1. The site is migrating to a new server this week, so there will likely be some downtime during that process. You can follow along here for updates.

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

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

Tags:
  1. RobSA

    RobSA Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2021
    3
    3
    0
    Location:
    Cville, VA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    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

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    6,676
    3,874
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    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

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    105,178
    47,733
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i would clean the egr circuit prior to leaving
     
    #3 bisco, Aug 31, 2021
  4. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2018
    1,619
    531
    3
    Location:
    SE Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Be prepared for the Inverter, water pump or Traction battery to go out
     
    #4 Tim Jones, Sep 10, 2021
  5. Colin

    Colin Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2012
    33
    9
    1
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    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

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2015
    118
    54
    0
    Location:
    Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    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

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2021
    3
    3
    0
    Location:
    Cville, VA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    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

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2018
    1,619
    531
    3
    Location:
    SE Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    ----USA----
    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
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Loading...
Similar Threads - Prius east west
  1. Dan Kang

    2015 Prius v Five with some questions

    Dan Kang, Sep 14, 2023, in forum: Prius v Main Forum
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    201
    rjparker
    Sep 15, 2023
  2. hedron

    How much will the Prius V be worth in 10 years?

    hedron, Sep 9, 2023, in forum: Prius v Main Forum
    Replies:
    16
    Views:
    523
    djasonw
    Sep 11, 2023
  3. Naser127

    Cruise control Prius v

    Naser127, Aug 29, 2023, in forum: Prius v Main Forum
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    424
    scona
    Aug 31, 2023
  4. snick

    How did a RAT get into my 2012 Prius V?

    snick, Aug 21, 2023, in forum: Prius v Main Forum
    Replies:
    2
    Views:
    389
    rjparker
    Aug 21, 2023