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Workhorse Hybrids!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by timm, May 27, 2008.

  1. timm

    timm Medical Transport Driver

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    2016 Prius
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    I've posted in other areas about how I and several other rural mail carriers use our buggies as a "Workhorse" for delivering the U.S. Mail. I'm starting this thread for others to share how they use their hybrid vehicle for work. Please chime in with your experiences and/or questions.
     

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    #1 timm, May 27, 2008
  2. wchardin

    wchardin Senior Member

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    That's a pretty nice stepup you got there. I like those wheels, you happen to have any other pictures of the wheels?
     
    #2 wchardin, May 27, 2008
  3. Mouth

    Mouth New Member

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    I had the day off and used some time to wash the "Brainus." The water meter guy made his way down my street stopping every 100 feet or so to get out and check every single house. He was driving a small pickup to move himself and his clipboard. For some reason all I could wonder is how much money the water company would save if those guys drove prii..... I couldn't figure out why I would wonder such a thing.
     
    #3 Mouth, May 27, 2008
  4. timm

    timm Medical Transport Driver

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    Thanks for the compliment! I bought the wheels with a slightly used set of Blizzak snow tires mounted on them. Therefore I can't tell you where to buy them new. I also love the look, but they are just painted wheels and starting to flake of a little. I'm going to see if I can get them powder coated.
     

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    #4 timm, May 27, 2008
  5. syyykko

    syyykko New Member

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    I use my black 08 to deliver pizzas...Even beating the crap out of it racing around town I get 52 to 55 mpg...I love this car.
     
    #5 syyykko, May 28, 2008
  6. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    While in motion the box on the driver's seat had to find another place. Took a long camping trip this way, maybe just a few kilos over the spec. gross vehicle weight.
     

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    #6 tochatihu, May 28, 2008
  7. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Hi Timm,

    A Yahoo Prius group member also delivers US mail in his Prius and converted the parking brake to be lever-operated, mounted between the two front seats. What amazed me is that he drives the Prius while sitting in the right seat, after removing the center console trim that extends to the floor.
     
    #7 Patrick Wong, May 28, 2008
  8. MagneticGrayIndy

    MagneticGrayIndy 06Prius;94M Miata;65Rambler770

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    hmm... I wonder if you could just get one from Japan with right hand drive?
     
    #8 MagneticGrayIndy, May 28, 2008
  9. wchardin

    wchardin Senior Member

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    Maybe from the UK, to my knowledge they drive on the left-hand side in Japan.
     
    #9 wchardin, May 28, 2008
  10. jdchappie

    jdchappie JD on RR2

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    There are RHD Prius being imported. The ones I found on the internet had 40 to 60K on them.....a few too many miles and the price was about the same as a new Prius. I have 41,600 miles on my 2007 pkg 2 with over 25K on my route. I did not move the console and drive comfortably from the passenger seat.

    My challenge to the Senior posters is this;
    Design a removable gas and brake device that uses only the existing bolts.
    No drilling to attach to the gas or brake pedal.
    Most of the device can be removed in minutes.
    And does not interfere with normal driving from the drivers' seat when installed.
    And all the parts are available at your local hardware store.

    I still have my original sketches that were done before I bought the Prius. Ebay pictures were my source of info because the dealer is 30 miles away. Jerry
     
    #10 jdchappie, May 28, 2008
  11. timm

    timm Medical Transport Driver

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    I think you're talking about Gary, in Baraboo, WI, yes indeed... he did a cool mod for a "Workhorse Hybrid"!

    You pointed out another fact that I forget about: I can't use my wife's Subaru Tribecca to do the route because of the huge console in the way. (IMHO: I think the only reason manufacturers make these is because people think they look cool with that big "Stick Shift".)The Prius does not have a huge space wasting console with a shifter in the way for getting my left leg across to the pedals when driving from the passenger seat. I moved my console back about six inches so it's out of my way, but still useable. When I'm not hauling mail... I'm hauling my kids. :(

    Yes... I'd love a right-hand-drive Prius, but I think there would need to be a group buy and/or government help to make them U.S. compliant and affordable.
     

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    #11 timm, May 29, 2008
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