What is the weight limit for the Prius to avoid so the back end doesn't sag too low while driving? I would like to place 2 big suitcases and 2 small carry ons in the truck. Is this too heavy meaning will the backend look too low while driving? Weight on all 4 (150lb approx) plus 4 people (350) is what worries me. '15 Prius Persona-Blizzard Pearl
If I remember 850 lbs is spec. You will be fine on such a new car. Had about 400 lbs of tools and two big guys in mine once for a 500 mile round trip down line and no problem.
I've carried over a thousand pounds of slate tile. I also carried about 1100 pounds of wet mulch and 400 pounds of pretty moist soil in the Prius no problem. And that's being conservative.
Also more to your use case, we did a trip recently where myself, my fiancee, and her two friends with a total passenger weight of about 800lbs went for a weekend of skiing. This had 2 sets of skis/boots and winter clothes along with their suitcases for a week of travels (2 large 26inchers and a smaller duffel bag) along with my suitcase a smaller 18inch one and my fiancee's 2 large duffel style bags. All of us went parading around the mountains for a few days no problems. 11,000ft passes, 85mph driving, 8% grades, dirt roads, you name it. The Prius is a beast. Everything fit inside the Prius. No roof racks or trailers. Got about 44mpg for the trips which is below normal but pretty darned good.
825lbs (370kg) is the limit according to the 2010 owner's manual (same generation). I've carried a full trunk (and sometimes it overflows to the rear seating area) across the Rocky Mountains over the last few years - a small luggage, a carry-on luggage, a full set of clubs + bag, water, shoes, rackets. One year, I had a set of 4 winter tires and another time, the car bottomed out on a speed bump (oops!). Of course the more you pile on, the lower it gets. It doesn't have a self-levelling rear suspension like certain years of 4Runners do. Even with 4 adults and no luggage, it'll look lowered but not saggy. Your 17" alloys will help fill out the wheel well compared to my 15".
DO keep in mind with all that weight, the tyres should be inflated a bit higher than indicated on the door placard. I use about 42 lbs front and 40 lbs rear (psi, of course). Also drive conservatively. Your brakes will be working hard as will the tyres. I've carried 10 bags of sand (rear seats folded down, bags distributed over the entire area). No sagging, but again, the tyres and brakes are working hard. Drive gently.
If your at max loading the tires should maybe be at max pressure, as embossed on tire sidewall? There's something to that effect stated, on the tires. Also, and I could crack the Owner's Manual, but just on my phone: this 850/825 lb. max load, is this in addition to five burly adult occupants? Must be.
So if your driving for UBER and get called to old country buffet your limited to 1 or maybe 2 heavy hitters???
