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

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.

 

rough sketch

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.