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Towing and Max speeds of Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Rhopson3, Nov 6, 2015.

  1. Rhopson3

    Rhopson3 New Member

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    My owners manual for my 2010 Prius says speeds over 85mph can result in sever engine damage. It also states you should not pull any type of trailer, but I have seen a few Prius's with trailer hitches but I would not try it.
     
  2. Starship_Enterprius

    Starship_Enterprius Active Member

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  3. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Most of us with trailer hitches are mounting bike or cargo racks, not pulling real trailers.

    If a car maker gives a tow rating, then people are going to take that as clearance to pull said trailer weight (plus a bit more) over Vail Pass (7+% grade, 70+ mph, at 10,000+ feet). Flatlanders pulling at lower speeds will be putting less stress on the vehicle, so should be able to get away with more than the stated tow rating. But they must exercise reasonable caution, and are on their own for warranty purposes.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Nope. It says if you exceed 85 mph you should have high speed rated tires.


    Capture.JPG

    I get nervous at 110 kmh or higher, would much rather stick around 80 kmh, seek out roads that have lower limits. Our young whippersnaper highway minister just raised a lot of highway speed limits. Experienced some of the 120 kmh highways last summer, nobody was at the limit, stayed lower: 100~110. Fine by me.
     
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  5. DumbMike

    DumbMike Active Member

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    Whew! My alter ego drives about 85MPH on the way from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Engine failure? That would be detrimental. Glad it's only about tires. But I'd better check my tires to make sure they can handle 85MPH. But my alter ego doesn't drive faster that that because handling the car becomes an issue.

    Mike
     
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    the speed rating of your tires may be expressed in several dialects 225/50SR16 225/50SR16 89S or 225/50R16 89S
    Where S is the speed rating.

    L 75 mph 120 km/h Off-Road & Light Truck Tires
    M 81 mph 130 km/h Temporary Spare Tires
    N 87 mph 140km/h
    P 93 mph 150 km/h
    Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
    R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires
    S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
    T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
    U 124 mph 200 km/h
    H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes
    V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars

    You are fooling yourself if you think your Prius needs under Q or over T.
     
    #7 JimboPalmer, Nov 6, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2015
  7. VovCA

    VovCA Member

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    I regularly drive up to 80 mph till that speed handling is Ok. On long trip 85, but I don't like handling there, especially when a gust side wind. But I would expect it from this type of cars. Never thought it could be engine issue from this speed, it's not even 100mph.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    okay.:) welcome to priuschat!

    i would not exceed 85 mph, unless the cops were chasing me.:eek:

    i may consider a small lightweight trailer someday though.
     
  9. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    She'll max out around 116mph depending on grade and battery soc. I've beat the crap out of these cars doing autocross, both a Gen 2 and a Gen 3. Never had any issues. If I can't break one I'd be surprised if the average customer could.

    -
     
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  10. VovCA

    VovCA Member

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    Thanks, man! What tires do you recommend? Handling closer to 85 mph already not so great.
     
  11. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    Well I've done this on countless occasions with the OE tires LOL. Never felt unstable, but of course none of the cars had full OE suspension either. Front sway bar swap on my current '15 Persona and OE Toyos feels fine up to max speed.

    -
     
  12. VovCA

    VovCA Member

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    I think suspension what makes a big difference. Is it expensive to make a moderate improvement?
     
  13. Redpoint5

    Redpoint5 Senior Member

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    Any tire can do 85 mph all day as long if it's inflated properly. The speed ratings are conservative to allow for idiots to run them at those speeds with under-inflated pressures.

    I'm certainly going to tow once I get my 2" hitch. I've got my eye on one of those folding Harbor Freight 4' x 8' trailers, and I'll haul as much as it can fit. Probably mostly yard debris or some building materials. I'll adjust my driving behavior to account for the load.
     
  14. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    Depends on what you want. You could install front and rear sway bars for around $300.

    SM-G900V ?