Opinions on towing / hauling this scenario

If you are OK with the warranty risk, go for it. Also, check earlier threads about exhaust gas melting bumper cover. It may be fixed, just double check.

GOOD LUCK!

Bob Wilson

 

Don't let your wife know you've shared her weight with the rest of the world and I think you'll be ok!

Do a search with my user name (timm) and and you'll find my tips, tricks and pics on pulling a trailer.

 

Your payload plus trailer is right in there around the GVWR, so I would think you would be fine. Obviously you have to decide for yourself on the risk to warranty status.

Rob

 

For a traditional trailer you want about 10-12% tongue weight. That trailer looks a bit lighter in the front than 50lbs but the tongue weight minimum isn't as crucial on a lighter trailer.... although you could still get some sway.

 

Joe,
I suggest that you plan to do an early ATF drain/refill (Type WS, about $90 at the dealer) if you are going to subject your Prius to some additional stress.

I and several others have been doing lab analysis of used ATF from Classic and 2004+ Prii. We normally suggest that 2004+ Prii have ATF replaced every 60k miles. You should do it at 30k miles under this scenario to be safe. Please capture some used ATF in a clean poly bottle, send it in to PDMA (about $40) for testing and report the results back here.

JeffD

 

NY <-> GA does not require you to cross any really large mtns. This is my only concern with Prius at gross weight. Not saying don't go, rather to drive a little slower on the uphills.

I ran a 2001 Prius at or above gross wt. through several passes in the Rockies, it's fine. You just don't need to be the 1st one to the top.

Obviously you are experienced at towing so will have no problems keeping it nicely 'in trail'. However, I did not notice safely chains in your photo. That should be standard procedure.

It's always good to see Prius trans fluid analyses, esp. those operating nearer the edge of the envelope. So if Jeff can scare you into doing that, I say great.

Enjoy the trip. Oh yeah, was 80 lbs. *one* suitcase?

 

I put a trailer hitch on and have a 4ftx4ft Harbor Freight trailer (I lengthened the distance from the ball to the trailer 12 inches by moving the second cross bar towards the front of the trailer) and it has 12 in. tires to carry 2 kayaks and 2 bikes (I welded a frame for the bikes in the middle of the trailer so it would be balanced with just the bikes or boats or both.) I went to a junk yard and got a pair of white plugs from an old Toyota (pins were in the correct position but could have been easily moved) and made my own T connector for the lights that I ran to a relay switch to the trailer plug. (The connection to the 12v battery from the relay I made with alligator clips.) It works great.

 

I showed our dealer what we would be towing and got the hitch installed by them. Although the Toyota dealer did not install it themselves, they farmed it out to a hitch dealer, who also wired the Prius for us. The Service Manager stated that it would hurt the Prius as long as you watch the weight and did not over load.

Tongue weight is very critical for good control of the trailer. You need 10 to 10% of the weight on the tongue. I have pulled our MC trailer loaded over 7000 miles behind the Prius with no problems. I do watch maintance and insure if I am working it hard that I do change oil etc sooner than recomended. We go to TX & FL regularly to visit kids. I usually run about 60 mph to not work to ICE to hard. Of course without brakes on the trailer you need to add a little for stopping distance also.