Towing capacity of a 2004-2009 prius

You can use a 4-pin connector, you just need a converter module. They're inexpensive and available wherever trailer components are sold. There are two kinds--those that use energy only from the light inputs and those that connect to a 12v source and only use the inputs as switching signals. The former type usually works fine but the latter type (it's what I use on my trucklet) results in bright, crisp-flashing trailer lights and doesn't slow down the flash rate on the blinkers.

You might not want to inform your insurance company. It may be better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. Then again, if you do encounter a problem you might find you are not covered if you don't inquire first. I don't know which would be better.

Be very, very careful. I would keep speeds below 55mph with boat. And as mentioned, use extreme caution on the boat ramp. Large trucks get dragged into the water on the ramps all the time. You might have another vehicle connected to the Pri by a strap the first time you launch.

 

I always wonder why that is.

 

Vehicles' braking systems are not designed for backing downhill. Most of the braking bias is in the front, for the best braking ability and control in normal stops. When backing downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts toward the back wheels, which have little braking ability. The tongue load of the trailer further compounds this. Many boat ramps have fairly steep grades, and the mass of the vehicle and trailer can easily overcome the braking traction of the vehicle going backwards. Add some algae, moisture or sand and the odds of getting pulled into the drink can get quite high.

You can hover your foot over the parking brake pedal, which activates the rear brakes and could be a big help.

I have a theory for the photo above. Driver headed down the ramp and attempted to turn around and begin backing, but the front wheels locked up on the algae and the truck continued going straight. It can happen to anyone.

 

all the best kev!

 

uploading pics has been a problem lately, depends on what device you are using

 

not sure which devices work and which don't, but mendel leisk has a thread going, documenting the problems.

 

I am sure the car will have no immediate problems now, but what about in a few more years?

 

I for one was skeptical about towing with a prius, but if it is working why not? really want to see the pictures. curious what mpg will be on trips please post picture of hitch also, thanks
i

 

I sure would like to see pictures of your Prius towing a 2700 pound trailer. I think it is a very bad idea. You are getting very close to the weight of the tow vehicle(Prius) that is not rated to t0w anything. It is most likely dangerous because your stopping distances are going to be a lot more then normal. Plus I would not expect your Prius to last very long if you tow those loads very much.

But it is your car. I just hope that you don't cause anymore damage to other vehicles.

Glenn

 

Go to post #26 as this is getting close at 2360 lbs, but what is more is the large frontal area giving plenty of drag.

John (Britprius)

 

Interesting. Good to know.

 

LOL, he did damage other vehicles already. Good to know insurance paid.

As for the shortened car lifespan with towing, it applies to any car. I used to have subaru legacy wagon and I towed my boat with it some (mostly locally, no long trips). I slapped a tranny cooler, tranny temp gauge, and trailer brakes and thought I was good. Well, at about 40,000 miles I decided to change transfer and rear diff fluids, and they looked like thick silver paint. By 60,000 miles, there was rear diff noise. When that car was totaled soon after, I decided to get a bigger car to do that towing. My RAV4 is rated for 3500 lbs towing and seems OK so far. Based on my experience, I would not use a small car for serious towing.

 

Britprius, since you are from UK, is it legal to tow with Prius, what kind of hitch did you install, is it homologated to tow?

I found Thule tow bar but its "non towing", only for bike rack with vertical load of 50 kg.

Auris HSD with a copy/paste drivetrain from Prius is allowed to tow a light trailer (350 kg), I don't see a reason Prius couldn't do that.

 

Umm, is it just me, or does it sound like that dealership, service advisor, and/or technician don't know the internal workings of a Hybrid transaxle? There should be no trouble draining and refilling the trans even at higher miles on a Prius. There's nothing to them. Unless something has broken, the most you should see in the fluid is the pressence of metal particulates (looks like powdered graphite) in it. Which is completely normal and not harm causing. Now, if it was a conventional transmission with clutches, bands, etc. I would be cautious of higher mileage services if the fluid hadn't ever been serviced.

 

I too would like to know which towbar you used does the one from the UK Avensis fit? I intend to tow a tiny Eldis Wisp caravan and will keep an eye on MG temps

Simon

 

I had a local tow bar fitting shop make a tow bar up for me. They made and fitted it in one day. I think the most likely candidate for a direct fit bar would be the Corola as I think the Aventis bar would be wider, but I have not taken measurements to prove either.
I tow an Elddis Vogue with a Reich motor mover fitted about 500 lbs heavier than the Wisp.

John (Britprius)