I have just purchased a new 2LT with 5-speed manual transmission. I would like to tow a small utility trailer, just to occasionally haul lawn equipment, etc from home to repair shop, rental place, etc. Occasionally I might haul something light 300 miles round trip. But, I see the owners manual does not recommended towing with manual transmission! Why is this? I know about not letting the clutch slip, etc. Is this the reason?

Comments will be welcomed!

 

to the best site in existence! I'm sure that's why GM doesn't want us towing with a manual...premature clutch replacements! But if a person knows how to use it, there's no problem. I tow with my Beretta 2.2L/5-speed...been doing it for the last 110K, original clutch still fine! I'll be putting a hitch on my manual HHR too when it's finally on the road. There are one or two other members here that tow with their manual HHRs, I'm sure they'll chime in eventually.

 

An automatic transmission is constructed to "slip" while in gear. The manual, once in gear, stays in gear unless the clutch is pushed in. Cars with manual transmission have been pulling trailers for years and you just need to be careful releasing the clutch. The drag on the clutch pulling the load may cause premature wear.

The HHR HP maxes out @ 5400 rpm, max torque is around 4400 rpm or so. With the drag on the car with the added weight, you just need to keep the rpms up when pulling the trailer so you aren't straining the engine/transmission while pulling the load.

 

A recent article published in a car website shows that cars in Europe and Canada have higher towing limits then the same car sold in the US. Many times there is an allowable towing limit in other countries but none allowed in the US for the same vehicle. The only conclusion I can come to is that there is a legal problem in the US that the car makers do not wish to face.

I have towed for years and with manual transmissions without problems. And I never get rid of a car without putting at least 100K miles on them. Never had to replace a clutch. And no, autos do not slip anymore, they use lockup torque converters in high gear. For towing, car makers recommend that you do not use top gear. Simple. Same applies for a manual. Just keep the car in a gear that allows the trailer to be pulled and you are ok. Means stay out of 5th gear for the most part and downshift as needed. But you already know that.