Towing the Prius behind an RV

[compwolf]

Greetings all,

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience towing a Prius behind an RV. I was planning on using a half dolly, lifting the front tires off the ground. Of course Toyota recommends using a full trailer with all 4 wheels off the ground. There doesn't seem to be a reason to require all 4 wheels off the ground since the rear tires appear to be free moving even in park (with the emergency break off). Any input would be helpful.

Thanks in advance,
Lee

PS ... thanks for the info on disabling the back up beep ... it was driving me mad.

[bbielek]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CompWolf @ Jun 20 2006, 10:06 AM) [snapback]274048[/snapback]</div>

Greetings all,

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience towing a Prius behind an RV. I was planning on using a half dolly, lifting the front tires off the ground. Of course Toyota recommends using a full trailer with all 4 wheels off the ground. There doesn't seem to be a reason to require all 4 wheels off the ground since the rear tires appear to be free moving even in park (with the emergency break off). Any input would be helpful.

Thanks in advance,
Lee

PS ... thanks for the info on disabling the back up beep ... it was driving me mad.
[/b]

Took ours on a 600 mile journey a couple of weeks ago. Towed on a dolly (front wheels up) with no problems whatever. We had been towing my wife's Highlander and the Prius is noticeably lighter. Interesting combination, a 50 mpg towed behind an 11 mpg (bio-diesel fueled) motorhome.

[compwolf]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob47 @ Jun 20 2006, 12:46 PM) [snapback]274116[/snapback]</div>

Took ours on a 600 mile journey a couple of weeks ago. Towed on a dolly (front wheels up) with no problems whatever. We had been towing my wife's Highlander and the Prius is noticeably lighter. Interesting combination, a 50 mpg towed behind an 11 mpg (bio-diesel fueled) motorhome.
[/b]

LOL ... yeah ... it does seem strange

[bbielek]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CompWolf @ Jun 20 2006, 01:00 PM) [snapback]274120[/snapback]</div>

LOL ... yeah ... it does seem strange
[/b]

One point to remember - EMERGENCY BRAKE OFF! This is a lesson I learned the hard way in the Highlander (cost me two new tires). When loading the dolly, drive forward until the ramps snap horizontal (you will hear it). Simply place in park but do not engage the parking brake. Then fasten and tighten the straps over the wheels. This last step will move the front wheels as far forward on the dolly as is possible. Then hook on your safety chains. When unloading, simply reverse the procedure. Make sure you unhook the safety chains first. If you release the straps first the car can roll back slightly and put so much pressure on the chain that you will not be able to release it. After some practice I can do it myself in less than 5 minutes. Also, remember to check to make sure the straps are tight after about 50 to 100 miles. For some reason if they are going to loosen up, they do so early on.

[SomervillePrius]

I thought the prius should only be towed on a flat-bed?

[IsrAmeriPrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob47 @ Jun 20 2006, 09:46 AM) [snapback]274116[/snapback]</div>

Interesting combination, a 50 mpg towed behind an 11 mpg (bio-diesel fueled) motorhome.
[/b]

Is this considered to be a split personality?

[bbielek]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Jun 20 2006, 01:14 PM) [snapback]274124[/snapback]</div>

I thought the prius should only be towed on a flat-bed?
[/b]

I don't have the manual in front of me but I did check and it indicates that it can be towed with the front wheels off the ground, which is the same thing as towing using a dolly. If towing by lifting the rear wheels off the ground then the front wheels need to be on a dolly.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Jun 20 2006, 01:22 PM) [snapback]274131[/snapback]</div>

Is this considered to be a split personality?
[/b]

Not necessarily, although the humor is noted and appreciated. Keep in mind that the motorhome draws much less electricity than a typical hotel room when hooked to commercial power, and when dry camping either uses battery power or (in our case) a propane generator. The motorhome is also equipped to charge the batteries using solar for extended dry camping and is fairly efficient. At 25,000 pounds, however, it does take some energy to move. I only wish bio diesel was available on a wider basis so that I could run on it 100% of the time.

[tochatihu]

There are only 3 issues known to me: Make sure the front tires are well-secured to the axle dolly (obvious). Be alert to rear end (Prius) dragging on uneven surfaces since it is angled to the road. After a few miles, pull over and feel the rear brake drums. If they are not above ambient, your rear brake shoes are not dragging.

Hope you have 'mudflaps' behind your RV rear tires, so as not to fling too much road debris at the Prius.

[bbielek]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tochatihu @ Jun 20 2006, 03:05 PM) [snapback]274193[/snapback]</div>

There are only 3 issues known to me: Make sure the front tires are well-secured to the axle dolly (obvious). Be alert to rear end (Prius) dragging on uneven surfaces since it is angled to the road. After a few miles, pull over and feel the rear brake drums. If they are not above ambient, your rear brake shoes are not dragging.

Hope you have 'mudflaps' behind your RV rear tires, so as not to fling too much road debris at the Prius.
[/b]

All good points. The Demco dolly that I use doesn't raise the front so much that dragging the rear is a significant problem - at least it hasn't been. The straps and safety chain do firmly hold both front wheels, but as I said you need to check after 50 - 100 miles to make sure nothing has loosened up. Finally, although I have a full width mud flap on the motorhome, the slightly raised front end on the dolly seems to protect the front of the car. We towed the Highlander for more than 11,000 miles, and now the Prius for 600, and have never had a scratch. In the case of a diesel motorhome; however, you will end up with a film on the car from the diesel exhaust. It washes off easily.

[compwolf]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob47 @ Jun 21 2006, 07:53 AM) [snapback]274574[/snapback]</div>

All good points. The Demco dolly that I use doesn't raise the front so much that dragging the rear is a significant problem - at least it hasn't been. The straps and safety chain do firmly hold both front wheels, but as I said you need to check after 50 - 100 miles to make sure nothing has loosened up. Finally, although I have a full width mud flap on the motorhome, the slightly raised front end on the dolly seems to protect the front of the car. We towed the Highlander for more than 11,000 miles, and now the Prius for 600, and have never had a scratch. In the case of a diesel motorhome; however, you will end up with a film on the car from the diesel exhaust. It washes off easily.
[/b]

Thanks. I'll check into the Demco dolly since you've had a good experience with it. My RV has a full mud flap so baring me forgetting to check the straps, hitch and chains and making sure the parking brake is off ... I should be golden.