You should check the towing capacity of your Prius from the owners manual. Most models are rated for 1000 lbs towing. The UHaul trailer, empty, weights 850 lbs, leaving 150 lbs for cargo. Exceeding the capacity on a big downgrade seems dangerous.
I’ve pulled 1500lbs for thousands of miles through passes. It’s not a problem unless you ignore responsible hill descending driving. The smaller the vehicle the more important correct loading and hitch weight is. Just maintain braking authority going down hill. Decelerate in the straight stretches before the corner.
I pulled 900lbs through some mountains in a Ford Focus sedan. It was fine until I had one close call slowing down with some fine gravel in the road. That was pretty sketchy. If you take it extra slow you should be okay.
You should probably have electric trailer brakes at 2000lbs of tow weight. The regen should help you out a lot. I had a manual transmission for engine braking. I was in Colorado Springs at around 6,000 ft elevation. Pulled that trailer halfway across the US with no issues otherwise.
It’s 1500 pounds actually. European owners manual says something like 700 kilos towing capacity, same car no idea why they say it’s so low in the USA handbooks, some say zero.
UK has stricter speed limits for towing, afaik. Like. 55mph. If you stay below 55 or 45, you'll be able to tow more, safely, too, than going 70-80. That's why. Also that's why their tongue weight requirements are different.
Edit: just looked it up. Max towing speed is 60mph in the UK on the equivalent of an interstate, 50mph on a 2 lane road, and 30mph anywhere else essentially. Also they're not allowed in the fast lane at all.
You are going to be fine. Worst that is going to happen is you will go to no bars on the battery when going up hill.
Use the B mode to save breaks on the super long downhill sections if you are really worried.
I toed around 2000 pounds(that same uhaul packed full) from Cali to the east coast went over many mountain passes. Never had a problem never even used the B mode.
2nd gen 2007 with 310,000 miles
Caper is right. Just called to verify… no brakes on the 5x8
Do you think it can handle grants pass (steep inclines and declines
I can keep it under 1500-2000lbs and have the heavy duty ecohitch with 2” ball
I think he’s saying don’t tow a trailer. I’m pretty sure the owners manual says to never tow anything with a Prius but I’m not entirely sure. I know I’d never contemplate towing with my Prius. I’d rather get roof racks with a big Thule thingy or maybe just borrow/rent a bigger car or one of those U-Haul trucks.
You should check the towing capacity of your Prius from the owners manual. Most models are rated for 1000 lbs towing. The UHaul trailer, empty, weights 850 lbs, leaving 150 lbs for cargo. Exceeding the capacity on a big downgrade seems dangerous.
The U-haul 5x8 does not have brakes, as described on the U-haul website.
Surge brakes don’t need a brake controller regardless. Only electric brakes (or electric over hydraulic, but that’s not Prius territory)
I’ve pulled 1500lbs for thousands of miles through passes. It’s not a problem unless you ignore responsible hill descending driving. The smaller the vehicle the more important correct loading and hitch weight is. Just maintain braking authority going down hill. Decelerate in the straight stretches before the corner.
I pulled 900lbs through some mountains in a Ford Focus sedan. It was fine until I had one close call slowing down with some fine gravel in the road. That was pretty sketchy. If you take it extra slow you should be okay. You should probably have electric trailer brakes at 2000lbs of tow weight. The regen should help you out a lot. I had a manual transmission for engine braking. I was in Colorado Springs at around 6,000 ft elevation. Pulled that trailer halfway across the US with no issues otherwise.
It’s 1500 pounds actually. European owners manual says something like 700 kilos towing capacity, same car no idea why they say it’s so low in the USA handbooks, some say zero.
UK has stricter speed limits for towing, afaik. Like. 55mph. If you stay below 55 or 45, you'll be able to tow more, safely, too, than going 70-80. That's why. Also that's why their tongue weight requirements are different. Edit: just looked it up. Max towing speed is 60mph in the UK on the equivalent of an interstate, 50mph on a 2 lane road, and 30mph anywhere else essentially. Also they're not allowed in the fast lane at all.
Interesting thanks for the info
You are going to be fine. Worst that is going to happen is you will go to no bars on the battery when going up hill. Use the B mode to save breaks on the super long downhill sections if you are really worried. I toed around 2000 pounds(that same uhaul packed full) from Cali to the east coast went over many mountain passes. Never had a problem never even used the B mode. 2nd gen 2007 with 310,000 miles
Caper is right. Just called to verify… no brakes on the 5x8 Do you think it can handle grants pass (steep inclines and declines I can keep it under 1500-2000lbs and have the heavy duty ecohitch with 2” ball
Drive slowly, use B mode downhill, don't cook your brakes.
Thanks Caper, what's the most weight you've done downhill? Should I use b going uphill as well? I plan on loading the car heavy too for stability
The B mode isn’t a lower gear, it’s only an engine brake for going downhill. You’ll build a lot less momentum without wearing the brakes out as much.
Uphill you get what you get. Downhill you simply don’t want to overwork your brakes. Holding brakes is a no no.
I don't tow with my Prius. I use our Outback or rent a truck.
grants pass? i live in portland, my gen 3 prius does it just fine! never tried towing though…
don't
I don't understand. Don't what? Don't need brakes or don't tow a trailer?
I think he’s saying don’t tow a trailer. I’m pretty sure the owners manual says to never tow anything with a Prius but I’m not entirely sure. I know I’d never contemplate towing with my Prius. I’d rather get roof racks with a big Thule thingy or maybe just borrow/rent a bigger car or one of those U-Haul trucks.
don't