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Has anybody added a tow hitch to a Prius V?

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by AnneLW, Sep 8, 2017.

  1. AnneLW

    AnneLW Member

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    I saw a standard Prius towing a teardrop and now I want to be able to tow a small trailer so I can go to the dump without loading brush and trash into my car. I shouldn't need more than 2500-lb cpacity and maybe less.

    Can this be done and if so, where do you go to get this done?

    (It's a 2014 so past warranty)
     
  2. benkhanobi

    benkhanobi Member

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    I tow a 1200 lb oversize home made camper with my Chevy HHR, 2.2L engine- the tongue weight is about 160 lbs. Towing is fine, it's the unexpected braking that causes the white knuckles. The Prius has extra MG braking that would be a help with the stopping. That said, IMHO, 1500 lbs on flat roads would be my maximum for a small 4cyl engine. a 2500 lb trailer would have over 300 lbs of weight on the hitch ball, which is too much.
     
  3. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Yes, but stick with "Class I" weight receiver/package, use a hitch height appropriate for your trailer, install a harness for lights and of course make sure the trailer is licensed.
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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  5. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    True...but I did Amarillo/Dallas with my 2010 II LB and this U-Haul: 5x9 Utility Trailer Rental w/Ramp using the Curt 1-1/4" receiver carrying my Snap-On KRL722 Rollaway. Also did Denver/Dallas with this U-Haul: 5x10 Enclosed Cargo Trailer Rental and same box (with all my tools this time-heavy) plus other personal items. Of course I took the I70/I35 route for that trip due to snow/chains required in the pass. Not one problem other than dropping to 27 mpg. ;)
     
    #5 frodoz737, Sep 8, 2017
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2017
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Torklift hitches are very strong 1.5 and 2" systems which require no drilling and use existing hold down strap attachment points on a Prius v wagon. Once saw an AC guy running calls in an older gen2 Prius pulling a small trailer. You know that guy had low overhead costs. I would agree with BenK about maintaining small loads especially over long distances and very hilly terrain. The Prius brakes are small because of its regen braking and light weight overall. Once the HV battery is fully charged you only have minor engine braking to supplement the disk brakes on a long, heavily loaded descent.
     

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    #6 rjparker, Sep 8, 2017
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2017
  7. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    As stated, I have no problem doing Class 1 tows with a Prius. Which receiver you choose comes down to economics, receiver size and placement. As it specifically applied to my decision on the 2010 and 2015 Prii we own (same receiver for both)...there where 3 mfgs and 2 sizes. Curt and Draw-Tite both offered the 1-1/4", were mounted under and priced slightly over $100. Torklift offered 1-1/4" and 2", both were "Hidden" and both were over $250. The construction quality, ratings and warranties were the same.
     
  8. TomInRockville

    TomInRockville Junior Member

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    Does anyone have experience with converters that take the 2" size down to 1-1/4"? I have a big bike rack that used to go on the back of my Honda Odyssey, and now it just sits in the garage sad and lonely.
     
  9. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I would really just buy the 2" Tork Lift Eco hitch, all the extensions are going to increase the tongue weight.
     
    fuzzy1 likes this.
  10. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    They work fine. I had one for the same reason.
     
  11. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    This is what I did for my regular Liftback.

    Though I should disclose that TorkLift is (nearly) local to me.
     
  12. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Any adapters commonly found at Harbor Freight, UHaul or eTrailer will work just fine. The offset weight using these are marginal for a bike rack...even loaded. ;)
     
    #12 frodoz737, Sep 10, 2017
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2017
  13. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    I have the 2" TorkLift hitch on the Firebrid project so that I can use the 4-bike rack that I had purchased years ago to use on my old (and departed) Cadillac. It was easy to install. The photo shows how the hitch looks when the rear bumper of a Prius V is removed.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Bill the Engineer
     
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  14. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Looks Clark Griswold esque ;).

    Even room for Aunt Edna on the roof(y).
     
    Bill the Engineer likes this.
  15. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Funny thing about that rig on the Caddy is that it didn't lower the 13 mpg at all... :confused:
     
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  16. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    13 mpg is pretty good;).

    And I bet it drove like a dream:rolleyes:.
     
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