The Prius: Camper-Towing Capacity?

The Toyota Prius is a popular hybrid car that offers style and roominess, and can get over 50 miles to the gallon. But can it tow a small camper? While Toyota does not rate any of its Prius vehicles as capable of towing any weight, some owners have successfully towed small campers, such as teardrop trailers, with their Prius. In Europe, the Prius is rated to tow up to 1,600 pounds, but in the United States, it is not recommended for towing due to different driving cultures and standards. However, some owners have reported towing small campers within the weight limit of 725 kg or 1,598 lbs, which is possible with the Prius.

Towing capacity of Prius models

The Toyota Prius has been a pioneer in electric vehicles, but it was not built for towing when it was first released. Since 2015, its towing capacity has been 1,598 pounds. However, Toyota does not rate any of its Prius vehicles as capable of towing any weight, and the official tow rating in the US is zero. Despite this, some Prius owners have successfully towed small trailers.

The Prius V has a maximum towing capacity of 1,600 pounds, with minor changes across variants. The precise towing capacity may differ between a Prius C and a Prius V, but they are all within a few pounds of 1,600.

If towing is a top priority, there are other models that have a higher towing capacity. For example, the Toyota 4Runner has a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

It is important to note that Priuses do not come with a fitted tow kit, but it is possible to attach a trailer hitch yourself. One option is the CURT 11276 Class 1 Trailer Hitch.

When towing with a Prius, it is essential to consider the weight of the load, the trailer, and any additional weight from passengers and luggage. Overloading the vehicle can affect performance and safety.

Some trailers that can be towed by a Prius include:

• Jayco Hummingbird (1,545 pounds)
• Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro (1,133 pounds)
• Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth (1,310 pounds)
• Pika Teardrop Trailer (1,025 pounds)
• LG MyPod (840 pounds)
• NuCamp Tag (1,269 pounds)

Towing a camper with a Prius in the US vs Europe

The Toyota Prius has a towing capacity of 1,598 pounds, according to a Toyota press release. This capacity has been in place since 2015. However, the official tow rating in the US is zero, as Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with the vehicle. In Europe, the Prius has a towing capacity of 725 kg (1600 lbs).

The difference in towing capacity between the US and Europe is due to the varying driving cultures and standards for towing in the two regions. In the US, towing regulations vary by state, and speed limits for towing a trailer can range from 55 mph in California to 70 mph in some other states. On the other hand, Europe has more restrictive towing speed limits, with a maximum speed limit of 60 mph when towing a small trailer.

Due to the physics involved in towing, it is safer to tow at lower speeds. Towing a heavy trailer at high speeds can be dangerous. As a result, it is not in Toyota's best interest to allow the Prius to tow at high speeds, as seen in some US states.

Despite the official tow rating in the US, some Prius owners have successfully towed small trailers over long distances. For example, Pat and his wife Judy towed their 500 lb. homemade wood teardrop trailer with their Prius from Redding, CA to Tucson, AZ, achieving 36 mpg. They kept their speed between 60 and 65 mph on the freeways and did not experience any issues.

In conclusion, while the Prius has a higher towing capacity in Europe than in the US, it is important to follow the local regulations and guidelines for towing and to prioritize safety when towing any trailer.

How to install a trailer hitch on a Prius

While Toyota does not rate any of its Prius vehicles as capable of towing any weight, some owners have installed trailer hitches on their Prius vehicles. It is important to note that doing so may void your warranty and could cause frame damage if the weight limits are exceeded.

If you are still interested in installing a trailer hitch on your Prius, here is a step-by-step guide for Prius models between 2004 and 2009:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Parts

You will need a socket wrench set with 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm sockets, tin snips and/or a utility knife, and a torque wrench (10-80 ft-lbs). For the parts, you will require a Draw-Tite 24808 Class I Hitch (or another brand of your choice).

Step 2: Remove the Rear Tow Eyes

You don't need to jack up the rear of the vehicle. Simply remove the two 14mm bolts from the passenger side, along with the tow eye piece. The torque should be 35 ft-lbs.

Step 3: Remove the Plastic Clips and Bolts

Remove the two plastic clips circled in red, the 10mm bolt/screw circled in blue, and the 10mm bolt circled in green. You may need to remove a plastic shield to access these. Shimmy underneath the car to locate and remove the 10mm bolt. Be careful with the plastic clips, as they can be easily broken during removal.

Step 4: Remove the Plastic Piece

Depending on your layout, you may or may not need to remove the plastic piece completely. Pull straight down to remove it.

Step 5: Remove the Driver's Side Bolts and Tow Eye

Remove the two 14mm bolts circled in red on the driver's side, along with the tow eye.

Step 6: Position the Hitch

Either use a small box or get a helper to hold one side of the hitch and position it.

Step 7: Thread the Passenger Bolts

Thread the two passenger bolts and washers (with the studded side touching the hitch) into the holes you removed the tow bolts from. Hand-tighten them just enough to hold them in place.

Step 8: Thread the Driver's Side Bolts

Hand-thread the two driver's side bolts and washers. Line them up and tighten all four bolts until they make contact with the vehicle. Pull back on the hitch so it sits all the way back, and then torque the four bolts to 35 ft-lbs.

Step 9: Cut and Test Fit the Hitch

Use tin snips or a utility knife to cut out the marked area, and then test fit the hitch. Cut more as needed to ensure a proper fit.

Step 10: Reattach the Plastic Piece

Reattach the plastic piece to the car using the two plastic clips and two 10mm bolts.

That's it! You have successfully installed a trailer hitch on your Prius. Remember to stay within the weight limits of the hitch and your vehicle to avoid any damage.

Safety precautions when towing with a Prius

While the Toyota Prius has a reported towing capacity of 1,598 pounds, the manufacturer advises against towing anything with the vehicle. Therefore, if you choose to tow with a Prius, you do so at your own risk. Here are some safety precautions to consider when towing with a Prius:

• Calculate the total weight of the trailer, cargo, and passengers to ensure it does not exceed the maximum towing capacity of 1,598 pounds. Overloading the vehicle can damage the car's frame and affect its performance and safety.
• Install a trailer hitch compatible with your Prius model. The CURT 11276 Class 1 Trailer Hitch is a popular choice, but be sure to check compatibility with your vehicle.
• Distribute weight evenly and ensure proper weight distribution and balance to avoid placing strain on the vehicle.
• Drive at slower speeds, especially on freeways and when towing on hilly terrain. Driving at higher speeds increases wind resistance and affects fuel efficiency.
• Avoid towing on steep or mountainous routes as it can strain the battery and affect the performance of the vehicle.
• Regularly maintain your Prius, including changing the transmission fluid, to mitigate potential issues.
• Be mindful of the increased stopping distance when towing and maintain extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
• Always carry a credit card or have a payment method handy in case of breakdowns or mechanical issues.
• Check local laws and regulations regarding towing, including weight and size restrictions, and comply with them.
• Consider the driving dynamics of the Prius when towing and be prepared for a change in handling and manoeuvrability.

Remember, towing with a Prius is not recommended by the manufacturer, and you assume all risks associated with doing so. Always prioritise safety and follow general towing guidelines in addition to the precautions outlined above.

Other hybrid cars that can tow a small camper

While the Toyota Prius is a popular hybrid car, it is not rated as capable of towing any weight by the manufacturer. However, some Prius owners have modified their vehicles and successfully towed small campers. If you're looking for other hybrid cars that can tow a small camper, here are some options:

Hybrid SUVs with a Towing Capacity of 1500-2000 lbs

• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Towing capacity of 1500 lbs, starting MSRP of $27,895, and 11.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
• Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid: Towing capacity of 1653 lbs, starting MSRP of $104,500, and 8.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

Hybrid SUVs with a Towing Capacity of 3500 lbs

• Toyota Sienna Hybrid: Towing capacity of 3500 lbs, starting MSRP of $35,385, and 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
• Lexus RX 350L Hybrid: Towing capacity of 3500 lbs, starting MSRP of $50,150.
• Tesla Model Y Hybrid: Towing capacity of 3500 lbs, starting MSRP of $50,990, and 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Hybrid SUVs with a Towing Capacity of 5000 lbs

• Ford Explorer Hybrid: Towing capacity of 5000 lbs, starting MSRP of $47,070, and 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
• Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid: Towing capacity of 5000 lbs, estimated starting MSRP of $45,000, and 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
• Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid): Towing capacity of 5000 lbs, starting MSRP of $57,095, and 12.57 cubic feet of cargo space.

Hybrid SUVs with a Towing Capacity of 5000-10000 lbs

• Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Hybrid: Towing capacity of 5600 lbs, starting MSRP of $70,190, and 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
• BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid: Towing capacity of 5952 lbs, starting MSRP of $61,600, and 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
• Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid: Towing capacity of 6200 lbs, starting MSRP of $35,200, and 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

These are just a few examples of hybrid vehicles that offer a good balance of towing capacity and features for those looking to tow a small camper. It's important to note that towing with a hybrid vehicle will not improve fuel economy or increase towing capacity compared to a traditional combustion engine. Additionally, it's the driver's responsibility to know their vehicle's towing capacity and the relevant laws for the areas they are travelling through.

Frequently asked questions