hitch. To the best of my knowledge, Toyota does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier on the 2011 Toyota Prius.

Due to consumer demand, the Draw-Tite Class I Receiver Hitch, # 24847, was designed to fit the 2011 Toyota Prius. This hitch has a 200 pound tongue weight capacity and bolts directly to the frame of your Prius with no drilling required.

As for a cargo carrier, I personally recommend the 19 x 47 Curt Cargo Carrier, # C18110. This is a basket style carrier and it weighs 30 pounds. You will need to subtract the 30 pounds from your 200 pound tongue weight, leaving you 170 pounds for cargo.

There are a couple additional products that you may want to check out. I have found these to come in handy when using a carrier for my extra cargo. I always use a hitch receiver lock like # e98879, in place of a pin and clip. Using a hitch receiver lock gives me piece of mind that someone can't just walk up and take off with my cargo carrier. I also like using the Extra Large Cargo Bag, # 988501, to keep all of my belongings safe from the weather. This bag is a bit bigger than the Curt Carrier but because it has soft sides, it still works great. It is big enough to hold all of our luggage leaving plenty of room in the cargo area of our vehicle for those must haves along the way. (When you have three kids the must haves are usually toys, electronics, and food!)

Although the hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 200 pounds, Toyota doesn't give a tongue weight capacity for the Prius. I recommend that you do not exceed Toyota's specified vehicle capacity weight of 825 pounds. This would include the weight of all passengers, carriers, and cargo. Basically any weight that is added to the vehicle. You will always want to follow the weight capacity of the component with the lowest weight rating.