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Towing capacity of a 2004-2009 prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Kevin06prius, Nov 2, 2014.

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  1. Kevin06prius

    Kevin06prius Junior Member

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    I'm installing a hitch on my 2006 prius package #9 with 150k this week. I will tow a utility trailer occasionally and a 18' bowrider @ ~ 1900LBS total once or twice before I sell it. I have a 24' poontoon boat that weighs ~ 2500 with gear not including the trailer. Any thoughts on towing this with a weight distribution setup?
     
    #1 Kevin06prius, Nov 2, 2014
  2. Tony D

    Tony D Active Member

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    I wouldn't tow those type of weights with a Prius. I very much doubt the "gearbox" would kasy too long. Would it not be easier to borrow a 4x4 for the days you need to tow
     
    #2 Tony D, Nov 2, 2014
  3. Kevin06prius

    Kevin06prius Junior Member

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    I believe the prius is capable of towing at least 1800 pounds from others experience. I have borrowed my friends GMC Sierra until now but he lives an hour north of me at I have to go there first then tow what I'm towing and then drive back up to get my car. I don't plan on towing the 24' with it but I was wondering If a weight distribution would work.

    My 2 options were/are my 2006 prius (fwd/1.5L 4 cyl/~2800 lbs/150k) or my 2010 bmw 128i convertible (RWD/3.0 I-6/~3300 lbs/47k). Even though the specks make the bmw look more qualified 2 things made me decide to use the prius. 1. I will most likely keep it longer 2. Easier hitch installing. (Bmw mounts between the frame and requires you to remove the rear bumper and steel bumper under the cover in addition to lowering the exhaust )
     
    #3 Kevin06prius, Nov 2, 2014
  4. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    If you tow in reverse you'll have more power;)

    If you use the bimmer the pri might last to 151k
     
    #4 ursle, Nov 2, 2014
  5. Kevin06prius

    Kevin06prius Junior Member

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    I'm hoping to get at least 300k from the prius. I put 10k miles since I bought it in February but I didn't start driving it until May. (Not as bad as my conversion van which I bought in March and haven't driven yet and probably will not drive until next May.
     
    #5 Kevin06prius, Nov 2, 2014
  6. dbcassidy

    dbcassidy Toyota Hybrid Nation, 8 Million Strong

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    If you want 300K out of the Prius, don't even think of a weight distribution hitch! I tow my 2 bicycle rack with 2 mtn bikes - thats' it. Look at trading the Beemer for a full size pickup truck that can tow the trailer.

    DBCassidy
     
    #6 dbcassidy, Nov 2, 2014
  7. Kevin06prius

    Kevin06prius Junior Member

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    Is a weight distribution hitch bad for the car? I thought it did something with the weight to let you carry more. Ex. 3000 lbs 24' boat would only feel like 1500 lbs to the car. Am I not understand what a weight distribution system does?
     
    #7 Kevin06prius, Nov 2, 2014
  8. Breadman03

    Breadman03 Junior Member

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    Think about a distributing hitch like handles of a wheelbarrow. It will essentially transfer some of the weight onto the front axle of the car. It doesn't just make the weight disappear to the car, it just helps level things out.

    I can feel a notable difference between having just me vs. me and 4 others in the vehicle. Having over 200k miles of towing under my belt, I can assure you that a Prius is not meant to tow any notable weight. I recommend renting a truck when you need to tow. The cost is pretty small and ensures that you won't break something expensive on the Prius.


    Not a Dalek
     
    #8 Breadman03, Nov 3, 2014
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  9. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    As far as the owners manual is concerned, the towing capacity of the Prius is ZERO. Not recommended. I know that others do this anyway, and fine for them if it works out. If you are in a flat area you might be OK, but I know from using Priidash software to look at the MG1 and MG2 temperatures, going up hill with just myself in the car vs. two people and a bunch of stuff in the back shows rather more heat generated in the transaxle. If your transaxle temps spend much time at elevated levels (getting close to 100C) that will not augur well for longevity. At the least, you will want to replace the ATF more often (or get it analyzed at the minimum.) I sometimes need to unload the Prius just to get it up my long bumpy driveway (250m) without getting into overheating range (limp mode).
     
    #9 nh7o, Nov 3, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2014
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  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what's the difference between carrying 3 extra passengers around 600 pounds, and a 600 pound total trailer and load?
     
    #10 bisco, Nov 3, 2014
  11. Tandem Rider

    Tandem Rider Junior Member

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    Wind resistance of the trailer.
     
    #11 Tandem Rider, Nov 3, 2014
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  12. Squirt

    Squirt Member

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    Load center and control.

    Venue 8 Pro 5830 ?
     
    #12 Squirt, Nov 4, 2014
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    so maybe add 10%? i'm thinking of a small lightweight utility trailer to haul leaves to the dump. maybe 200 pounds, 5x8.
     
    #13 bisco, Nov 4, 2014
  14. Kevin06prius

    Kevin06prius Junior Member

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    I don't think the tranny fluid was ever changed. The dealership recommended not changing it because of how dirty it is. They said to top it off at every oil change until it gets cleaner. I just had the car fully checked up and replaced break pads and rotors. I would be towing in the NY/CT area. Mostly flat but there are some hills. The main thing I would be towing is a utility trailer (trailer+load less than 1,000lbs) but I would tow the small boat once or twice. I don't think I will tow the big boat since it is over the capacity of the hitch by quite a bit.
     
    #14 Kevin06prius, Nov 4, 2014
  15. Kevin06prius

    Kevin06prius Junior Member

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    A 600 pound trailer would be like having 60lbs in the trunk. I would tow up to 1500 pounds without hesitation. I would tow 2000 pounds or close to it being careful.
     
    #15 Kevin06prius, Nov 4, 2014
  16. Kevin06prius

    Kevin06prius Junior Member

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    I would tow that with a bicycle. You won't have any problem with that at all.
     
    #16 Kevin06prius, Nov 4, 2014
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    cool, thanks! i'm only going 5 miles with a load, and 5 back, but i suppose if it works out well, i'll use it for other things too.
     
    #17 bisco, Nov 4, 2014
  18. Kevin06prius

    Kevin06prius Junior Member

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    I will be installing the hitch I got from Amazon on Wednesday. I will post pictures. I will also post a picture of the car towing the trailer later in the week when I get it.
     
    #18 Kevin06prius, Nov 4, 2014
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how difficult is the light wiring?
     
    #19 bisco, Nov 4, 2014
  20. Kevin06prius

    Kevin06prius Junior Member

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    I saw a few videos of prius launching small boats and jet skis. There is also a guy who tows a camper with his prius and another one of a large uhaul dual axel trailer. Uhaul will let you rent any of their cargo or utility trailers for the prius. They also install the hitch if you need that.
     
    #20 Kevin06prius, Nov 4, 2014
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