Prius pulling an RV? What do you pull !!

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

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  1. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    This is correct; I should have said higher RPM,s..... I wish I had a more aerodynamic style RV, with a round front; like an Airstream RV, but without the extra weight. I had to stay with-in the class 1 hitch limits.
     
    #61 engerysaver, Aug 2, 2013
  2. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    It,s been HOT here in Texas!! This is my 5th trip pulling my 1900 lb RV trailer, with about 550 lbs in the Prius. This trip was 118 miles using 5.495 gas = 21.47 MPG. I have pulled my RV for all most 800 miles total. ( Please read post # 1 and post # 51 ). I used the main highways driving 55 to 65 MPH. Outside temp was 96 to 101 F. Engine temp ( avg 202-204 F) highest 210 F. .....MG1 highest 329 F .....MG2 highest269 F. .....ICF highest 131 F. I also had a power cord hooked up to my car's 1500 watt inverter powering a 2.7 cubic feet refrigerator in my RV.

    When I was reaching the high temps, I started to have some problems. I went down to ( 2 ) bars and never could recover. My speed dropped from about 65 MPH to 45 MPH going up hills; running on engine only, I think. I know something is wrong!! But their was NO lights coming on, or alarms going off; but I lost some power. My guess is MG1. ........It was time to eat; pulled over for about 1 hour..... After we ate, we drove on, driving 50 to 55 MPH. Driving slow and getting a running start on the hills. Everything worked great; liked nothing happen? What I do not understand, NO warnings..... NO codes.

    Please post your pulling speed of your Prius, and the weight of what you pull?
     
    #62 engerysaver, Aug 5, 2013
  3. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    MG1 probably cut out due to heat to protect itself? That is the only thing I can think of, especially since there were no error codes or lights.
     
    #63 markabele, Aug 6, 2013
  4. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Maybe battery overheated? Was the battery fan at high speed?

    That turns hybrid system off, but there are no warnings or lights.
     
    #64 Former Member 68813, Aug 7, 2013
  5. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    It's possible!! The fan was on; it was hot outside; the A/C was on; I was running some current to the RV. I was driving high RPM's pulling RV.....I did not check on battery temp.

    I understand that JP manual warning for MG1 is 162 C = to 323.6 F..... I was at 329 F.
    I have two possible reasons!! Their should have been some warnings of some kind?
     
    #65 engerysaver, Aug 8, 2013
  6. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    There a warning alright. It clearly says not to tow with Prius.
     
    #66 Former Member 68813, Aug 8, 2013
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  7. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    We don't need trolls in this thread.
     
    #67 markabele, Aug 8, 2013
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  8. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    You wanna fight?
    Did I say something wrong?
     
    #68 Former Member 68813, Aug 8, 2013
  9. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    This thread is about your Prius and what you tow; the weight of what you tow; and questions and problems that you might have. The Prius can tow!! I and others have proved this. I think I know my limits, depending on the temps. and speed.

    .....Please post the weight of what you tow? .....
     
    #69 engerysaver, Aug 8, 2013
  10. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    No worries man, I reported him. We don't need trolls messing up our threads and threatening people.
     
    #70 markabele, Aug 8, 2013
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  11. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Sure, lets censor the thread and complain when someone says something true that bursts someones bubble. Pitiful.
     
    #71 Former Member 68813, Aug 8, 2013
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  12. kurbmaster

    kurbmaster Junior Member

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    I bought this 3 rail motorcycle trailer 25 years ago for $250. After realizing I don't trailer my bikes that often and I decided to make it more utilitarian while not losing its original purpose. Over the years I have gotten rid of the stub axles and got a through axle increased wheel size to twelve inches. Repainted it and it has lived inside most its life lifted flat against a wall in the garage. Always towed great.

    I have towed it with various motorhomes it has hauled two transalps and a BMW 650 at the same time. Now I tow it with my prius and with a wr250r behind the car I averaged 44mpg.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    #72 kurbmaster, Aug 19, 2013
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  13. kurbmaster

    kurbmaster Junior Member

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    I bought this 3 rail motorcycle trailer 25 years ago for $250. After realizing I don't trailer my bikes that often and I decided to make it more utilitarian while not losing its original purpose. Over the years I have gotten rid of the stub axles and got a through axle increased wheel size to twelve inches. Repainted it and it has lived inside most its life lifted flat against a wall in the garage. Always towed great.

    I have towed it with various motorhomes it has hauled two transalps and a BMW 650 at the same time. Now I tow it with my prius and with a wr250r behind the car I averaged 44mpg.

    The plywood bottom and sides are hinged and slotted on both ends. I slotted the tail gate and front gate so it can become a box trailer. Most useful trailer combo I have ever had. I should build a little teardrop that I can bolt on the frame.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    #73 kurbmaster, Aug 19, 2013
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  14. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Love it.

    How much tongue weight would you risk?
     
    #74 markabele, Aug 19, 2013
  15. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

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    the tongue can carry 200bls max, and can pull 2000lbs max, that is standard
     
    #75 kknguyen1168, Aug 19, 2013
  16. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Are there any circumstances where you might risk slightly more than 200 tongue weight?

    (I'm asking because I'm considering getting a hitch with one of those cargo racks that go on the hitch.)
     
    #76 markabele, Aug 19, 2013
  17. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

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    you mean like mine:) take a look
     

    Attached Files:

    #77 kknguyen1168, Aug 19, 2013
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  18. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Wow, what does that container on the back weigh when filled with stuff? Also, are you required by law to have lights on it like that?
     
    #78 markabele, Aug 20, 2013
  19. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    kurbmaster & kknguygen 1168; GREAT !!! This is what I wanted on this thread.

    To markabele : Class 1 hitch is tested at least 50% more than rating of 200 lbs on hitch ( at least 300 lbs test ). I would try to stay under 200 lbs; but I would not go over 240 lbs.
     
    #79 engerysaver, Aug 20, 2013
  20. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

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    yes it does had a light, and i got close to 200lbs
     
    #80 kknguyen1168, Aug 20, 2013
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