I kept the truck too... Although it rarely gets driven anymore. I'm not a redneck but I do love horsepower and I've riden a bull. It ran low 12s.... 10s are in its future. Don't freak out if you find yourself driving the speed limit and trying to conserve gas. Happens to us all.
"Don't freak out if you find yourself driving the speed limit and trying to conserve gas. Happens to us all." It is a problem, though. I need to get a grip here. My life is not measured in mpg. Repeat: My life is not measured in mpg. But you would think so!
You've probably already run across this, but just in case: You didn't just buy a car, you bought the worlds' nicest portable generator. Turn the car on, hook up an inverter, and you can pull about 1 kw continuously out of the 12 v battery while the gas engine cycles on and off to keep the battery charged. (Current limited by a 100 amp fuse in the car.) Or, for the true high-tech redneck, you can pull something like 20KW if you're willing to void the warranty and tap the traction battery directly, as this guy did -- www.priups.com. Same deal -- the car will cycle the engine on and off to keep the battery up.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BexarWolf @ Apr 21 2007, 05:42 PM) [snapback]427407[/snapback]</div> Congrats on your satisfied purchase. With that kind of a commute, makes lots of sense to change up vehicles. As others have mentioned, you wouldn't have any trouble hauling a bale of hay (as long as it is a square bale), except for a possible mess. Now if you were hauling a round bale...then not so much. Glad you were able to find lots of info and do your research before buying, that should make for a much more pleasant experience. Good luck with the car and let it teach you the best way to drive, if you want to get even better mileage!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BexarWolf @ Apr 21 2007, 04:42 PM) [snapback]427407[/snapback]</div> After reading your story, Bexarwolf, I wouldn't classify you as a redneck at all! I think you have more of an open mind than you give yourself credit for! I am so glad for you and wish you all the best with your new Prius!
Congrat's ! ! We had two S.U.V.'s prior to getting our Prius, and needed one S.U.V. for hauling & trailoring. So when we dumped the 5.0 Liter Ford Exploader, for the Prius (and loved it) . . . our Range Rover got dumped for the Hybrid Lexus S.U.V. ... the RX-400h. Surprisingly, the Prius holds almost as much cargo! (i'm a closet redneck ... don't tell anyone!)
Welcome to Hybriddom, Not a redneck but went from a HD F250 crew cab to my '04 prius 3 yrs ago and was so happy with the car that we replaced my wife's 500SEL Benz with a Highlander Hybrid last year. Haven't hauled any hay in the Prius but you could definitely get a couple inside the Highlander, if not inside, on a trailer behind it. The Highlander tows it's 3500 lb load limit like it wasn't even there, even even in the mountains between northern California and northern Arizona. I have almost 80,000 miles on the Prius and have had no problems with it at all (other than the factory service bulletins). The only upgrade to the stock vehicle has been the addition of 17" aftermarket wheels and 215/35-17 Yokohama Avid H4S tires. I did lose a couple mpg but the added traction (wet & dry), braking ability and handling have made the car much more enjoyable to drive. We will be buying a new Camry Hybrid when the '08's come out making us a 3 Hybrid family (plan on keeping the Prius).
Welcome to PriusChat! I just wanted to echo what was already posted and give you a warm welcome and thanks for sharing that great story.
From what I see on the road, the only thing that will fit in a SUV, or monster truck, that won't fit in the Prius, is the driver's ego, (making allowances for the smug factor). Happy Priusing!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BexarWolf @ Apr 21 2007, 04:42 PM) [snapback]427407[/snapback]</div> Congradulations on your new Prius. I have a '07 Magnetic Grey Prius, pkg.2 and absolutely love it. I'm new to this chat thing, but let me tell you something.......these people are super and knowledgeable. You'll enjoy it here. Happy lurking !! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BexarWolf @ Apr 21 2007, 04:42 PM) [snapback]427407[/snapback]</div>
Hey Mods! Do we now have enough rednecks around here to launch a "Bubba's Watering Hole" forum where we can discuss optimal places to mount a gunrack without ruffling any leftie feathers?