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Towing - U-Haul trailer with motorycle?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by hbark, Aug 26, 2010.

  1. hbark

    hbark Junior Member

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    Has anyone ever towed a small U Haul trailer with their Gen III Prius? We're going to NC in October, and I was thinking of towing my bike behind us. Has anyone ever done anything like this? I'm not even sure the Prius has the capacity to do this.

    Would appreciate any feedback -- thanks.
     
    #1 hbark, Aug 26, 2010
  2. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Toyota's official stance is that the Prius is not recommended for towing. The power train and GVWR aren't calculated w/ towing in mind.

    That said, some have used VERY small trailers and a Class 1/2 hitch. You can get Curt hitches (1.25" receiver) for about $120 at some websites. I bought mine at Discounthitches.com and installed it myself. Problem is, the lighting adapters compatible w/ our LED tail lights are another $75ish - I didn't buy this because my hitch is used to carry a wheel-chair carrier and, eventually, a bike carrier.

    So long as you don't exceed the gross vehicle weight rating for car and trailer combined, you shouldn't be putting anything except your MPGs at risk. It's been done before and others will claim you're just fine.
     
    #2 HTMLSpinnr, Aug 27, 2010
  3. Ricklin11

    Ricklin11 Junior Member

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    Uhaul trailers are very heavy. The trailer will weigh more than the bike, unless it is a light bike.
     
    #3 Ricklin11, Aug 27, 2010
  4. hbark

    hbark Junior Member

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    Thanks. I think I'll skip this idea. Oh well. :(
     
    #4 hbark, Aug 28, 2010
  5. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Good call. Plus, I wonder how insurance would treat an accident if they knew Prius is not approved for towing.
     
    #5 cycledrum, Aug 29, 2010
  6. Goodair

    Goodair New Member

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    Tongue weight might be a little too much for 1 1/4" hitch, you will definitely need to install a brake controller as well for going downhill.
     
    #6 Goodair, Aug 30, 2010
  7. 2to4

    2to4 Wherever we end up

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    I see you made the right decision ... not towing the bike. It is right on two counts.

    1. The Prius was not designed to tow anything.

    2. Motorcycles were not designed to be trailered.

    The only better decision you could make would be to ride the bike to North Carolina. ;)

    [​IMG]

    This pic shows the view we had as we rode through the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Alberta, Canada. Even a Prius view can't match this one.
     
    #7 2to4, Sep 4, 2010
  8. seasalsa

    seasalsa Active Member

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    #8 seasalsa, Sep 4, 2010
  9. Tech_Guy

    Tech_Guy Class Clown

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    #9 Tech_Guy, Sep 4, 2010
  10. Skoorbmax

    Skoorbmax Senior Member

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    That cradle is cool but requires a class three hitch. I don't think there is one for the Prius. As mentioned it has no tow rating. I think it's fine for a class 1 or 2 and a bike rack weighing 150 loaded with bikes or something but not much more.
     
    #10 Skoorbmax, Sep 5, 2010
  11. roxanne22

    roxanne22 New Member

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    I have not yet experienced to tow a trailer to my motorcycle though I already travel with my trailer. Know why? Because Uhual trailer was so heavy. And I think my motorcycle cannot carry it.
     
    #11 roxanne22, Sep 10, 2010
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