How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In

To add a trailer hitch to a 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In you will need a few tools, a CURT 11276 trailer hitch and about 30 minutes to complete the installation. Follow these basic steps to begin hauling all sorts of hitch-mounted accessories with your Toyota Prius today.

About the CURT 11276

The CURT 11276 is a class 1, bolt-on trailer hitch designed for the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In. The hitch has a max trailer weight of 2,000 lb. and a max tongue weight of 200 lb. There is no drilling or welding required for this installation.

Tools needed:

• Safety glasses 
• 17mm and 19mm sockets 
• Torque wrench 
• Pry bar 
• 5-inch extension 
• Socket wrench

2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In hitch installation steps

1. Lower the exhaust

Use the pry bar to remove the isolator rod from the rubber exhaust hanger found above the exhaust muffler. You may need to use soapy water to loosen the rod.

2. Remove the exhaust bracket

Use the 17mm socket and 5-inch extension to remove the bolts holding the exhaust bracket in place. Set the bracket aside, as you will be reinstalling it.

3. Remove the tow hook

Use the 17mm socket and 5-inch extension to remove the two bolts holding the tow hook in place. The tow hook is located on the driver side. Store these in a safe place, as you will not be reinstalling the tow hook.

4. Position the hitch

Lift the hitch into position. Put the exhaust bracket back in place sandwiching the hitch bracket between the frame rail. Attach using the provided M12 bolts and conical washer with the teeth facing the exhaust bracket. Repeat on the driver side where the tow hook was previously.

5. Torque the hitch

Use the torque hitch fitted with the 17mm socket and torque the M12 bolts to 72 ft. lb. You should hear a clicking sound after the correct amount of torque is applied.

6. Raise the exhaust

With the exhaust bracket and hanger back in place, raise the exhaust by returning the isolator rod to the exhaust hanger. The exhaust should not touch the hitch.

Once installed the hitch should measure:

• 12 in. from the top of the receiver to the ground 
• 2 in. from the pin hole to the end of the bumper 
• Flush from the end of the receiver to the bumper

You should now have your CURT 11276 trailer hitch installed on your 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In.

Whatever vehicle you drive, we have a trailer hitch for you. Don’t have the time to install yourself? Schedule a professional installation at uhaul.com and we’ll do the work. If U-Haul doesn’t have a hitch for your vehicle, nobody does!