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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. andrewhurstca

    andrewhurstca Junior Member

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    In case you have not noticed, the Gen 4 Prius has an official tow rating now of 725 kg (1600 lb) in the UK. The power and torque have actually gone down a little from Gen 3 at the same time.
     
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  2. andrewhurstca

    andrewhurstca Junior Member

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    I finally finished my custom E cohitch and torque arm install, and most of my rewiring, in preparation for picking up our new Safari Condo Alto F1743 this July. I have the Firestone Airbag kit but aborted my installation. The instructions say to install tube end down, but after trying one, I was very uncomfortable with the location of the tube, could easily catch on something, and will be subject to all of the suspension travel. If I install the other way around (tubes on top), the look much more at home, except that the spacer disc wants to squirt out the side of the spring.
    For folks who have the airbags, how did you deal with this? (By the way, I see that my previous posts went in under my wife's Facebook identity, Robin McGee, so that is me above too!)
    image.jpeg
     
  3. andrewhurstca

    andrewhurstca Junior Member

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    A few more pics... image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg
     
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  4. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    2011 Prius
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    Two
    Thanks for the info; I did not know that !! :)My rule is 2.000 lbs, minus weight of people and cargo in the Prius. ;)It sounds like I was pretty close !! :cool:
     
  5. trip1027

    trip1027 Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Hehe uploadfromtaptalk1459306144485.jpg

    SM-N920V ?
     
  6. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    Location:
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    2011 Prius
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    Two
    I had a scaro_O on 3-25-2016; all my warning lights were going crazy!!:mad:
    Push the start button; it was not READY. Push it again, and then it was READY.:confused:
    I had this happen before, when I left dome light on.
    I had the battery checked ..... BAD battery!!:(

    I got me another battery coming .... OPTIMA 8171-767 yellow top.:)

    When your warning lights go crazy ..... check your battery, first.(y)
     
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  7. andrewhurstca

    andrewhurstca Junior Member

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  8. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    Two
    Tube end down; post # 170 using Firestone air springs # F 4136(y) for Prius.
    Set it just right, add some air .... the air keeps it in place; do not add more than 30 lbs to it.
    You might have larger springs on your Safari??:confused: Is that what your using!! :unsure:
     
  9. andrewhurstca

    andrewhurstca Junior Member

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    Thanks, I missed that post somehow. Have you checked to see if the air lines are chafing at all from the suspension movement? That was my main concern with putting them tube down. I'm not understanding your question about the Safari. I am putting the air springs in my '13 Prius for towing the Safari Condo brand Alto 1743 trailer.
     
  10. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    OK, then; I did not understand if you was using the Prius or not!!:unsure:
    You can all ways use some electrical tape.(y)

    I zip tied my lines, so that they would not be hanging down too much; their still holding air.:cool:
    My fear is that a rock or something, might fly up and hit the tubing.:eek:o_O
     
  11. trip1027

    trip1027 Member

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    So get the plastic wire protector things and put around the air lines uploadfromtaptalk1460003971267.jpeg

    SM-N920V ?
     
  12. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    That's a good idea !! (y) :cool:
     
  13. andrewhurstca

    andrewhurstca Junior Member

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    After all of that work, money, publicity, and build up, I have finally chickened out (or seen the light depending on your perspective). Yesterday I went and traded in the older Prius on a low mileage 2012 Highlander Hybrid to pull the Alto with. :-( :(

    I used "flattestroute.com" to look up the slopes for our pick-up of the trailer in July, lots of highway hills between 6 & 10% slope. We were holding back on trailer options we wanted, and even then the Alto and our stuff we're looking to be upwards of 2200 pounds. If we were buying the trailer locally, I would hold out and try it, but the dealer is 600 miles away and the maiden voyage was going to Include over 1200 miles of towing. After re-reading all of the (legitimate) posts on this list, I realized that I would likely be pushing the envelope beyond the breaking point. This way we can have the trailer finished with the options we really want, not skimp on what we pack, and have a much more worry free trip.

    I guess I will try to sell my custom Torklift Ecohitch and air bags. They would be good for anyone considering a smaller trailer with a heavy tongue weight. Do you mind if I use this list to post them with photos, once I remove it from our 2013 Prius?
     
  14. FroggyTaco

    FroggyTaco Member

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    Location:
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    Two
    We have a dedicated private party for sale sub-forum for this exact purpose: Private Sales | PriusChat
     
  15. junkycosmos

    junkycosmos Junior Member

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    image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg Thx to the prior posters here for the ideas and motivation.

    Just installed
    Torque Central 2" hitch
    Firestone airbags "4136" W23-760-4136 kit

    Bags mounted tube side up hose routed up and into the trunk near traction battery connection (posted by tplife). I ordered a T splitter with intention of joining under car but choose not too as to avoid left/right suspension interaction. Lines that come with kit are long enough to route up that hole and out the vent by passenger side tail light.

    Original height pre bags
    Front: 26.25"
    Rear: 26.5"

    While on still on jack, partway lowered, top and bottom of bag touching purches: 27.5"

    Fully on ground
    No load in car, 1/4 tank of gas: 30lbs in bags = 27.25"


    Thx all
    Junky

    2010 Gen3 @148k miles
     
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  16. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

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    Looks GREAT!!:cool:(y)
     
  17. Redpoint5

    Redpoint5 Senior Member

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    I was told to sign a waiver of liability when I asked for a yard of dirt / compost that was 1,800 lbs. I'm monitoring all temperature probes and have alarms set using Torque. No issues at all, although I only pulled 5 miles.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  18. Anna E

    Anna E New Member

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    I wanted to weigh in about a couple things about towing, and about loading a Prius (or any vehicle). About towing: Your vehicle has to be able to get the trailer moving, and stop it, so the engine and brakes have to be able to handle the combined weight of towing vehicle, trailer, people, and stuff. Also, make sure the trailer weighs less than the towing vehicle; whichever weighs more will determine where you go. This is how rigs flip over. I notice you have a brake controller, so I'm assuming the trailer has electric brakes, which would be an absolute must for safety. About towing with a Prius: The weight capacity for a Prius is 800 lbs (that's people and stuff, in and on the vehicle, including a trailer). The Prius V can handle 900 lbs. If you go over this, it will cause mechanical failure sooner rather than later. The magic of towing is that you are pulling the weight rather than lifting or carrying it, increasing the weight capacity to some degree, but if you are pulling up a hill or have to stop suddenly, it may stress the vehicle beyond what it is designed to do, causing a breakdown and/or accident. Having said that, I'm considering pulling a small trailer with my Prius, but I'm looking for something very small and light to carry bikes.
     
  19. FroggyTaco

    FroggyTaco Member

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    Trailers - Yakima
     
  20. Yippeekyaa

    Yippeekyaa Active Member

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    1195 lb. Capacity 48 in. x 96 in. Heavy Duty Folding Trailer