Craziest thing you have heard?

[dcb]

I was merely pointing out that folks have different definitions of what can or cannot tow what, and that is an extreme example. That particular example does have it's advantages though, if you have a car blocking traffic it will probably be the first one on the scene and get traffic moving again sooner, as well as being about the most goddamn fuel efficient tow truck ever, wouldn't be surprised if the car gets better mpg while being towed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiojZ7HfCWo

[bwilson4web]

This photo with the bumper cover off shows the 2" receiver:

Not only can the Prius tow, it can also be towed:

This turned out to be an interesting problem.

It was solved by analysis of the tie-down points under the frame:


The dimensions were captured from a photo and transfered to steel plate with a welded, insert to prevent crushing the tie-down web:



Here is an earlier mock-up made with plywood laminates:

Stress analysis ensured the 3,000 lb car would be towed safely.

The tricky part is running the car in a way that the MG1/MG2 won't over-rev or electrically stress the power electronics. This turned out to be a fairly simple problem along with adding a brake-away, system for safety.

The point is the Prius is just another clever collection of parts and software that doesn't require any special skills to achieve excellent mileage. Like any car, it can be tweaked and enhanced but the fear and loathing it engenders, even after six years, remains a thing of wonder, horror . . . and endless source of the 'Craziest thing you have heard.'

Bob Wilson

[Arragonis]

Do you have a close up of the part that generates the 'cloud of smugness' they always seem to have around them ?

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by bwilson4web

The point is the Prius is just another clever collection of parts and software that doesn't require any special skills to achieve excellent mileage...

With Mrs A I think we will find out, and I will report on progress or lack of. Mrs A is a typical "American"* in that she just wants things to work when she turns them on / asks them to speed up / slow down / stop / change colour etc.

Although we live in Scotland, her passport country is the UK and she is actually an Indian - as in sub-continent - born in Africa, brought up in England but regards herself as Scottish but without a tartan.

No wonder A-junior wonders about identity, he is Scottish of mixed Indian / English parentage and likes Cricket

*(when I tap this I mean typical as in our filtered / blinkered view of North America from the outside, not people on Ecomodder, you know what I mean guys, ok ? )

[Joenavy85]

what i posted over on Daily Smiles.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-16164-14.html

Post #136

I honestly think there are a lot of Prius (and other hybrid) owners that are like this, though i'm pretty sure none of those on this site are this way.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by Joenavy85

what i posted over on Daily Smiles...

I posted a reply which is worth repeating here. I went to a Hyundai forum to check out MPG on one of their cars and when reading some of the topics on it I found a reply which suggested the official MPG was "just for show" and that nobody would match them in real life. I felt like posting a sig from here or three.

I wish I could find the original link though.

[bwilson4web]

I wanted to give a 'shout out' in admiration and respect to the Honda Insight:

• 49.0(16 vehicles*) - 2010 Honda Insight, 101 ft{3} volume, 41 EPA
• 48.9(147 vehicles) - 2010 Prius, 116 ft{3} volume, 50 EPA

Source: user reported MPG at Fuel Economy. *-using the AV-S7 transmission.

I am a skeptic of trying to extend EPA rating beyond what they are, an informed benchmark of what the car might accomplish. The recent abuse of a Toyota dealership being a notable example. But sad to say, the Honda Insight, EPA benchmark really under reports what the car achieves.

I don't have a Honda Insight nor do I hang with a lot of Honda Insight owners. So I have not studied what happened during the testing but real-world owners seem to be doing pretty good.

Bob Wilson

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by bwilson4web

IBut sad to say, the Honda Insight, EPA benchmark really under reports what the car achieves.

Driving style does have a lot to do with mpg. My 1st gen Insight averaged ~50 mpg under its previous owners, but over 70 mpg for me.

But the EPA ratings are for comparison. If car A is rated 30 mpg and car B 40, and you can get 45 mpg driving car A, then you ought to be able to get 60 mpg driving car B.

[Arragonis]

Its not just Hybrids though, quite a few other cars with "eco" badges are driven very en"eco"nomically. I was bullied out of the way this morning by a speeding Polo Bluemotion.

[Frank Lee]

I saw some Prii the other day that appeared to be driven at normal speeds. I thought Bob would like to know.