Prius v horn (is it really that weak?)

Well at first after I read that several members switched to the PIAA horns but I said to myself how often do I use the horn. Then I tried my V's horn in my garage and it's okay but the next day I was on the highway and did try it again and was not that impressed. I ordered a PIAA set and replaced the stock ones. A couple weeks later while I was stopping at the red light just behind the dump truck, suddenly the truck started to backup so I honked my PIAA but the truck kept coming. I put in the reverse and kept on honking but it was too late! I opened the door to see the damages but then the truck took off. Back into my V and followed the truck, took a few pictures to get the plate number, then I saw him run a stop sign!. I turned my camera to the video mode and started filming. He then sped up and run a red light, so I called 911. He ran another stop sign and one more red light and I had to wait for green. The 911 operator told me not to follow and wait for the police but I told her I want to see the driver's face! I kept on taking the video clip and as soon as I passed him, I pulled over and waited for the police at the gas station. I gave all the information I had at the time, then I went home and looked at the clip almost frame by frame and found the company sign on the truck's passenger door. I googled the company and called to report to the owner who promised to talk to the driver. later the owner called and said the driver had no knowledge of the accident! I even mentioned that I upgraded my horn to the PIAA but he said perhaps the driver had the AC on and did NOT hear the horn.
That was several weeks ago and I didn't hear back from my insurance company. The damages was appraised at $375 and my deductible is $500. It seems like my insurance company may not want to pursue a case when the damages is under $500 even though I sent them the pictures and the clips I took as well as the company information.
Now who is ranting!

 

Wow, I feel your pain and frustration! As a motorcyclist being seen and heard are vital. I have always upgraded horns to Highway Blasters, PIAA air horns or Fiamms The Fiamm el Grande below was a cheap upgrade and a simply swap out/in. No need for relay although that'd make 'em louder. Pretty much anything will be louder than the anemic v horns. Good luck!

FIAMM 74100 El Grande - Twin Horns - Red
Sold by Amazon.com LLC (Amazon.com)
$18.04​

 

Wow, that's a tale that could've gone scary! Not sure it's worth $373 bucks to be right - not a criticism either! I have certainly felt the anger and frustration of such a thing. But please be careful. A dump truck has a lot of mass and a kook who runs lights might not think twice about running you especially if he's impaired somehow. Insurance companies don't really care about small (to them, not us!) amounts like that. I'd talk to the owner and have him pay your deductible. Be nice but be firm. You can always post the video online and even small companies would not want a crazy guy representing their company. It may be worth pursuing. Good luck and be safe!

 

I would take the company to small claims court along with a lawyer they get to pay when they lose. The driver was obviously running for his job after being too distracted.

 

Most small claims courts don't allow lawyers, just you and the defendant.

 

from Prius C driver.
Thanks for this info. Recently I was following my husband towing a large boat (he was towing, not me!) and my cell phone was failing me.. I tried pulling up next to him and honking to get his attention to pull into the next rest stop and I never did get his attention. I'd call that a big FAIL on the horn. Luckily I was able to make it to an area with cell phone reception to make the rest stop.

 

Here's a thread with great pics of the installation process and references to FIAMM freeway blaster low/high dual tone horns:

Horn Upgrade --- DIY | PriusChat

 

I installed the PIAA 500/600 recently and it is definitely louder and more assertive sounding. Unfortunately no horn will help when dealing with an idiot.

The horn replacement is very easy, and there are instructions in this forum on all the specifics. I think it is well worth doing.

 

One of my first mods was replacing the meep meep cartoon horns, Fiamm Freeway Blasters, one low pitch and one high, available at virtually any chain auto parts store, or online to save a few bucks if your not in a big hurry...15 minute super easy install, their big boy horns.

 

T

That sure can scare the daylights out of you when you can't signal with a horn or call on the cell. FWIW, here's a thought, if you are in a situation like this or expect to be in a bad signal area more than once, maybe a CB radio might be good as a back up to contact your husband? I am not sure how a C reacts to a CB radio e.g. electrical interference but there are many filters etc out there. Cobra and Midland make all in one systems in a microphone for a smaller cockpit fit. There are probably threads on this topic somewhere. Good luck! T

 

Found this video on youtube of the FIAMM El Grande Twin 74100 sound

Great thread installing these here too.
Prius v work day: Speed lock override, mud flaps, new horns, SS fender washers, etc. (lots of pics) | PriusChat

 

Completed this modification to our v today. Very, very easy install ... took approximately 20 minutes and I was taking my time. I installed the FIAMM 72002 and FIAMM 72012 horns that I purchased at Amazon.

Amazon.com: FIAMM 72002 12 V High Note Horn With Universal Bracket / One & Two Term (Box): Automotive

 

Why not show the business owner the photos and video of his drivers erratic behavior. I'm sure he will side with his driver but at the least this guy will get repramended for violating stop signs.

 

Installed HELLA 003399803 Supertone 12V High Tone/Low Tone Twin Horn Kit - 118db when I purchased my new 2004 Prius and with both horns installed, everyone can hear you loud and clear. Avoided several close calls in the past 9 years and worth every penny.

 

When you change out the horns, does it change the small beep that occurs when you lock your car? What about backing up?

 

Nope, those aren't made by the horns.