1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Prius pulling an RV? What do you pull !!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by engerysaver, Jun 16, 2013.

  1. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2011
    453
    35
    0
    Location:
    san diego
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    hi all

    I received my scangauge 2 yesterday, installed and very happy with it, now I have a question for all. The way I set it up are:

    1. water temp
    2. RPM
    3. volt for battery "12 volt"
    4. ????? " I can not find the one for water inverter temp or MG1 or MG2. " would you guy please show me.

    by the way my scangauge firm ware is 4.12

    V/r

    Khoi Nguyen
     
  2. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    2,732
    1,703
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I don't know anything about towing but I've seen plenty of tiny European sedans pulling travel trailers. Litigation sounds about right for why it's not recommended in the US.
    The Great American Anti-Towing Conspiracy | The Truth About Cars
     
    WE0H likes this.
  3. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2010
    3,524
    981
    8
    Location:
    US
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I think it's a cultural thing. In Europe, most would walk/bike/ or use public transportation to commute. Here in US, many feel you need to have V6 powered SUV or pickup truck to do just the same (I'm not even talking about towing here). The owner manual writers just confirm to the cultural stereotypes.
     
    mmmodem likes this.
  4. nycaznmike

    nycaznmike Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2010
    17
    2
    0
    Location:
    nyc
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I had a two inch hitch installed on my prius and just ordered a direct fit hitch wiring harness

    I 've pull a 4x8 harbor freight trailer loaded with lateral file cabinets or construction equipment.
    I've installed a cargo carrier w/ aluminum tool box
    I've installed a bike rack w/ 2 bike carrier
    I've installed a harbor freight aluminum cargo carrier w/ hot water heater on it.
    I've towed a teardrop camper.

    I've being eyeing this camping trailer but hesitate to purchase since it's 1000 lbs unloaded.

    How do you monitor the inverter temperature? One big complaint is how the rear end really dips when loaded w/ stuff on cargo carriers. I'm thinking about getting those airbags too but wasn't ever able to find them. If you guys can figure out a place to purchase it.
     
  5. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2010
    3,247
    528
    0
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Load the trailer so the tongue weight isn't so much. Buy a ScanGauge 2 to monitor inverter temps and also lots of other things if you like. They are very handy to have :)

    Mike

    Mobile on my SGH-i717
     
  6. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2011
    453
    35
    0
    Location:
    san diego
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    hi

    how you set up for inverter coolant temp.?? please show me, I already set up for the water coolant temp but did not know how for inverter coolant temp. and set up for MG1 or MG2 please show me how.

    V/r

    Khoi nguyen
     
  7. nycaznmike

    nycaznmike Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2010
    17
    2
    0
    Location:
    nyc
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    My car is at the dealership today for synthetic oil change. Since i'm towing, what other work should I have done? I'm thinking about changing the inverter and transmission fluid. I have a scan gauge also, but don't know how to monitor the inverter cooler temps.
     
  8. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2010
    3,247
    528
    0
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I'd change all the fluids if you can just for peace of mind :)

    Mike

    Mobile on my SGH-i717
     
  9. nycaznmike

    nycaznmike Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2010
    17
    2
    0
    Location:
    nyc
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
  10. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    426
    130
    0
    Location:
    Tyler, Texas ; USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Again; this thread is about what your Prius pulls with total weight of trailer, with cargo. Please read post # 1.
     
  11. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    426
    130
    0
    Location:
    Tyler, Texas ; USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    This is my 4th trip pulling my RV ( post # 1 was my 3rd trip ). Again my trailer weight is about 1900 lbs, with about 530 lbs in the Prius. But this time I did not take a route that was less hills and level ground, I took the main roads, driving 55 to 60 MPH; On I-20 I drove 65 MPH. I went 138 miles, using 6.8 gallons of gas = 20.29 MPG. I had some head wind. Outside temp. 76 to 80 F.....water temp. 197 to 200 F.....MG1 -highest 309 F (avg 290-296 F).....MG2 highest 260 F ( avg 242 F).....ICF highest temp. 116 F.

    Long hills at higher RPM,s made all temps go up; also faster speeds did the same. No bells sounding or lights coming on!! No codes!!

    What do you pull with your Prius? Please post!!
     
    Emcguy, mtbiker53 and markabele like this.
  12. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2011
    453
    35
    0
    Location:
    san diego
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    damn damn!!!!!!!!
    you are the man in my book!!!,
     
  13. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    5,084
    1,782
    1
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    This is awesome. Make sure to keep us informed on how everything is working or any breakdowns. How many miles on the car right now?
     
  14. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    426
    130
    0
    Location:
    Tyler, Texas ; USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    My Prius runs great, with 36,996 miles on it; oil is OK , at the correct level. I know I,m pushing the limits!!
     
    markabele likes this.
  15. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2011
    453
    35
    0
    Location:
    san diego
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Engerysave

    The Sky is unlimited:) , maybe our Prius too:)

    I did installed the F-4136, I like it and I did the test show how it handle with 2 people in the Hatch back and 2 people in the rear seat, also a bag of salt for my water softener.

    212 lbs
    175 lbs
    175 lbs
    150 lbs
    40 lbs bag of salt

    total 752 lbs

    as you can see only drop about 1.5 inches with 4 people in the back and I only pump up 15lbs of both balloon.

    V/r

    Khoi nguyen
     

    Attached Files:

  16. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2010
    3,524
    981
    8
    Location:
    US
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    The max temp on MG1 is 162C. You are very close.

    Source: Mg1 & mg2 temperature??? | PriusChat
     
  17. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    426
    130
    0
    Location:
    Tyler, Texas ; USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Air springs works great for a better ride. The more air, the stiffer the ride!! I,m pulling about 1900 lbs with about 30 to 35 lbs in the air springs. Don,t over do it, with too much air?

    * Remember not to go over 200 lbs on the class 1 hitch. *
     
    1prius likes this.
  18. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2011
    453
    35
    0
    Location:
    san diego
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    engerysave

    understood, I won't do over 25 each side, that the max that said in the instruction, you have 30-35 lbs each side ?

    V/r

    Khoi Nguyen
     
  19. ahmeow

    ahmeow Prius Lover

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2010
    366
    70
    0
    Location:
    North CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Prius got two ac MG which can produce quite large torque. Gen 2 can make 295 ft lb of torque.
    But don't pull too heavy as the clip. The small French R. pulled too heavy and burn it's engine.
     
  20. FroggyTaco

    FroggyTaco Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2011
    211
    59
    3
    Location:
    Paso Robles, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two

    I think what he is saying is that because of the trailer load the car is in the power zone all the time to maintain highway speeds. Not a reference to accelerator pedal travel.

    Travis