Greetings,
We're full-time RVers (15 years) living and traveling about the southwest & US in a diesel-powered, solar-operated motorhome. We're wanting to go hybrid-electric and are researching and asking questions. Sales people so far just don't know. We appear most interested in the Prius (high mpg & space), but can't find "official" info on whether it can be towed all 4 down, or on a tow dolly and if/when the PHEV version is available or an aftermarket add-on battery pack, will we be able to use our solar electric system to bump-up the batteries, and just how that might be done? We have 500 watts PV and 2000 watt inverter. Any direction or thoughts appreciated.

I'm reading old posts but don't find any yet related to our situation. Will continue to look.

Also, any other RVers out there with hybrid toads?

Looking forward to the discussions...thanks!
tom
PS Thanks B.Wilson for your reply and redirection.

Well I dunno about the specifics. But you can try this links so that you can have a glimpse or overview about the prices of prius..

http://www.greenhybrid.com/wiki/index.php/Toyota_Prius
http://www.greenhybrid.com/wiki/

No problem:

• Prius front wheels must be off the road - MG2, the more powerful motor generator, is always engaged with the front wheels and if the car rolls, it generates voltage. Worse, the planetary gear inside the transmission spins MG1, the variable ratio motor, and if the engine is not turning, you can over-speed MG1 at highway speeds. Finally, the parking paw is electronic and there is no manual override.
• PHEV conversions are available but expensive, $10k. However, there is a low-cost hack that involves adding an 'EV' button to the North American Prius. This can give a limited range, ~1-2 mile, range. But if you are a 'do it yourself' engineer/mechanic, there are several, less expensive approaches around. Check the Prius FAQ for some more technical forums if you want to head that way.

You might also check on some of the Honda hybrids, especially the used manual transmission ones. The two-seater, Insight, is very efficient and the Honda Civic hybrid, manual transmission gives the ability to be towed 4-wheels on the deck. But you'll have to shop for one.

You might help by listing some of the performance requirements of your towed vehicle. For example, is your second vehicle a "goin' for groceries" or do you like to tour an area out to say 50-150 miles? Do you like to spend more than a day away from the RV in the tow vehicle for 'road trips?'

Just some suggestions.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

You may not have any interest, but Ford directly addressed this with the Ford Escape Hybrid. In the owners manual it clearly states that it is designed for unlimited four wheel down towing with the transmission in neutral. It appeared to me that Ford anticipated this application.

Thanks for the posts and suggestions. Bob, you're right, most of our applications are the errands around town and sightseeing in the 50-200mile daily range. No long trips at this time. Would like to consider roofrack for kayak and bike rack while towing behind motorhome. Not sure if racks are available for Prius. I know it would impact mpg, but would use only when en route to the water. Same for bicycle rack. Are these available as aftermarket items?
thanks again,
tom

Both roof and rear bicycle racks are available. If you'll check in the Prius forum, someone in Colorado just announced he has a spare 'receiver hitch' assembly. He isn't interested in shipping it but such things are 'negotiable.' But they aren't terribly expensive either.

As for MPG impact, with the Prius on the dolly, it would achieve "world class" drafting status. Truth be told, I was even thinking at one time about having the Prius setup as a 'pusher' for the RV with remote accelerator and braking controls for 4 wheel down towing.

The real risk is you need to know if any errors pop up. But this would offer the advantage of limited, diesel off operation . . . mostly as something to make folks 'drop their jaw.' You wouldn't have EV mode but it could give a 'limp home' mode on the shoulder of the highway.

"Hank! Look at that there RV being pushed along by that there hybrid! I didn't know they had it in 'em." or

"Yes officer, I'm pushing our RV to the next exit with our Prius. The diesel <part d'jour> failed and we're getting it off the interstate. BTW, I'm still getting 34 MPG."

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

Nearly on topic, I noticed that their is a RV er on Prius Online having somesort of issues. They are towing an NHW20 with the front end on dolly. I had no worthwhile suggestions, so if anyone here would like to go take a look...

DAS

I took at look and couldn't tell what was going on. One hypothesis is perhaps the smart key interacted with towing in a way that enabled the alarm. There is a manual switch to disable the smart key. It might also be anti-theft alarm related but it remains a mystery.

One other data point is the transaxle lubrication pump is driven by the engine. Spinning the front wheels without the engine will leave the upper gears dry, a bad thing. Also, the differential is in a oil bath and it will have more drag rolling and there is no quick disconnect mechanism on the half-shafts.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

I'm also an RV'er, and purchased an 08 Ford Escape Hybrid (FEH) AWD a couple months ago. I have purchased the Baseplate that I will install this winter, and thereafter tow behind the 35' Bounder. The 2WD and AWD versions of the FEH both tow 4 wheel down because of the eCVT transmission. I got used to this feature with the Saturn that I towed for several years.

That’s just one of the reasons for purchasing the FEH vs. the Camry, or another brand. Plus, the 08 FEH has a full tax credit that nearly offsets the additional price of hybrid vs. gas only. This was a NO BRAINER if considering a new vehicle and wanted the long term fuel savings.

Even though I haven't towed yet, I MUST have everything ready by “the Rally” in Perry, Georgia in March 08. Let me know if you will be there.