Prius v 2012: east to west coast via Rockies in Oct

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by RobSA, Aug 31, 2021.

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  1. RobSA

    RobSA Junior Member

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    Hello. I'm new and this is my first post. Have owned a Prius v 2012 model, bought new in 2011, well maintained, approx. 150K miles, never had a problem. Considering driving it across country from central VA to San Rafael, via Rockies, Tahoe to San Rafael, and then home again through southern CA, TX and up through southern states, starting Oct 10, ending roughly Nov 15, 2021. One passenger, two/three mid sized suitcases, cooler, bits and pieces. Not camping. Car has been fitted with a catalytic converter guard, since thefts are, regrettably, v common in my home town.

    Question: I've never seen the Rockies. This is a Prius, not a turbocharged vehicle or an SUV. Is this a stupid idea? Will the car be able to handle the terrain if sticking to major highways? Any likelihood of snow this early?

    Any advice on whether or not to embark on stated route, modify it, how to do things safely, MUCH appreciated.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 RobSA, Aug 31, 2021
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    No carburetor, no problem with interstates in the mountains. State highways are usually slower and also no problem.
     
    #2 rjparker, Aug 31, 2021
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2021
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would clean the egr circuit prior to leaving
     
    #3 bisco, Aug 31, 2021
  4. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Be prepared for the Inverter, water pump or Traction battery to go out
     
    #4 Tim Jones, Sep 10, 2021
  5. Colin

    Colin Junior Member

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    I drive through the Canadian part of the rockies every few years. It's fine.

    Use B mode for the long descents and maybe back off your top speed a bit on the way up the the steepest climbs. Expect your mileage to be a little worse than normal because the battery will get full. Just relax and drive.
     
    #5 Colin, Sep 11, 2021
  6. lrisius

    lrisius Member

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    We head to Colorado for a couple weeks of vacation most summers and stay at about 9-10k ft. Our v has done fine. Gas mileage goes down a little. Use the B "gear" on long downhills. Not sure what route you are taking, but it can snow early up there. Colorado has chain laws that are in effect during the winter that regulate what kind of tires and/or chains you need to be on certain roads during the winter during certain weather conditions. I would assume other states may have similar laws. I'd take a look at chain laws on your planned routes.
     
    #6 lrisius, Sep 12, 2021
  7. RobSA

    RobSA Junior Member

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    Well, clearly I'm in trouble bec I have no idea what these things are, or why I should expect them to fail. Ha ha. (Not.)

    Thanks for all the responses, folks. Since I am a wimp and grew up in a country w/little to no snow, I decided to head south after a few days in Denver. I hope this will result in a snowless trip. I plan to do a similar trip next year, renting a SUV, and going further north.

    BTW, this is the most trouble free car I've ever owned. Hope that doesn't curse the trip.
     
    #7 RobSA, Sep 13, 2021
    bisco likes this.
  8. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    It's just getting to the miles and age when something unexpected can pop up and it can't be fixed anywhere but a toyota shop......and takes weeks.
    Make sure you check the oil weekly and watch the coolant in the reservoir as it should always be at the same level.
    Hope you have a great trip....
     
    #8 Tim Jones, Sep 17, 2021
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