Can a Prius pull a small Uhaul trailer?

Question

I am moving about 800 miles, taking only essential items and my three cats. I have a Prius, but it won't hold everything. Can I pull the smallest size Uhaul trailer with the Prius? Or could I use one of those rooftop carriers without a roof rack? Will it mar the paint job?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Buy a nice SUV if you want to pull things... really.

Answer 2

I would not trust it. Too small of a car.

Answer 3

I would bet against the trailer, but check your owner's manual.  My guess is that you may void your warranty.  The smallest Honda (the Civic?) does that if you pull a trailer.  

In the long run, it might be cheaper to rent a van to carry your stuff.  It's probably a lot cheaper than getting the transmission repaired.

Answer 4

Here is the practical answer -

Yes, you could tow something. The problem is if the trailer starts to swing a little you will not be able to control the trailer or the car. You will jack knife and die and probably take out a few people along the way.

You can physically tow something. The hardest part on the car is getting up to speed. While cruising you may not even know it is there.

Accelerating will kill the transmission. Braking will over heat the brakes. Best case you just need new pads and rotors. Worst case is that the fluid boils and the brakes go out. One quick tug of the wheel and the trailer will start swinging because of the weight.

I would do this beacuse I know my driving abilities. I don't not know yours. I would say if you accelerate stupidly slowly, you start braking a mile or so before stops, and you don't have to swerve to aviod any small children (too many people on this planet anyway, right?)...you'll be fine.

Have fun!

Answer 5

The Toyota Prius is not designed for towing, and doing so may void your warranty.  However, several owners do tow some small/light loads, with special precautions (such as slow speeds and transmission monitoring).  See:  http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/priu...

a roof rack mounted box is probably a better solution, although the increased drag will reduce your fuel economy a bit.

another option to consider:  can you ship your items to your new destination, such as via UPS or USPS parcel post?  (When I was in college a number of friends would ship their clothes or computer cross-country in this method at the start/end of the year.)

When I did my last move (downsized residence, ~300 miles away), I sold or gave away most of my stuff so I wouldn't have to haul it or find a place for it all.  When I got to my new location, I bought new stuff or new-to-me items (craigslist, friends/family gave me stuff, etc.)