Towing with the 2004-5 Prius

[froggdancer]

Basically, I'm trying to find people who have used their Prius to tow things. Here's why:

I recently became enamored with Teardrop trailers which are small trailers (usually just a bed inside and a kitchen in the back) from 650-1500 lbs. I've seen pictures of VW bugs pulling these things! For a few websites to describe, see:

http://www.cozycruiser.com/cozycruiser_deluxe.html
http://www.digisys.net/edevold/index.htm

The problem is, I figured out that I dearly want one of these things a few months AFTER I bought the Prius (which I also quite love).

So, I know it is not recommended to tow with the Prius... but I was wondering if anyone has and how much weight they have pulled and what it did to the car.

I'd be much obliged for any info either posted here or sent to my personal email!
KS
Rianael1@yahoo.com

[SecretSquirrel]

I wouldn't try it - the owners manual says the load is something like 837 lbs (including passengers). Not much room for towing! Also, I recall from the manual that towing is just not recommended.

[Frank Hudon]

do a search on towing it's been beaten to death here on PC

[froggdancer]

I had done a search for "tow" and "weight" and "capacity" and I did find http://www.coastaletech.com/

...but most of the hits were for people who had problems with the car and needed to get the car towed, not for using the car to tow something else. I guess I just got bogged down and decided to post the question anew.

Plus, I really wanted to find out, specifically, if anyone had towed a Teardrop trailer so I thought this post might draw some Teardrop specific responses (when I did a search, there was nothing on Teardrop trailers).

[IsrAmeriPrius]

Why don't you check with Toyota at their customer care toll free number.

[naterprius]

froggdancer, the short answer: No, the Prius cannot tow a trailer.

The long answer: It might be possible, but no one is certain how well the car will perform or what the short term effects (Poor braking, overheating, etc) or long term effects (increased wear and tear) of towing a trailer might be. Toyota certainly will not warranty repairs caused by towing a load that is too heavy.

I think you will have a hard time finding anyone who is willing to tow a trailer with their Prius.

As with anyone who is venturing out into something unknown, if you do decide to try it, let us know how it goes.

Nate

[bruceha_2000]

I'm pretty sure they will say "don't" since the manual says it is not recommended. The dealer can't really say "go ahead". I think you are looking at way too much weight. How about trailers made to be pulled by motorcycles instead. There are some that make little sleepers :-)

[Frank Hudon]

try this thread
http://www.priuschat.com/forums/1-vt3729.h...er=asc&&start=0

[daniel]

The trailer you are describing sounds so minimal (in terms of comfort) that it probably wouldn't be all that much of a step down to get a big tent, a good air mattress (the best ones are quite comfortable) and a camp stove.

[FireEngineer]

Has anyone adapted a trailer harness of some sort to provide brake and turn signals to their trailer/bike rack. I would think that some states would require the use of these lights when obstructing the Prius lights. Some states even require a license plate bracket, with illumination, on the back if the plate on the car is obstructed.