isaacm66

Hello everybody i have two questions, which i've seen similar ones but not exactly.

2007 HHR LT 2.2
100k Miles

1. I want to upgrade my Struts but also lower the car to eventually install some 17inch Speedmaster wheels. I've done the struts like 3 times (dealer and tire kingdom) in my 100K miles of driving it.

What strut/spring combo do you recommend that will still give a quality ride and look nice with speedmasters. I really like the stance of the one from the Moon Eyes page, the lower the better if possible?? Also ,if i do this any other parts, bushings, etc that you recommend to replace?

2. I know the towing capacity is only 1000lbs. But i would like to trailer my Harley 2-3 times a year for long trips, say between 500-2500 mile trips at the most (Harley 800lbs Trailer 400lbs). I've seen others on the site do it but have not heard any long term damage or problems people have had.

Do you think I can tow my Harley occasionally, or am i asking for trouble? I would like to hear from people who have done it, heard from others experiences.

Kookie

I have towed over spec. 2500# but for only about 15 miles. I cast iron and we didn't have anything available to move one of our furnaces. Tried to put most of the weight in the back of the trailer. I did on several occasions haul scrap iron from the yards at about 1500# - 2000#. Short distances again, only about 15 - 20 miles. Again I tried to always put the heaviest stuff in the back of the trailer. It did fine. All stock HHR 2006 2.4L. Not sure of your results long distance.

Kookie

Should probably look at this thread. Gain much more insight.

trailer-towing-troubling-observation/

isaacm66

Thanks for the info, i think its best to not tow my bike. I think short distances fine but hundreds may be pushing it.

mrarff

1200 lbs? not a problem! Just be sure to put the weight over the axle of the trailer. If the weight is too far forward, the ass of the car will drag. If too far back, the weight will make the ass end light. Have no more that 50 lbs of weight on the tongue no matter what you are towing or what you're pulling with. That is towing 101. Loaded properly, you can tow 1200 lbs as far as you want. However, you MUST factor in the condition of the wheel bearings of the trailer(yes it has them and YES they must be kept in proper condition) and the speed you will drive. There is really way too much to cover in this short space. I have hauled all manner of sh*t on my trailer without problem.

firemangeorge

Well, don't think I would be giving advice like this. Especially based on this excerpt from the Owners Manual:

Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg). But
even that can be too heavy.

whopper

x2 - and the reference to no more than 50 lbs on the tongue weight is way off, and is basically dangerous.

mrarff - you might want to read this article Tongue Weight and Its Role in Safe Trailering and Towing | GMC

redridehhr

I have an 06 2.4 and have hauled my bike 2x to Sturgis(900 mi. each way) Trailer 250# and bike 750#. 22-23 mpg. No problems at all,no swaying. Just load correctly and TAKE IT EASY.

isaacm66

I was also looking at these. They look nice and only 180 lbs http://stingertrailer.com

780 lbs motorcycle +180 trailer is 90 lbs ..not to bad