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Prius pulling an RV? What do you pull !!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by engerysaver, Jun 16, 2013.

  1. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    Welcome to PRIUSchat!!
    I would go back to the dealer who sold you the trailer to see if they could install the wiring harness on the Prius that would hook up to your trailer. ( I would talk bad about it, sell me this trailer and leave me hanging:mad::censored: )
    I don't have a plug-in, but you have to find the brake lights!! Should be the same.
    All store bought wiring hook-ups have instructions with them. Any good auto mechanic can do the wiring.
    If they will not do it, take your Prius some where else.
    Prius Trailer Wiring

    This is the better one, it should work on a plug-in:
    Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for Toyota Prius 2010 - C56147
     
    #161 engerysaver, Jul 25, 2014
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2014
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  2. yakgirl

    yakgirl New Member

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    Hey energysaver. Thanks for your input. I bought it from a place in Texas and I'm in NH, but I'll try your idea of asking my auto mechanic about this. And also, if you bring your car to a dealership, do they ever say anything about your trailer hitch? Thanks again!
     
  3. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    Some dealerships do:(; some don't(y)!!
    It's a GRAY area!!;)
    My manual does not say; " do not tow "!!
    Not sure on the plug-in?
     
  4. Den49

    Den49 Member

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    The below is what you need. It is easy to install with plug-in connectors.

    Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for Toyota Prius 2010 - C56147

    BTW, I pull a 250 lb. 4' X6' trailer, use a cargo carrier and a bike rack on the back of my Prius about four times per year. I don't pull excessive weight over long distance and I drive gently in power mode when I tow. No problems.
     
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  5. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    That's also a good link!!(y)
     
  6. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Definitely the one to buy.
    I regret buying the older, cheaper version I bought that required the use of crappy thingies meant to splice into wires.

    People have posted that they choose based on how obtrusive the hitch is. I bought the Curt hitch and 'Euro Style' ball (#112761).
    I remove the ball when the hitch is not is use.
    Pictures #1 -# 3 are car with just the hitch, #4 is the Euro ball, and #5 hitch and ball installed.

    Hitch, ball and lighting kit cost $140 shipped from the truly wonderful hitchanything.com
    The lighting kit was lost in transit, so they overnighted replacement free of charge.


    photo 1.JPG photo 2.JPG photo 3.JPG photo 4.JPG photo 5.JPG
     
    #166 SageBrush, Jul 27, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 30, 2014
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  7. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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  8. yakgirl

    yakgirl New Member

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    Plug-in Base

    My manual for the 2014 plug in says towing not recommended. Like yours, it does not say "do not tow."


    Thanks for your help, everyone!
     
    #168 yakgirl, Jul 27, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 28, 2014
  9. Christopher Neglia

    Christopher Neglia Junior Member

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    This it what I pull
     

    Attached Files:

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  10. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    IMG0004A.jpg IMG0005A.jpg IMG0007A.jpg IMG0006A.jpg

    Some pictures of my Firestone air springs # F4136.
    When you pull a heavy load, like I do, it is a "must have" for safety.(y)
    The Prius handles so much better; a smoother ride.:cool:
    E-TRAILER.COM has them for $ 104.65 as of July 28, 2014... It takes just a little air to pump them up!! 25 to 30 lbs of pressure. I'm going to say 2 1/2" to 3 " maximum on height.
    Firestone Vehicle Suspension for Toyota Prius 2011 - F4136

    If you like this info ..... Press Like ..... Thank You:)
     
    #170 engerysaver, Jul 28, 2014
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2014
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  11. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    This is my general findings:

    You need a class 1 hitch rating ( maximum 2000 lbs towing weight; maximum 200 lbs tongue weight ) ; air springs ( if over 1000 lbs weight of trailer and cargo ) : electric brakes ( if total weight of trailer and cargo is over 1000 lbs ); and an aerodynamic style trailer and the cargo loaded aerodynamically, this is a must.

    Also change your oil at 5,000 miles, if you tow with ICE at high RPM's for long periods of time.

    Drive slow and keep your distance for SAFETY.:)
     
    #171 engerysaver, Jul 29, 2014
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2014
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  12. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    Wow, I feel both pride and pitty for the OP.

    Pride for doing what he does and setting the bar high for the rest of us (and stepping up as the guinea pig for what this may or may not do to your Prius over time). Pity because he can't find anyone who's done anything close to what he's done...after asking about a dozen times for others to post up. :LOL:

    From a linked article....
    I know if I was to tow anything on a regular basis, I'd use something designed with that in mind. My family has learned that even something ABLE to tow has higher wear and tear from towing, and that you can significantly exceed what the rated limit is without your car/truck exploding all over the highway...so long as you don't do it all the time. ;)
     
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  13. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    My problem is too many people post things not related to Prius towing:(
    or repeat things that has all ready been said, without reading the thread.:(
    Some things that has been said, can discourage members from posting.:mad:

    All I want is for members to post their experiences using their Prius towing and ,if possible, show pictures showing what their Prius was/is towing.:cool:

    o_OYou think this would be simple!!

    I know the Prius can tow ..... I have seen things, in Texas, pulled behind a Prius; if only I had pictures.:D
    But I want this to be done, with SAFETY in mind.(y)
     
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  14. DoubleDAZ

    DoubleDAZ Senior Member

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    You're never going to stop those who think it's unsafe to tow anything with a Prius from posting, so I would just ignore them. You're right though, such posts and criticisms keep others from posting their experiences. No one wants to post just to be criticized. I find the topic interesting and informative, as long as posters explain how they've upgraded things to make towing safe. I also find the camping in a Prius thread interesting, even though I'm not a camper.
     
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  15. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

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    DoubleDAZ

    Thank you so much to said what I had in mind Sir.

    V/r

    Khoi Nguyen
     
  16. priusCpilot

    priusCpilot Active Member

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    I would love to tow a T@B trailer but it comes in at 1650lbs dry. By the time its loaded up im sure it will hit 2000lbs which is the limit of the hitch. It does have electric braking

    Can my Prius C tow without running real hot you think?

    Seems like the problem is in the MG temps?

    The funny thing is the Yaris in Europe with the 1.5l engine is rated to tow 1945lbs in manual or automatic. I checked on Toyota's UK site.

    As you know the Prius C is based on the Yaris chassis.
     
    #176 priusCpilot, Aug 3, 2014
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2014
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  17. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    That was my problem also, trying to find something with lighter weight!! It's hard!!

    MG temps will go up; you have to watch them.
    Scanguage2 is what I use.
    Warning thresholds:
    MG 1 is 162C or 323F
    MG 2 is 168C or 334F
    Page 4 in this thread, you can see my results. I think you:
    #1 must drive slow(y)
    #2 must have aerodynamic style RV/ trailer .... the lighter the RV/ trailer weight and load,
    the better off you will be!!(y)

    NOTE: Toyota Corolla; Matrix; Rav4 (4cyl) all have a 1500 LBs towing limit.
    Toyota Highlander Hybrid is 2000 LBs towing limit.
     
    #177 engerysaver, Aug 3, 2014
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2014
  18. priusCpilot

    priusCpilot Active Member

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    Thanks for the info I read the thread it was very helpfull.

    The T@B seem aerodynamic

    The weight would under 2000lbs

    The cars like Rav 4 have higher rating then in the US. I think it's ok to use those rating.

    Still seems like you pull more and doing ok?
     
  19. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    I wish my RV was more aerodynamic and lighter, for better MPG.:)
    Like I said; this is my test, and time will tell.
    So far ; so good!!:)
     
    #179 engerysaver, Aug 4, 2014
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2014
  20. priusCpilot

    priusCpilot Active Member

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    So if you were me would you pull a T@B with the Prius C around the US?

    Also if hitch is rated for 2000lbs but you pulled 2100lbs how risky is that you think?