Towing my Prius ???

lyleshaw · 09-30-2009, 11:18 PM

I am not familiar with posting, etc, but we want to put a towbar on our 07 Prius (B Pkg), and wonder if it is possible, or do we have to use a dolly?

Thanks all,

Lyle

dogfriend · 10-01-2009, 01:31 AM

You either need to use a dolly or a trailer. You cannot** flat tow a Prius because the front wheels are mechanically engaged with MG2 (the traction motor/generator) at all times.

A dolly may work, but the front and rear spoilers are low, so clearance could be a problem. A trailer is probably the best option.

** Actually, Bob Wilson once flat towed his Gen 1 Prius, but I wouldn't recommend his method and the Prius owners manual says flat towing is not allowed.

Omni-TaG · 10-03-2009, 01:05 AM

A trailer definitively ! Serious.

qbee42 · 10-03-2009, 08:22 AM

Absolutely correct. The entire drivetrain of a Prius is always engaged, regardless of the shifter position. This is because the Prius does not have a transmission in the normal sense, but instead a set of fixed gears and two electric motor-generators. They are always connected unless you dismantle the transaxel.

A flatbed truck is recommended for towing. You can also use a front wheel dolly, but watch the rear end as clearance is low.

I suppose it might be possible to fit free wheeling hubs to a Prius so that it could be towed on its own tires, but I have not read of anyone doing that.

Tom

09-30-2009, 11:18 PM	#1
lyleshaw Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Towing my Prius ??? I am not familiar with posting, etc, but we want to put a towbar on our 07 Prius (B Pkg), and wonder if it is possible, or do we have to use a dolly? Thanks all, Lyle

10-01-2009, 01:31 AM	#2
dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Carmichael, CA Posts: 4,959 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 281 Thanked 175 Times in 147 Posts Friends: 11	Re: Towing my Prius ??? You either need to use a dolly or a trailer. You cannot flat tow a Prius because the front wheels are mechanically engaged with MG2 (the traction motor/generator) at all times. A dolly may work, but the front and rear spoilers are low, so clearance could be a problem. A trailer is probably the best option. Actually, Bob Wilson once flat towed his Gen 1 Prius, but I wouldn't recommend his method and the Prius owners manual says flat towing is not allowed. Last edited by dogfriend; 10-01-2009 at 01:33 AM.

10-03-2009, 01:05 AM	#3
Omni-TaG Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 36 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: I Package: Base (Canada) Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Towing my Prius ??? A trailer definitively ! Serious.

10-03-2009, 08:22 AM	#4
qbee42 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 10,474 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 94 Thanked 387 Times in 289 Posts Friends: 10	Re: Towing my Prius ??? Absolutely correct. The entire drivetrain of a Prius is always engaged, regardless of the shifter position. This is because the Prius does not have a transmission in the normal sense, but instead a set of fixed gears and two electric motor-generators. They are always connected unless you dismantle the transaxel. A flatbed truck is recommended for towing. You can also use a front wheel dolly, but watch the rear end as clearance is low. I suppose it might be possible to fit free wheeling hubs to a Prius so that it could be towed on its own tires, but I have not read of anyone doing that. Tom __________________ *Black* 2006 package #7 Northern Michigan

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