Have you seen this in the hybrid owner's manual:

Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.

Section 2-5. Driving information, Page 221

Now, there's a decent chance that this could be in the regular gas model's manual as well.

I'd still be wary of towing with a hybrid though.

 

I saw that and yes it is in the gas model manual as well. I am installing a hitch for a bike rack only, no towing.

 

Hitches of the Hybrid



You may want to talk to a Toyota service manager to see if a hitch installation may have a negative impact on the car's warranty.
No matter what the hitch is to be used for.

 

Please post your findings. I am considering a hitch and carrier for two bikes.

 

Got it!

Please post your findings. I am considering a hitch and carrier for two bikes.

A local hitch installation place made it happen. We installed a Draw Tight. I think the Hidden Hitch works just the same. On the right side you have to remove the muffler...that was no big deal....it bolts on under the muffler. The left side is where they had to do some modification. The steel plate that bolts to the car is about 6x6 inch square and there is a plastic solid body panel ther. They just cut a hole the size of the plate so it would fit through. Fits perfect, looks great unless you look under the car then you see the big hole they had to cut in the panel. If I were to do it again I would save the piece they cut outand after installation.....try to put most of it back on and somehow reattach it so the hole wasn't there but not neccesary. I drive it on the freeway and no windnoise or anything. I took some pictures but my work email blocks all the ways to upload them so I don't know if I can upload from my phone.

 

Me Too!

I want to put a bike rack on the back. I use a hitch mount on my other car. Would like to do so on the TCH as well.

 

http://s1266.photobucket.com/albums...com/albums/jj521/Norvell_Todd/Snapbucket/?action=view&current=BE76B87E-orig.jpg

 

http://s1266.photobucket.com/albums...com/albums/jj521/Norvell_Todd/Snapbucket/?action=view&current=15844FF1-orig.jpg

 

Thank you Norvelltodd for the info and photos.

 

I see a Camry at work with a bike rack, but it is attached thru the trunk. No need for hitch. I think there are lots of configurations for bike racks that don't require a hitch.

 

Bike Carrier for 2012 Camry Hybrid

Anyone find a good trunk mounted bike carrier for this car?

 

Just FYI, my 2012 Camry SE I4 has no plastic panel on the left side to trim, so I don't think there's anything to worry about regarding the elements when cutting a 6"x6" opening to accommodate the hitch. It appears that norvelltodd is correct in that the panel is there to improve aerodynamics.

 

For your 2012 Camry, I bought at www.hitchdepotusa.com for 127$ with free shipping. The only problem with the hybrid is that there is no t-connector (direct fit wiring harness) but if it is for a bike rack, does not matter.

 

You have to watch for rear ground clearance with a hitch. on certain driveways, entrances/exits you could bottom out on the hitch. There isn't a lot of clearance to begin with.