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Towing zero turn mower with Prius??

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by eddiehaskell, Aug 26, 2017.

  1. eddiehaskell

    eddiehaskell Member

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    I have one of the foldable harbor freight 4x8 trailers which is maybe 375lbs. I've pulled some small loads with it, but now I need a new mower for my own yard and my parents yard. Looking online, the 42" zero turn mowers are 480-500lbs. Add in fuel, trimmer, blower and that's about 550lbs of cargo. 550+375 = 925lbs. Would you feel comfy towing 925 lbs with the Prius. I'm 150lbs + 75lbs for the hitch so a grand total of 1150lbs.
     
    #1 eddiehaskell, Aug 26, 2017
  2. CNYhybrid

    CNYhybrid Member

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    #2 CNYhybrid, Aug 26, 2017
    GrGramps likes this.
  3. CNYhybrid

    CNYhybrid Member

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    It would also help if you could calculate the tongue weight.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 CNYhybrid, Aug 26, 2017
  4. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    Agree, if it's flat and at night, like 3am, stopping going fast downhill would be problematic, why possibly get hit from behind, rent a truck at Home Depot, get them to deliver,
     
    #4 Lucifer, Aug 26, 2017
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    flat, slow, short, no problem. slow acceleration and braking.(y)
     
    #5 bisco, Aug 26, 2017
  6. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    This would be no issue with the trailer or the car, however if it has small tires and wheels you will want to keep your speed down. I assume the trailer is rated at 1000 pounds for the load.
     
    #6 William Redoubt, Aug 26, 2017
  7. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

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    Of course, we do not recommend doing this while mowing the lawn ;)
     
    #7 ILuvMyPriusToo, Aug 26, 2017
  8. eddiehaskell

    eddiehaskell Member

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    Pretty flat land. Live near Charlotte. Maximum distance traveled would be about 10 miles at below 50 mph. No highway driving.

    The trailer I have is rated for 1,195 lb.
     
    #8 eddiehaskell, Aug 27, 2017
  9. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Right from the start, "towing is not recommended for the Prius" from Toyota.

    -However-, such a light load and such a short distance should be no problem.
     
    #9 David Beale, Aug 27, 2017
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  10. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    Any car that is capable of hauling fat chicks and/or guys that could be stars on a pawnshop or tow truck reality show can pull a small trailer without an issue if it is properly loaded. And the Prius IS rated for the fatty's.
     
    #10 William Redoubt, Aug 27, 2017
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  11. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    You won't even notice it. :) And neither will the car.
     
    #11 William Redoubt, Aug 27, 2017
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  12. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

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    Sometimes towing a mower is better than trying to load it in the hatch!

    [​IMG]
     
    #12 ILuvMyPriusToo, Aug 27, 2017
    mypriuscious, William Redoubt and Prodigyplace like this.
  13. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    That mower would fit right in the back of the Prius! Probably close the hatch, too.
     
    #13 William Redoubt, Aug 27, 2017
  14. garglo

    garglo Member

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    I've used the same trailer to tow from NY to FL with a gen2. Loaded at least 1000 in it, 100-120 on the tongue, had to look see if it was still there. Needed a 5in rise to get the level correct.
     
    #14 garglo, Aug 28, 2017
    William Redoubt likes this.
  15. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    I pulled "a lot" more than that for +12 hours straight. Don't know about your trailer, but the car can take that load.
     
    #15 frodoz737, Aug 28, 2017
    William Redoubt likes this.
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