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Towing a Prius for ~1,000 miles - (no tow package?)

Discussion in 'Towing' started by MLT64, Mar 31, 2021.

  1. Mar 31, 2021 at 5:07 PM
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    MLT64

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    MLT64 [OP] New Member

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    My wife and I have a 2011 4Runner Limited and will be towing a second car (2012 Prius) behind us for over 1,000 miles. We didn't anticipate having to tow anything when we bought it, nevertheless it was still a surprise when I went to check out the rear towing hook-up and I noticed a lack of a hitch/mount (see photo).

    We need to use a 2-wheel dolly (renting from U-haul) with the Prius, so my question is, what do I need to buy in order to pull this trip off successfully? I've tried endless Google/forum searches, but couldn't find exactly what parts are needed for my set-up.

    Thank you! :)

    PXL_20210326_165803656.jpg
     
    MLT64, Mar 31, 2021
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  2. Mar 31, 2021 at 5:10 PM
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    PVT Pablo

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    PVT Pablo ☠

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    Side question, have you verified with U-Haul that they will authorize you towing a car with your 4Runner?
     
    PVT Pablo, Mar 31, 2021
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  3. Mar 31, 2021 at 5:10 PM
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    MLT64

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    MLT64 [OP] New Member

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    MLT64, Mar 31, 2021
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  4. Mar 31, 2021 at 5:11 PM
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    Mtbpsych

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    Mtbpsych New Member

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    Did you buy it new or used? I feel like every 4runner comes with a hitch as a standard feature.
     
    Mtbpsych, Mar 31, 2021
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  5. Mar 31, 2021 at 5:11 PM
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    MLT64

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    MLT64 [OP] New Member

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    I have not. Why might they not allow it?
     
    MLT64, Mar 31, 2021
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  6. Mar 31, 2021 at 5:12 PM
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    MLT64

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    MLT64 [OP] New Member

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    Used. I just figured they all had it, definitely shocked to find what I found.
     
    MLT64, Mar 31, 2021
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  7. Mar 31, 2021 at 5:13 PM
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    PVT Pablo

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    PVT Pablo ☠

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    U-Haul is real weird about what vehicles they allow to tow vehicles on their trailers. I'd verify with them that they will let you rent a car dolly to tow with your 4Runner. Their computer system has a list of allowable combinations (tow vehicle and weight).
     
    PVT Pablo, Mar 31, 2021
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  8. Mar 31, 2021 at 5:29 PM
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    MLT64

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    MLT64 [OP] New Member

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    Interesting, thanks for the heads up. I'll have to reach out to them well in advance of the trip.
     
    MLT64, Mar 31, 2021
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  9. Mar 31, 2021 at 6:31 PM
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    Mtbpsych

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    Mtbpsych New Member

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    Definitely verify before you do anything, but I imagine the previous owner(s) removed it. As far as I am aware, all 4runners have towing a capabilities.
     
    Mtbpsych, Mar 31, 2021
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  10. Mar 31, 2021 at 6:55 PM
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    Thatbassguy

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    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    tell them you're towing something extremely light, like an '87 Corolla hatchback. That might help.

    A transmission cooler might be a good idea if this will be a regular thing. Aside from that, keep it in S4, and drive slow. A Prius and a tow dolley is well within the towing capacity.
     
    Thatbassguy, Mar 31, 2021
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  11. Apr 1, 2021 at 1:28 PM
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    MLT64

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    MLT64 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the advice!

    Does anyone know what OEM part number I need to install to make this all happen? (see above photo)


    EDIT: Will this work? --->

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-4Ru...+GAS+DOHC+Naturally+Aspirated&epid=2248499537

    Thanks again,

    -Mitch
     
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    MLT64, Apr 1, 2021
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  12. Apr 1, 2021 at 1:53 PM
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    Thatbassguy

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    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    It looks right. You might want to confirm with a dealer parts department.
     
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    Thatbassguy, Apr 1, 2021
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