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Would it be safe for my Prius to Haul a treadmill and bed in small trailer?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Joe Wall, Jun 26, 2019.

  1. Joe Wall

    Joe Wall Member

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    I need to move a bed and triyng to see if my Prius would be able to haul a treadmill and bed. the trailer is mid-sized and really would prefer to save money if possible, not spending a fortune renting a Uhaul to move 800-900 miles. Any advice? How much can a Prius haul and is this safe?
     
  2. Joe Wall

    Joe Wall Member

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    My guess is that it would not be a good idea but just curious
     
  3. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    Page 344, from 2007 Owners Manual
    upload_2019-6-26_23-56-3.png

    That being said, I have seen people use a trailer hitch for their bikes. I have not seen actual towing yet. You will be in unchartered waters w/ towing. Should you try to tow, you will need to buy a trailer hitch and increase your liability policy limits.

    A 2007 Prius has a MAXIMUM load capacity of 810lbs (occupants + cargo + luggage + whatever junk is in the car).
    Start the math: your weight + trailer weight + hitch weight + bed weight + treadmill + straps + junk in the car <=810pounds
    810pounds is very little to work with.

    READ:

    You can always just buy a new bed and another treadmill.
    Home gym equipment is always on sale on Craigslist! People buy it, use it once or twice, then use it as a close rack.

    Memory foam mattresses are becoming popular and are shipped to your door. I have the Costco Novafoam mattress and like it a lot!
    A queen size is on sale till 6/30/2019, $600.https://www.costco.com/Novaform-14%22-Serafina-Pearl-Gel-Queen-Memory-Foam-Mattress.product.100153891.html

    Rent-a-wreck (Enterprise) has full size truck rentals. Cost?

    Ask friends/family if you can rent/borrow their truck?
     
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    This isn't impossible, but be realistic. Are you talking about moving a treadmill and a bed in the trailer with no other cargo? or maybe also a couple of suitcases in the car? Yeah, this should work out fine.

    If you're talking about loading everything including a bed & treadmill? Nope, this isn't a good plan.
     
  5. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Roll's eyes...
    Toyota in North America has always said " Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing. " Or some statement to that affect.
    That statement was in my Gen 3 Prius's owners manual.

    Maybe I'm just in a bad mood this morning?
    But why do people always want to ignore this? Or seek permission to ignore this?

    Bring on the avalanche of owners who HAVE towed with their Prius. With pictures and stories of pulling orphanages over mountain passes.

    But IMO we're talking about a Hybrid, with a unique transmission, electric motors, and a regenerative brake system. There is a LOT the Prius was designed to do, uniquely and well...but pull a trailer is IMO NOT one of them.

    I don't believe a Prius is a good choice to tow anything...just like the owners manual SAYS.
     
  6. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    There is a thread on here with pictures of Prius owners hauling all types of stuff. You should find it.
     
  7. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Treadmill is heavy.
    I tow a lot of stuff but not far. Here’s what I have learned.

    Towing is really hard on the hybrid battery. It does not charge very well with the car pulling a heavy load as every bit of power is used for propulsion. You have a 10 year old hybrid battery it will tax it to the max. You should be thinking about buying a charger for that battery it will greatly extend its life.

    The brakes are really really bad as the brake regen is non existent when towing so your basicly left with the worlds worst brakes.

    Do a test. Rent a 4x8 trailer from u haul it’s $25. Drive it 40 miles round trip see how the car likes it.
     
  8. srellim234

    srellim234 Senior Member

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    When you say "a fortune" for a Uhaul, exactly how much imoney are you talking about? How much are you really going to save by beating up your primary means of transportation instead of renting? Are Uhaul or Prius your only options? No competition from Ryder? No chance of finding someone else going the same direction you can share the cost with?

    Personally, I wouldn't tow. The risk isn't worth the reward.
     
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  9. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    I have towed many things including my toolboxs/tools which are very large and heavy, with singe room furnishings and personals. It can be done however, be advised you have to buy and install a proper receiver, hitch and wiring kit. Then, as in my specific case above, the mpg dropped to half normal...and I maintain my vehicles much, much better than most. Add to that, I did/do this with a GEN 3 which has more power than the GEN 2 you have...and hills/mountians are not your friend doing this either. Yes it can be done...but...seriously consider the overall costs, condition of your vehicle, the actual trip and logistics. Best to ya.
     
    #9 frodoz737, Jun 28, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2019
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  10. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    More power and alot younger.
     
  11. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    I'd do it, provided that, as stated above, the car isn't packed to the rafters with 1500# of other stuff and is in proper operating trim.....BUT(!) I have a lot of experience in towing.

    If you use a little common sense (a very CURIOUSLY named trait!) you, your car and your fellow drivers will be fine.

    @frodoz737 made some excellent points about terrain, distance, your car's age and health.

    Read and heed.
     
  12. Joe Wall

    Joe Wall Member

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    I don't think it's a good idea since I will be driving in WV up mountains. Right now UHaul would be $1500 to $2000.
     
  13. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    If you can fit everything else in the car without a trailer, you can definitely replace a bed and a treadmill for less than $1500.
     
  14. Joe Wall

    Joe Wall Member

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    Treadmill is worth $700-$900. It has a warranty and purchased a more expensive one since I have a treadmill desk
     
  15. Joe Wall

    Joe Wall Member

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    My dad has truck but it is a 13 hr drive one way. They don't want to drive there and back. I really want a bed to sleep on for medical school and at least somehing. My Prius will stay in WV but have no one who is willing to drive 13 hrs and drive 13 hrs back which is problem
     
  16. Joe Wall

    Joe Wall Member

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    Where can I buy a charger for my Prius? Thanks!
     
  17. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Hybridautomotive.com sells a charger /discharger for the hybrid battery. The system is called Prolong.

    Many members use it here including myself and have good results. I’m on my 18 month after rejuvenation
    And it’s running great. No guarantee how long but if the discharge session is done correctly it really wakes the battery up.
     
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  18. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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  19. PA Prius

    PA Prius Active Member

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    A friend made multiple trips with his Gen 2 and U-Haul back and forth between PA and NC during their gradual move south and said it works fine.
     
  20. Joe Wall

    Joe Wall Member

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    This isn't related but I need to order an engine filter. Any advice?