Yes we are towing a Motorcycle

…just curious as to how it might affect the fuel consumption (…of the Prius, that is!)

 

That's not towing, that's hauling!

I also have a hitch mount for my CMax. Trip to the recycler. Adds so much utility.

 

welcome! did you have to change the rear springs? how much does it weigh?

 

SuperSprings Coil SumoSprings - 2008 Toyota Prius - TruckSpring.com

 

I get about 33 mpgs towing this.


Was just thinking you may want to add on some lights to the set up, wouldn't want somebody taking you out in the dark.

 

Silly question but what's the maximum towing weight?


iPhone ?

 

According to Toyota? Zero pounds.

 

To your knowledge what's the maximum anyone ever towed using a prius?

I was asking since I'm thinking of towing my Lambo (~4,000 lbs with the trailer) to racing events that are further away - I'm also thinking of buying a formula Ford (~2,000 lbs with the trailer). Are there any laws that prohibit you of what you can tow?

 

Yes. In my experience, states (and it is a state-by-state thing) use the manufacturer's Max Towing Capacity rating as the legal limit. Since Toyota specifies no towing capacity, I presume it's technically not legal to tow with one. Any hitch you buy will be a Class 1, and have a max weight of no more than 2000 pounds. However, the rating of the hitch is irrelevant from a legal standpoint: the car still has no Max Towing Capacity rating.

Just FYI: Class 2 goes to a max of 3500 pounds, and requires electric trailer brakes. This is mid-size SUV/pickup and full-size/RWD car territory.

To tow your Lambo to track days, you're solidly into Class 3 territory. That's going to require a full-size SUV or half ton pickup.

Having said all that... Would I feel comfortable using my Prius to tow my utility trailer across town for a Home Depot or dump run? Yes - at 35 - 45mph.

Would I feel comfortable using my Prius to tow a 2000 pound trailer on the interstate? Absolutely not.

 

That's good info, thank you for your answer!

 

I dig it! I have been considering buying a new Honda grom, Kawasaki ninja 600R, or Triumph speed triple. However, my truck is sitting on my family's ranch 4 hours away from me. This just confirmed I can rent a motorcycle trailer and tow a new bike home myself.

 

I would love to see a link to your flying machine because that looks awesome!

Great knowledge here.

I would liek to add that a lot of Prius towers are using the very nice Torklift EcoHitch: Torklift Central | 2010-2015 Toyota Prius & Prius Plugin EcoHitch - Toyota - Find Your EcoHitch - RVing and Towing

It allows us to use a "Class 3" 2" receiver with the caveat that we only tow up to 2000lbs. Also one could purchase a aluminum trailer that's almost half the weight of a steel trailer that give you more payload capacity since the trailer is so much lighter.

And like tvpierce suggests, slow down when towing, keep the car in power mode if you have that option so your leaning on the engine more than the electrical system, etc...

My 400lb empty 6'x12' utility trailer has provided me with so many options to move material with my Prius that I won't need a truck until I do some sort RV traveling in the future.

 

Here you go...

 

Thanks for sharing the video. I just realized that I forgot to respond after viewing it.

Looks like a very liberating experience.

 

good lord, it's a giant motorized kite! fetch me the shootin' iron there Jim-Bob!

 

will UHaul let you rent a trailer if you have proper lights and hitch?