RV to tow a Hybrid Vehicle -- WHICH ONE? - READ ONLY

3 messages, Last post on Aug 25, 2008 at 8:12 AM

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#1 of 3 RV to tow a Hybrid Vehicle -- WHICH ONE? by palmilla Aug 16, 2008 (10:08 am)
We are in the process of buying a hybrid (SUV) to use as a primary car, also to tow behind our RV. If you can help... I 1. I would like to know which hybrid you would recommend for towing purpose? 2. Also why would you recommend it? 3. Do you need to modify it prior to towing? 4. Tow it 4 on the floor or 2 up? thanks for your time. Replies to this message: wwest (Aug 19, 2008 9:22 am) ganggreen (Aug 25, 2008 8:12 am)
#2 of 3 Re: RV to tow a Hybrid Vehicle -- WHICH ONE? [palmilla] by wwest Aug 19, 2008 (9:22 am)
Replying to: palmilla (Aug 16, 2008 10:08 am) First, thanks for such an EASY question. The FEH and MMH both have an electric clutch that fully disengages the driveline(s) with the ignition off. The stated reason for this is because with permanent magnet rotors in the A/C synchronous drive motors a rear-ender might over-voltage the solid state drive electronics. There is also an inertial sensor/switch that will disable/uncouple the drive line via this same clutch if the car is rear-ended while underway. So the FEH or MMH can be towed 4 down safely. We have a 28 ft Ford E350 Four Winds MH so I am currently figuring out how to address this same issue. I expect we will be purchasing a new 2009 (the new models have stability control) MMH this fall. I will still install the Remco(towing.com) axle-loc system, not for towing so much as coverting the vehicle to RWD to get the greater safety factor, avoid the HAZARDS of FWD or F/AWD. With the axle-loc installed I can disengage the front drive and "wire" the rear drive clutch permanently "on", and only make use of the F/AWD system in times of need, if at all. The MMH will also, quickly, get HID headlamps, lowering springs, BBS RX lightweight 17X8" wheels, nice and quiet, comfortably riding Bridgestone Turanza "summer only" tires (possibly wheel spacers all around to accomodate the wider wheel/tire conbination), and grey front leather/heated/passenger power/driver memory seats (ebay salvage from an RX300). Later mods might include a circuit to automatically switch the hybrid drive system into neutral during closed-throttle coastdown events/periods to avoid shortening the "coast" distance via regenerative braking. Replies to this message: ganggreen (Aug 25, 2008 8:12 am)
#3 of 3 Re: RV to tow a Hybrid Vehicle -- WHICH ONE? [wwest] by ganggreen Aug 25, 2008 (8:12 am)
Replying to: wwest (Aug 19, 2008 9:22 am) Hi wwest, I was just wondering. What are the hazards of FWD or F/AWD?