Prius towing capacity?

Toyota's answer is no towing. The Prius is not designed to tow anything. That said, some people have installed hitches to carry bicycles and tow very light trailers.

Anyone else want to chime in with specific towing information?

Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joerc211v @ Nov 14 2007, 12:13 PM) [snapback]539597[/snapback]</div>

Toyota would tell you that you can't tow anything with a Prius, and many folks on here would probably tell you the same.

I'm sure that the car can handle 1000 pounds without a real problem ... especially if you have no passengers. But I wouldn't do it. The car wasn't made for that type of duty.

Besides ... as a fellow biker, I have to ask -- why are you towing bikes, anwyay?

Live to ride, man ... ride to your destination, iron butt!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joerc211v @ Nov 14 2007, 01:13 PM) [snapback]539597[/snapback]</div>

Joe -

We've been through this countless times. Search around on these forums a bit and you'll find a wealth of info.

Here's what you'll hear:
1. Toyota says don't do it, so don't do it. Get a truck if you want to tow.
2. I've done it, no problem.
3. You'll void your warranty as soon as you THINK about ordering a hitch.
4. I've towed 2,000 pounds of trailer thousands of miles and have no issues.

You'll find that those who haven't towed will typically tell you not to do it. And that's the safe answer, obviously. You also shouldn't ever exceed the speed limit, right?. Those who HAVE towed (howdy) will likely tell you that light loads are no problem if you know what you are doing.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(snowdog650 @ Nov 14 2007, 02:09 PM) [snapback]539640[/snapback]</div>

Hmmm. One would be compelled to ask why you own a car!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Nov 14 2007, 05:13 PM) [snapback]539642[/snapback]</div>

He tows it behind his bicycle to get a better workout.

Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Nov 14 2007, 01:13 PM) [snapback]539642[/snapback]</div>

Tough to fit a child seat on the back of a BMW GS1200, hero.

 

Well, Toyota does not say "no" to towing, they say "not recommended". That is NOT a "no". It will not void your warranty, as it does not say it will in any Toyota produced literature (at least that I have seen). The car weights about 3000 lb, so you are limited to about 1500 lb max, trailer and load, in most jurisdictions, to be legal. Unless you add electric brakes.

If you want to add a hitch, I'd recommend having a specialist shop build you one. I think it was darylldd who reinforced one of the "available" hitches to make it reasonably strong. To see pics of it click on his website listed at the bottom of his message above (Daryl, you neglected to mention that - I'm surprised ).

From my experience with other cars of similar size and weight and from reading other's experiences with the Prius, I don't see why there would be a big problem, as long as you don't get silly re speed and load.

 

So it is simple then.
1. Don't order the hitch directly from Toyota.
2. Make sure it is a bolt on style that is easy to install.
3. Remove the hitch and any traces of wiring harness when you take the car in for warrantee work.
4. Enjoy!

 

The short answer, Yes.

Heaviest load towed. 1,750 pounds.

trailer - 550lbs
Triumph daytona 675 - 400lbs
Kawasaki zx6r - 400lbs
Honda RC 51 - 400lbs

Las Vegas to Los Angelses and back - average mpg 26-29 mpg
top speed 55. (first time that has happended on a trip to Vegas!

(Also night time, low temp, about 70)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(snowdog650 @ Nov 14 2007, 02:37 PM) [snapback]539661[/snapback]</div>

Hey now... you don't get to call folks out for towing a motorcycle if you've got your own reasons to ever drive a car yourself. That's not ridiculing fairly!

OK... so you think you need a car for the kid? Just ride a REAL bike, and have the kid help.



Oh, but wait! I hear you say that your kid isn't old enough to ride yet? Still no excuse. Here's what the first five years were like:



Whenever I'm called "hero," I like to play the part. And yes. I do ride more than I drive.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Devil's Advocate @ Nov 14 2007, 05:11 PM) [snapback]539710[/snapback]</div>

Devil here is #4 on my list above, BTW.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Nov 14 2007, 02:43 PM) [snapback]539665[/snapback]</div>

I didn't change my hitch - I changed my car. And then helped Curt re-design their hitch to keep from melting the bumper of the Prius! I definitely recommend the new Curt hitch of all the ones made for the Prius.

linky:
http://evnut.com/prius_hitch.htm

 

Another (small) group of like-minded Prius drivers:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/priustrailers/

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NoMoShocks @ Nov 14 2007, 03:43 PM) [snapback]539666[/snapback]</div>

If Toyota doesn't recommend a hitch, why do they offer one?

 

I found this hitch and installed it before visiting here, I like it better than the curt, cleaner look. They also have some other cool prius stuff for those who are interested.

 

I guess I could have included this link in my previous post.
Receiver Hitch

 

I'd be curious if anyone could guestimate the 1,750 load on a trailer's receiver tongue (down force). About 2 weeks ago I picked up a 1,025 pound load (large 3 piece uninterrupted power supply) that I was just barely able to load into the Prius. So with my body weight, the Prius cargo/passenger total weight was 1,245 pounds. Believe me, going back over the Grape Vine was done VERY slow, in the truck lane so as not to tax the HSD. Outside temps were below 60 degrees, so that helped a lot. Braking was no problem either ... but it WAS important to allow for a whole lot more distance.

.

 

And these kinds of workouts is why this guy can wear spandex, post the pics online and get away with it.

 

Hey i was wondering what everyones MPGs were with load.

I plan on pulling about 600lbs. plus 2 passengers and a baby. :rockon:

 

I haul a Kendon two bike trailer with my Ducati Monster 696 (in track mode) to tracks in WV and NJ. No problems so far.

 

A low of 29 and a high around 40...

29 is open highway loaded down with camping gear, two people, and a bike rack on the back. same mileage was achieved with an 600 or so lb trailer full of items... also while towing other cars...