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Can the Prius wagon hold 4 foot x 8 foot pieces of plywood, or if not, tow a trailer that can?

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by SBCA_CA, Dec 31, 2019.

  1. SBCA_CA

    SBCA_CA Junior Member

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    I may eventually be going in on a land purchase with a friend, and building a house on it. Part of the equation is what kind of vehicle I would rely on to haul materials from town, and use as a daily driver after the house is built.

    My friend wants a truck for his primary vehicle in that situation, and I can't deny that they do utility very well, but they suck for everything else.

    Thanks!
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no, and yes. but toyota says no towing, so you have to do it on your own.

    many here use the harbor freight trailer.

    can't you get the materials delivered?
     
    #2 bisco, Dec 31, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 31, 2019
  3. SBCA_CA

    SBCA_CA Junior Member

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    Thanks. As far as material delivery, I don't think so. How much can the Prius wagon (unofficially) tow?
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    idk. you'd have to read through the towing threads, or look for euro specs because they might allow towing.
    perhaps an owner who tows will chime in.
     
  5. Offline

    Offline Active Member

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    I'd bet that I can get at least 5 sheets of 4'x8' plywood in our Prius v with its hatch door closed as long as I saw the plywood sheets into smaller pieces. ;)

    We use the Curt receiver hitch on our Prius v only for carrying a 2-bike rack but I'd be comfortable towing our 1,500 pound gross weight utility trailer with it ... except I don't tow the utility trailer with the Prius v since we also have a Toyota Sienna that's all set up for towing and is rated to tow 3,500 pounds. The Sienna can also carry a stack of 4'x8' sheets of plywood inside with hatch door closed as long as the 3rd row seats are stowed and the 2nd row seats are removed.

    IMO, utility trailers are the unsung heroes of the automotive world. I think I paid about $300 for mine in 1982 and have towed it hundreds of times behind a number of vehicles. It's required a few sets of cheap new tires and one new set of taillights from Walmart but the trailer itself will never wear out. New utility trailers like I have don't cost much more nearly 40 years later and sometimes can be picked up used for cheap.

    If you go the utility trailer route, I would suggest getting one that is 5'x9'. I've hauled 4'x8' sheets in our 4'x8' trailer but I have to stand them up diagonally unless I removed the trailer sides which is a hassle.
     
  6. SBCA_CA

    SBCA_CA Junior Member

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  7. Offline

    Offline Active Member

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    Yes, the European Toyota websites used to laud the capabilities of the Prius+ (the Euro version of the Prius v) for towing small watercraft like sailboats and jet skis. Toyota stopped promoting the towing capabilities of the Prius+ as it introduced more SUV's into the European market. Toyota Europe still sells a tow hitch and trailer wiring harness for the Prius+ but they been relabeled as only for carrying a bike rack. (Note: hitch mounted bike racks in Europe require lights similar to those on trailers.)
     
  8. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    A good independent lumberyard will deliver big loads for less than you can buy and transport from a HD or similiar. Buy a 2019 or 20 Rav4 hybrid and you will get Toyota approved towing, faster acceleration, awd and still have 40 mpg. With that said, I have the Torklift 2" Hidden Hitch. The concern is the v’s max load is about 900 pounds which includes the people in the car. While the brakes are good, most braking comes from regeneration down to a low speed unless a panic stop is occurring. With a heavy load, especially coming down hills, the regen can quickly max out the battery and resort to engine and friction braking. Which might overload the brakes. The other concern is the cvt tranny which delivers power through a belt.
     
  9. SBCA_CA

    SBCA_CA Junior Member

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    My concerns with a 2019/20 Rav4 Hybrid is that they would cost much more than the v, plus if I ever get one, I'm holding out for the PHEV version. Maybe if it can still tow and has decent mpg and interior space. I'd get a Tesla cybertruck, but that's far out of my budget for now. Maybe used, some day.
     
  10. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I've towed about 800lbs with our Prius c. It worked properly. I would do it again. I would not plan to plan to pull any greater load, though.

    The harbor freight folding trailer weighs about 300lbs once you have it outfitted properly. If you load that trailer with 4 sheets of 5/8" underlayment, the trailer is 456lbs. Any Prius can safely tow that so long as it isn't overloaded internally.
     
  11. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    How long will the tow be in miles? What sort of terrain? How long will the project take?

    Buy the truck used and sell it when the project is all done? Maybe a really old truck that has depreciated to the point where losing much value when selling isn't a big risk? Of an old mini-van? Or just rent a truck for the big loads? Or pay to have delivered? Buy enough and delivery can be very economical if not free.

    Stick built? Pre-built walls and trusses are usually delivered and the trusses hoisted into place.

    Somehow buying a do everything car means a lot of compromises.
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    amazon?
     
  14. SBCA_CA

    SBCA_CA Junior Member

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    Ha, that's just precious.
     
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  15. SBCA_CA

    SBCA_CA Junior Member

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    If it could be done safely, yes.
     
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  16. SBCA_CA

    SBCA_CA Junior Member

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    Many questions!

    ~30 miles one way, paved roads, gravel path on property, who the heck knows how long it could take with just the two of us.

    As far as another vehicle or delivery, all good points, and we're just mostly spitballing things for now.

    I seriously doubt that delivery would be a good option, as I anticipate us making many trips for things, especially things that we break/screw up/forget.
     
  17. SBCA_CA

    SBCA_CA Junior Member

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    Thanks!
     
  18. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Pretty much need a minivan to pass the 4x8 plywood test and even then I think it might stick out.
    We have minivan and a Prius for that reason...not that I do 4x8's that much
     
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you will pick up a lot of things, but pallets of lumber and plywood should be delivered for free.

    then, small amounts should be easily haulable in a trailer, roof rack or your friends truck
     
  20. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    How many contractors do you see using a Prius for their job? Anything is possible, but a vehicle really should match the task. Your call.
     
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