'23 hybrid towing *gulp* 3k

[NGeezy]

Alright MTC, I've come to the experts. Hoping someone can chime in with real world experience.

I've got a '23 hybrid that I'm considering using to tow ~3k lbs all in (trailer + motos + gear). I would be looking to drive this from Nashville to El Paso to Denver and back to Nashville. Maps says 3k miles. Bikes will be unloaded in El Paso and loaded back in Denver, so I'm only pulling ~1-1.2k in the mountain stretch.

Has anyone had any experience/issues towing above the rated limit with a hybrid? I'm aware of it isn't recommended and that there is an engineering margin built in, but this would save me a lotta dough in gas if doable over my alternative.

I don't see this engine having issues with cruising at 65-70. Found an article that said he got ~28mpg at 2k towing at that speed on flat land. Not really sure if/how the eCVT transmission could be a problem. Braking, I'd just want to play it safe but also can't be that big of an issue at moderate speeds on flat ground. What am I missing?

Thoughts?

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[MM Mav]

@The Real Maverick this OP needs to hear from you!

 

[The Real Maverick]

The key to not overheating is don't push it. Slow down when necessary.
The temperature gauge built in does not move until trouble has started.

For absolute piece of mind, read real time temperatures to the exact degree with an OBDII scan tool of your choice.

I feel the cost savings of not using a bigger truck, or buying or renting a different truck are large, while the time commitment from driving a little slower is small.

65 MPH downhill.
60 MPH on Flat.
55 MPH on 3-4% grade.
50 MPH on 6-7% grade and you should be A-OK.

It's stated elsewhere and I agree.

DO NOT sustain the truck at above 50% power for more than 2-3 minutes at a time. Save the top half of the power gauge for passing, getting on the highway, and potentially, out running an exploding volcano.

You can drive at 40% to 50% power all day long. At least I could.

Got trailer brakes? I do.
Add a brake controller to your Mav.


HTH,

 

[The Real Maverick]

Expect 18-20 MPG.

Double weight = half MPG.

No free lunches.

 

[icegradner]

You really should have an aftermarket brake controller, just to be on the safe side, I assume given the weight rating of the trailer it should have electric brakes.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Is this an open trailer, or are you towing a brick?

HRG

 

[mav47]

@NGeezy


Totally agree with @The Real Maverick

Our little camp trailer is certainly a bit above 2,000 lbs. with full water, double propane, full refrigerator, etc.

Zero issues towing it with the hybrid. Just take it slower when you feel the truck is working hard hauling uphill.

I would highly recommend a brake controller if the trailer has electric brakes. With that installed, I would not hesitate with that 3,000 lbs. you're planning to tow.

On level highways I tend to do 65-70, and drop to an appropriate speed when the grade goes up.

I think that 50% power level is a good guideline.

 

[James K]

Alright MTC, I've come to the experts. Hoping someone can chime in with real world experience.

I've got a '23 hybrid that I'm considering using to tow ~3k lbs all in (trailer + motos + gear). I would be looking to drive this from Nashville to El Paso to Denver and back to Nashville. Maps says 3k miles. Bikes will be unloaded in El Paso and loaded back in Denver, so I'm only pulling ~1-1.2k in the mountain stretch.

Has anyone had any experience/issues towing above the rated limit with a hybrid? I'm aware of it isn't recommended and that there is an engineering margin built in, but this would save me a lotta dough in gas if doable over my alternative.

I don't see this engine having issues with cruising at 65-70. Found an article that said he got ~28mpg at 2k towing at that speed on flat land. Not really sure if/how the eCVT transmission could be a problem. Braking, I'd just want to play it safe but also can't be that big of an issue at moderate speeds on flat ground. What am I missing?

Thoughts?

Keep in mind you're towing with FWD. The tongue weight is behind the rear axle, so it has a detrimental effect on your traction for moving/stopping and steering. In a sense, it will be like driving on icy roads. If you hit rain or emergency stop situations, you may regret your decision. Also, in rain and stopped on a hill may even require you to back down the hill. There's a reason 4K came only on awd.

 

[Scupking]

The 22-24 hybrid is only rated to tow 2000lbs. I wouldn’t go over that as it’s fwd.

 

[SamFranco]

Alright MTC, I've come to the experts. Hoping someone can chime in with real world experience.

I've got a '23 hybrid that I'm considering using to tow ~3k lbs all in (trailer + motos + gear). I would be looking to drive this from Nashville to El Paso to Denver and back to Nashville. Maps says 3k miles. Bikes will be unloaded in El Paso and loaded back in Denver, so I'm only pulling ~1-1.2k in the mountain stretch.

Has anyone had any experience/issues towing above the rated limit with a hybrid? I'm aware of it isn't recommended and that there is an engineering margin built in, but this would save me a lotta dough in gas if doable over my alternative.

I don't see this engine having issues with cruising at 65-70. Found an article that said he got ~28mpg at 2k towing at that speed on flat land. Not really sure if/how the eCVT transmission could be a problem. Braking, I'd just want to play it safe but also can't be that big of an issue at moderate speeds on flat ground. What am I missing?

Thoughts?

My thoughts on trailer breaks. Most systems don’t work on hybrids because hybrids have regeneration breaking that recharges the battery.

The best option is a bluetooth trailer break controller that just plugs into a 7 pin adapter which you will need to add. The trailer then plugs into the bluetooth controller. Most states require trailer breaking for over 2k lbs.

 

[Probity]

Anything is possible if you take the right precautions. My favorite is this guy I am pulling a 3200lb hi-lo popup with my 2019 niro HEV, and I will be doing the SAE J2807 tow rating tests with it. | Kia Niro Forum . Kia's 'official' tow rating for the Niro HEV is....zero (Do Not Tow). Of course he fully instrumented his ride, had a real transmission vs a "slushbox" CVT, added air bags, a relatively short tow course, etc etc. A ~3000 mile trip will test your mettle for sure. Nothing that time and money attention to detail can't fix I suppose.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Keep in mind you're towing with FWD. The tongue weight is behind the rear axle, so it has a detrimental effect on your traction for moving/stopping and steering. In a sense, it will be like driving on icy roads. If you hit rain or emergency stop situations, you may regret your decision. Also, in rain and stopped on a hill may even require you to back down the hill. There's a reason 4K came only on awd.

Yes.

But it's not that dramatic of a shift.
400 lbs on the ball hitch will take ~ 100 lbs off the front axle.

 

[The Real Maverick]

My thoughts on trailer breaks. Most systems don’t work on hybrids because hybrids have regeneration breaking that recharges the battery.

This is not relevant. Regenerative braking is the same as downshifting one gear in a regular truck.

And trailer brakes work on all hybrids.
They just usually don't come as standard equipment.

 

[James K]

Yes.

But it's not that dramatic of a shift.
400 lbs on the ball hitch will take ~ 100 lbs off the front axle.

Probably a little less but your friction (traction) calculation is not so simple. Your adding 80 percent weight behind the vehicle which has to be accounted for in the calculation. You're asking those front tires to do more than they should do. Go ahead and tow 3K lbs but please not while my family or I'm on the same road.

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