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I wanna mount trapizoid "trailer tongue box" to FRONT of Prime.

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by The Big Sleaze, Jan 16, 2022.

  1. The Big Sleaze

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    How bad of an idea is this?

    I'd use two factory tow hooks mostly, and then two (or one) structural member mounted to underside of car (haven't dug into plastic covers underneath yet).39 x 16.25 x 11.41 inches
    Box weighs under 30lbs and it would be for lite bulky objects, so weight not much a factor. Website not wanting to link to Amazon.
    ARKSEN 39 Inch Aluminum Diamond Plate Tongue Box Tool Chest, Waterproof Under Truck Storage for Pick Up Truck Bed, RV Trailer, ATV with Lock and Keys - Silver
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08T94VRXQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3RCRUQZKOMTW7&th=1
    Only really worried about blocking airflow over radiator but looks like it would only be in front of middle vent on grill and would have couple inches just not direct airblast as much at speed. I've also heard that cars today pretty much rely on thermostat not fan so maybe I'd just be running more open 'stat when under heavy load.

    Is "Hybrid Assistant" smart phone helper app able to tell me if I'm red-lining it or if it starts to become a factor? I guess I'd want to first run base-line numbers.

    Not too worried about effecting AirBags due to my safe driving record, but if you got real info please share.

    PS-I'm also planning to run rear Cargo Tray and 48x15x15" box, again mostly for lite bulky items.
     
  2. The Big Sleaze

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    rough sketch
     

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  3. dtsexpert

    dtsexpert Member

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    the front Toyota logo has the radar underneath.If the box blocks it, function such as LTA, adaptive cruise
    won't work
     
  4. pghyndman

    pghyndman Active Member

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    Ummm, I know I'm going to regret asking this, but WHY?!?
     
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  5. The Big Sleaze

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    Radar Cruise is my fave feature, so maybe will need to mount frunk lower but that will block more air, so maybe lower lip extension. I'd thought the Radar was in windshield by mirror and that is why a Prius windshield is such as expensive replacement.

    You wouldn't have pic or know the angles the radar needs clear to work would you?
     
    #5 The Big Sleaze, Jan 18, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2022
  6. The Big Sleaze

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    haul more stuff AND create a new completely separate compartment WITHOUT adding much drag and getting into airstream. I always end up with way too much stuff in a car and Prime is already tight on space due to battery. Worst part about too much junk in the trunk is how the dirty stuff gets into the clean stuff and I tend to be disorganized. Right now I'm EDC two puffy jackets for two missions, muck boots and regular hiking boots, big bag of swim fins and masks and hand paddles and beverages, med size backpack, trekking poles, laptop/keyboard/mouse in other backpack and 27" monitor (and cords). Clamp light, 250ft cord on spools. Folding table, ice chests.

    I plan on getting a "keeper" (to replace current "beater")full size E-350 van soon and one of first things I'll do is install a Etrailer FRONT tow hitch to mount cargo tray for tool box and/or bike racks. Same reasons but with a van its important to be able to access stuff because in a van stuff tends to get buried.

    Most of it isn't heavy just bulky.

    PS-My Prime is white so I'm going with bare bright alum boxes but was told I blew it by getting a white car because a black car with anodized black alum box extensions would be a great cyber-punk look and I have to agree.
     
    #6 The Big Sleaze, Jan 18, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2022
  7. pghyndman

    pghyndman Active Member

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    Okay, fair enough, though it gives me pause to wonder if a different vehicle would have been a more suitable choice from the get-go?

    I retired from 40+ years of federal service in an environment where qualified contractors were solicited for projects with a few selected to design and construct competing prototypes. Requirements were further honed as the prototypes were developed and tested under real-world conditions. After extensive scrutiny, specifications were finalized and production was started. But invariably, as soon as deployment was completed, our own engineers changed their "wish-list" of capabilities (sigh).

    Hence, coming from such a background, I try to define my "wish-lists" ahead of time.
     
  8. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    The sensor pod on the windshield has cameras which are used along with data from the emblem-mounted radar pod to support those safety and driver assist functions.

    I recall seeing a diagram in the owners' manual for our Prius. I kind of doubt the drawing has the detail you'd need, since that whole chapter is stuff about how you want to keep the thing clean and unobstructed.

    Neat idea, but I'm skeptical that it can work for something much taller than a shoebox. Talk about a shinbuster in the parking lot!

    ...Upon looking at that amazon link: I don't see a way you'd get one that big to fit or work on the front of any Prius. Maybe something scaled for an ATV? Lund 288272 might be small enough.

    That said I think the real solution is to keep money in wallet, thus getting you into the E-350 a couple of weeks sooner.
     
    #8 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jan 18, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2022
  9. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    99.99% of the people wanting to do that, put the box on the BACK of the vehicle.
    Your assumptions about drag and "airstream" are completely wrong.

    It is a terrible idea, for several reasons.
     
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  10. The Big Sleaze

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    I do plan on rear box and parts are starting to show up. :) I even PLAN on tacking a bike racks to the rear tube of the cargo tray for double rear extension (will be only carrying one regular bike most of time) partly because the unit has also been handy for hanging clothes and can support a plank for instant table top.

    Yeah, I know a box in front wont help the finely crafty Prius in drag and airflow, but I'm guessing its better than even streamlined roof cargo. I might run some Sims with CAD for drag. Also might add hooks or straps to the front box for Molle or other soft pouches to make some curves and haul extra stuff. Main idea is "Where CAN I add storage volume?"

    Its looking like if I want to keep Radar I might do with TWO smaller front boxes but that is OK because main mounting points will be the TWO front tow hook eyes.
     
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  11. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Well it seems like we have another case of "My mind is made up already. Don't confuse me with facts."
    So I will just say: Good luck. Because I think you will need a LOT of it.
     
  12. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Why not buy a small light weight wire trailer. Bolt that tool box in it. Than car is not molested which would kill any resale no one will buy a 2020 that’s had a big tool box bolted to it. and you can tow crap too.
    Very versatile. Extremely handy.

    Curt trailer. etrailer.com.
     
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  13. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Right on the mark, Ed.
    The OP should read your post over and over......until he actually understands it.
     
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  14. The Big Sleaze

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    Thats why I was going to use factory tow eyes as primary mounting point, with one or two supports from (somewhere) under the car under the plastic underbody panels. Even if I drill through front grill somewhere many of the parts are surprisingly reasonable from Toyota, and there is a universe of various rubber hole filler buttons. Main thing that is killing this project is the Radar which I'm guessing is not going to be relocatable. :( However "Frunk" still on for my next big van and they sell "front tow hitch" for all full size vans easy bolt on. :)

    On my list is a Harbor Freight type small trailer and maybe a fly-weight minimalist camper on it. Looking for better than the HF model of same general type. What is "wire trailer"? Trailer with wires for the lights?

    Also thinking of using factory rear tow eyes as attachment points for picrel type small trailer.
     

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  15. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    "Wire trailer" probably refers to trailer made with steel frame and expanded metal/wire floor and side panels.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  16. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    This bad boy X:

    https://www.lowes.com/pd/Carry-On-Trailer-3-5-ft-x-5-ft-Wire-Mesh-Utility-Trailer/3680952?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-hdw-_-bng-_-LIA_HDW_214_Auto-Batteries-_-3680952-_-Local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&msclkid=6581d2d154601ca3eac7b3399b98508e&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LIA_HDW_214_Auto-Batteries&utm_term=4585032211882260&utm_content=HDW_Trailers-Ramps-And-Towing_LIA&gclid=6581d2d154601ca3eac7b3399b98508e&gclsrc=3p.ds

    Could not remember the correct name remembered WIRE lol. There very light. I rented one once to go about 20 miles to pick up something and the big drawback to that is if its empty it bounces around like freaking crazy on the hitch. Bang bang bang...the whole way.
    So much so its a little worrisome but with a little weight on it was not too bad...locally. These like to dance back there. if you got a big pickup no problem. Little G2 oh boy. But regen did not suffer so much.

    But impossible to rent. No one offers it here. See them CL for $300-400 all the time I just don't haul enough to buy one.
     
  17. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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  18. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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  19. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    You are "thinking" WAY too much.
    How many of those one wheeled trailers do you actually SEE on the road ?
    Pretty close to NONE I bet.......and for good reasons.

    You are making a huge mistake by trying to re-invent something that works just fine in the form that has evolved
    over MILLIONS of units and TENS OF MILLIONS of miles.

    Just put a ball hitch on it and pull a "standard" trailer.
    Or keep banging your head against the stone wall.
    It is certainly not hurting the rest of us any.