Pulling a 600 lbs trailer possible?

Since the car is rated to carry 845 pounds (based on my 2012 Prius C owner's manual) then I don't see why it wouldn't be capable of towing a 600lb trailer. You wouldn't want to have a lot of other stuff (i.e., passengers) in the car, though.

 

Although the car is rated at 845 pounds...hopefully you distribute that weight around the car. I bought some 20lb (each) pieces of pavement for my yard and after 20 pieces (400lb) in the back of the trunk...dam, I thought I might've bent or broken the back axles (car's rear was almost lowered to the ground). I had to make a couple trips, since I wasn't going to bet on that 845lb rating to hold up and also I made sure to avoid going over 35mph.

I think you can tow that 600lb, but just not at high speeds or constantly...your car's life is on the line

 

With a properly loaded trailer, most of the 600 pounds would be born on the trailer's wheels, not on car's hitch. The reason I refer to the car's rated load capacity is because that's what the drivetrain and braking systems are designed to handle.

Oh yeah, it'll eat up a lot more gas for sure. The same thing happens when I drive around with 4 or 5 people in the car. There's a good reason why the manufacturers of fuel-efficient cars go to great lengths to cut down on weight.

But just because the car gulps down more gas with the extra weight doesn't mean it can't handle the load - especially if the owner's manual says it can.

 

I have towed a small boat, less than 600 pounds but I barely feel it (at perhaps half that wt). Back a few cars ago we towed perhaps 500 pounds behind an econobox sub compact that also suggested no trailer in the owners manual. Over hill, dale, mountains and across most of the country with reduced fuel economy and no other problem then or later - with a very light tongue weight. Go for it! (must admit I am looking at a heavier boat and may try pulling twice your estimated wt for short, flat distances...)

 

Found a really old thread here, but it's got some info in it.

Prius towing capacity? | PriusChat

Myself, I wouldn't hesitate to tow a light trailer if I needed. Gotta do what you gotta do right? If you don't want to squat the suspension, just keep the tongue weight low.

 

I've tow a lot with my 2010 2015 LBs, but can't speak for the Prius C. What you might need to consider first is this is a Commercial application...and all the infers.

 

I'll agree with the others - if it's for a business application - don't put your personal vehicle on the line if the manual specifically says don't tow. If there's an accident, and it becomes an issue - they'll point right to that manual, and you will be liable.

This is the reality of living in the US. This is why cars that can't tow here often can tow a lot overseas. Liability.