1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Hello

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by curtland, Mar 9, 2008.

  1. curtland

    curtland New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    0
    0
    I am new to the forum.

    I do have some questions. I am able to get 65 MPG on occaisional trips of about 10 miles. I can get 55 mpg on a tank if I am never late to pick up my kids.

    I am looking at taking a trip from Portland, OR to IN an back this summer with 2 kids. We need to carry a lot of food because of allergies. I was looking at the Sportsrig trailer, but it seems pricey. A hitch mounted carrier is cheaper, but how would 300lbs behind the bumper affect handling?

    Great car, except for the aux battery if a kid leave the door open over night.

    Steve
     
    #1 curtland, Mar 9, 2008
  2. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

    Joined:
    May 3, 2005
    4,096
    81
    13
    Location:
    USA | Oregon | Portland area | 97004 |
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Hi Steve, welcome to PriusChat! You're getting great milage!

    I wouldn't put that much weight back there, it will definitely affect handling. Are you sure you can't fit the food inside? You've got 14.4 cubic feet. I can't find it right now, but I recall the total load capacity is around 1000 pounds for you, the kids, and everything else.

    If you're in Portland area, check out PortlandHSD.info.
     
    #2 Bill Merchant, Mar 10, 2008
  3. curtland

    curtland New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    0
    0
    Bill,

    Thanks for the reply. So a cargo tray is a bad idea in your opinion. What do you think about a trailer of the same weight? I was considering one of those clamshell trailers for behind a motorcycle. Is that bad too?

    The car is great, but too small for that long of trip without expanding the cargo. I am not fond of rooftop boxes, they are hard to reach.


    Steve
     
    #3 curtland, Mar 12, 2008
  4. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

    Joined:
    May 3, 2005
    4,096
    81
    13
    Location:
    USA | Oregon | Portland area | 97004 |
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    A motorcycle type trailer would probably be OK, better than a hitch mount carrier where all the extra weight is on the car wheels. Do those have electric brake systems?
     
    #4 Bill Merchant, Mar 13, 2008
  5. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2007
    10,664
    567
    0
    Location:
    Adelaide South Australia
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Be aware the towing capacity of a Prius is 0 pounds.
     
    #5 patsparks, Mar 13, 2008
  6. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

    Joined:
    May 3, 2005
    4,096
    81
    13
    Location:
    USA | Oregon | Portland area | 97004 |
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    That's the RATED capacity. Many people have trailers and use them successfully.
     
    #6 Bill Merchant, Mar 13, 2008
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)