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Prius pulling an RV? What do you pull !!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by engerysaver, Jun 16, 2013.

  1. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

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    engerysaver

    I ordered one, but just got email from etrailer that they are out the stock and won't be able to get one in at the end of July, damm it, but I am needed so I have to wait, do you know any other sell them?? please let me know.

    V/r

    Khoi Nguyen
     
  2. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    Toyota does not recommend trailer towing; this is true. Toyota did no say, " Do not tow"; big difference!! bwilson4web and others have proved it can be done. What is the limit on weight, is the question? I admit, I went over on weight ( 800 + 1900 = 2700 pounds ). No bells sounding or lights coming on!! I'm sure that Toyota build safe guards in the system. This is my test, and time will tell.

    I want to hear from other Prius owners who pull trailers, and other things; and how much weight they pull?
     
  3. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    I saw an "unmodified" Tundra pull the Endeavor Space Shuttle on a commercial, but it was moving really slowly...

    SCH-R530M ? 2
     
    engerysaver likes this.
  4. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    For all the hype, IIRC I think it only pulled it over a bridge or something. I believe the rest of the move was done by some special moving equipment. Still impressive for the Tundra, but not the deal it was made out to be.
     
    engerysaver likes this.
  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    - http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om/OM47784U/pdf/sec_02-05.pdf
     
  6. andreyco

    andreyco Member

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    Just because it can be done does not mean it should be done. If you have problems with your transmission or engine sooner then a non-towing prius, guess who gets their warranty claim denied?

    As long as we're on word technicalities, Toyota only recommends using engine oil, it doesn't say you have to. I really wish you the best in your towing endeavors, but do realize that the car is not designed for this application - especially pulling more than its own weight up any kind of incline.
     
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  7. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    The question here is not if it is doable, but rather if it's worth doing. Any time one tows a trailer in any car or truck, there is increased wear and tear on drivetrain, brakes, suspension, etc. The thing with prius, as it's not intended for heavy towing, the delta could be very large here. One would have to drive slow, avoid hills, and constantly monitor MGs, inverters, tranny, and engine coolant and oil temps.
     
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  8. FriarNurgle

    FriarNurgle Member

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    Wow, and I'm sitting here worrying about getting a hitch and 4 bike carrier.
     
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  9. Robmoo

    Robmoo Junior Member

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    I'm glad I found this thread. I'm thinking about getting rid of my 2005 Grand Caravan for a 2010 Prius with under 30k miles. One problem I had to solve was that of towing our Seadoo Speedster on the 1 or 2 camping trips we take it on each year. The boat weighs 1200lbs and the trailer weighs 400lbs. It sounds like towing it twice a year shouldn't cause an issue. The boat is far more aerodynamic than a trailer. The trailer for the boat does not have brakes. :-(
     
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  10. andreyco

    andreyco Member

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    ^ and now it's starting to sound dangerous. Adding 1200 lb of weight for your Prius brakes to stop is dangerous. I know I wouldn't want to be on the same highway as you. If something were to happen you can count on being liable for the damages.
     
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  11. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

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    hi all

    I want these part so bad, nobody have them in stock now, does anybody know who carry them had actual have them in hand, I would like to order ASAP.

    V/r

    Khoi Nguyen
     
  12. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    We do things BIG in Texas; if we didn't, more than 1/2 of state would be a desert. Our speed limit on some roads is 80 MPH.; But I will not go over 55 pulling my RV. And yes, I might have engine or transmission problems ? .....Time will tell !!

    Listen up people !!

    This thread is about what your Prius pulls in total weight of your cargo and trailer. Please read post # 1.
     
  13. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

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    engerysaver

    I am with you.

    V/r

    Khoi Nguyen
     
  14. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    I and, I think, many others would like to hear what you learn from this. There isn't lot of info around about what happens when the HSD system is worked a little (OK, a lot) harder than intended.

    Are you monitoring temperatures? I think that if you keep coolant, and the electrical systems within reasonable temperature limits you should be OK.
     
  15. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    Just do it !! ..... It can be done.
     
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  16. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    I am worried about 100 + degree days, here in Texas pulling my RV, you are mostly in the power mode. It's going to get HOT under the hood......HV inverter ?
     
  17. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Inverter coolant and MG1 and MG2 temperatures should be monitored. A Scanguage II is one way to do it.

    Makes no difference whether you are in Power mode or not, all power mode does is keep you from needing to push the throttle pedal as far. If you are going up grade x at 50 mph, the load on the powertrain is the same in normal or power modes
     
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  18. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    I have ordered linear-logic/scangauge 2 from Auto Zone $ 159.99 -20% off ( code " DAD20" ) + tax, free shipping = $ 136.64 ; for watching temps.
     
  19. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Awesome price ;)

    Mike

    Mobile on my SGH-i717
     
  20. kknguyen1168

    kknguyen1168 Member

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    WE0H likes this.