Weight limited 600 lbs? leaving in about an hour

I would think so. I think max load is ~850 lbs.
Pack the flooring as far forward as possible.

I've carried ~900 lbs. of people and luggage for 1200
miles without ill effects.

Good luck.

 

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Sorry if I'm late to the show, but you will be OK. Your Prius has a max load capacity of around 800- 850lb. as previously noted. Leave the truck at home!

 

Important note:

When carrying max loads, tires must be pumped to max PSI.

 

2 things about that statement scare me.
1) Define Max Capacity-
2) Define Max PSI

I don't feel comfortable agreeing that people should mess with the pressure in their tires unless they really know what they're up to.
There's a sticker on the drive' side of the car, in the driver's side door jam that tells you the recommended PSI and load capcity. If you're considering to exceed any of the parameters listed there, consult your Owner's Manual to see if there's any additional info.

Changing the air pressure in the tires will affect tire ware, ride quality & handing of the car. Those three can lead to safety concerns in my mind.

 

I did exactly the same thing with my 2004 Prius. Estimated weight was 640 pounds.

It worked fine.

Driving was no big deal. So, with my 2010, I could imagine it being a complete non-issue. The suspension was maxed out though. I wouldn't want to push it under those conditions.
.

 

That would be for maximum tire load, which would significantly exceed the maximum rated vehicle load.

 

That's exactly why, when the total vehicle weight will be increased by 20% (600+ lbs), the tires need higher pressure to maintain the same footprint. If you don't pump the tires harder for heavier loads, it's the same as having under-inflated tires - which are a serious risk for overheating, poor braking, and poor handling.

You may not need to go to max psi on the tires (if their load capacity is far higher than the total load you're placing on the vehicle), but there's not much risk of using the max psi rating of the tire as the setting - some people are doing this just for a mpg gain, and the tires are rated to handle that pressure, so it's not like they will explode on you. (unlike tires which are under a significantly heavier load with inadequate pressure...)

Most manufacturers recommend a lower-than-optimum psi mainly for a softer ride, rather than the best braking/handling. This was a major contributing factor in the rollover-ability of SUV's.

 

You did the right thing. If given a choice, if you have two cars, it is always better to take the one with more load capacity than to take another and fill it to the limit. Even though there is nothing wrong, it is never a good idea to load a car up to the weight capacity - especially if you have a choice.

Braking, handling, safety would all be better with 650 pounds + driver in a pickup truck.

And besides, it is not like you do this everyday and have to be concerned about long term gas mileage. This is a one shot deal and if you have to use more gas, it is worth it in terms of safety.

In my mind, it is not worth it to use a Prius if you have a pickup. At best you saved a few dollars ($3) on gas - generalizing here, don't know where you live. Also, you won't scratch up the interior if you use a pickup.

 

The right tool for the job - it makes no more sense to use a Prius for heavy loads than it does to use a pickup for commuting.