We are starting to explore our rv options, hoping to buy one in the next year or so. Most likely a class A. We discovered that our Prius cannot be flat towed. My wife took her Prius in for service and spoke to the service department about this and he said the best method for towing was to tow with all four wheels off the ground.The owners manual says the Prius can be towed by a tow truck with the rear wheels down for emergencies. I am wondering what the conventional wisdom is here from experienced toaders. Thanks

The conventional wisdom is: Read and follow the instructions in the Owners Manual. If the book says "do not", then don't.However, sometimes the book says "do not", but there are ways that it can be done safely: Lube pump installation, driveshaft disconnect installation, etc.I do not know if any such modifications are available for a Prius.There are comparatively lightweight aluminum trailers available for hauling cars that can not be towed flat or on a dolly. They are, however, quite expensive.There are many vehicles available that can be towed four down without any expensive modifications. Some Honda models, nearly all Jeep Wranglers, many 4X4 light trucks (if the transfer case has a Neutral position), some front wheel drive manual transmission vehicles, etc.

I suspect that the rear wheels have incorporated regenerative braking that would preclude towing on a dolly. Better do what the owner's manual says or face a potential very expensive repair bill.

Do a search on this site...I seem to recall someone towing one with a class A.We met a guy this Summer towing one on a dolly. He said he had been doing it for a few years with no issues. Perhaps certain years are tow-able?Gary

DownTheAvenue wrote:I suspect that the rear wheels have incorporated regenerative braking that would preclude towing on a dolly.No I REALLY don't think so. All of that is in the front. (I'm on my 3rd Prius now)Look for a Prius forum for better answers......but ignore those who say it's fine to tow 4-down because it is NOT.

I find no company that makes a base plate for towing four down, nothing from Blue Ox, Demco or Roadmaster, that should tell you something. Plus even Remco, who makes lube pumps says they must be towed on a dolly too.

Towing Toyota Prius | Good Sam Community

harold1946
Explorer
Oct 01, 2017
Not all the weight or the car would be off of the ground.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Oct 01, 2017
Some better pictures and an explanation of how and why...can back up without unhitching. H1946 is correct that only the weight of the front axle is supported...1650 lbs which equals over 2000+ lbs on the rear axle so a tag axle coach with a good frame is needed. It takes aprox 500 lbs off the front axle which with a Dynasty is a good thing.
There are two small wheels that support it when going through a big dip.

When going out West I tow my SUV...more ground clearance when off road.

Have pulled the SUV this way for over 90K miles.

I though I was in the running for the most unusual way to tow a car...NOT.
carringb
Explorer
Oct 02, 2017
The Prius is recommended to be towed 4-up for ground clearance reasons (per the Toyota Emergency Roadside service guide). Front up is OK, but you risk damage to both the undercarriage from ramps (or wheel lift in case of a tow truck) and damage to the rear bumper cover.

So yes, it's possible, but you have to be more careful at driveways that other makes and models.

Only the Highlander-Hybrid has electric rear wheels. None of the Prius models do.

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