Update on Towing with Prius

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Relax you can pin your foot to the floor and leave it there until your refill the tank do it over and over again 1000 Mile trips in hundred degree weather straight-up mountains with two bikes behind you two thousand pounds 3 people in the car and a bunch of luggage. Do this for over 200,000 miles and nothing ever blows. Ask me how I know

 

The trans is not the problem the brakes are. I tow but not far from home and go kinda slow. There' feels like there is no regen participation when towing whatsoever and with no regen the brakes in our cars are a joke.

 

• 1,000 lbs trailer
• 700 lbs airplane
• 50 lbs documentation

This took two days through a cold, 45F, windy, rainy, wet pavement drive getting 28 MPG at 53-54 mph. Handling worked just fine and I only saw the traction control light flash once. Also, when slowly passing an accident site, I was motioned to stop and the ABS brakes worked perfectly.

If doing it more frequently, stronger rear springs so the headlights won't blind on coming traffic.

Bob Wilson

 

bob, will you tow with the prime?

 

I've used these for years and recommend them 2010-2014 Toyota Prius - Firestone Coil-Rite Air Bag Helper Springs (NO-DRILL) [REAR] [4136] | $92.95 | SD Truck Springs | Leaf Springs, Helper Springs and Suspension Parts

 

Once a receiver hitch comes on the market. I need it to carry my wife's wheel chair instead of folding it up in the back.

Bob Wilson

 

sometimes i think about a small lightweight trailer frame for general hauling, but am not sure about motor/battery stress.

 

I get some funny looks when I tow my diesel tank with 12v pump and hose to the station to refill. It's a 50 gal. tank so not a big load, but looks weird pulling a fuel tank behind the gas sipper. I'll get a picture next time I load it up.

 

50 x 8 = 400 pounds plus trailer and tank?

 

OK, that was funny, Skoorb!

I have a buddy who took one of those Harbor Fright trailers and made it into a giant radio-flyer wagon like the ones from the 60, 70's He tows it with a compact car. It's hysterical to see people's reactions.

 

Too funny. I loved the "I think he's running a bit rich" comment.

 

Right, Dolj?! English humor.

 

Solved your problem (except where to keep the bike if you live on 2nd floor):

 

Those are awesome for lighter loads, William. As a hobby, I motorize bicycles. Bicycle racks work but like these so much more. And they help in the snow by weighing down aft of the rear axle. They weigh about 100 lbs.

 

See you at MakerFaire later this year?

 

This is what I want to do:
Not mine--

 

You may want to consider an 8-foot trailer. The larger wheels and tires are good on the trailer. Get a spare, for sure. Total cost to do the 8-foot: $250 for trailer (with current 20% off coupon; $200 for smaller version), $130 for hitch (Curt), $60 for plug in lighting kit (Curt), $60 for spare (Harbor Freight), $60 for Wheel Chock, $40 for 3/4 inch plywood (full sheet).

The hitch rack on the other hand is about $90 plus the cost of the hitch, about a $470 savings, easy to park, etc. But more weight on the hitch.

 

What size and kind of bike are you planning on carrying?

 

a dual sport bike like a Suzuki DRZ400S--it weighs about 320 ibs.

Simba

I already have an open trailer that I tow with my van. I think the trailer itself weighs about 350 ibs. The combined trailer, bike and extra wheel weight should be less than 850ibs.