Looking for a Car Hitch
11-16-2007, 08:15 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: 07-12-2006
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 1,703
There aren't many FWD vehicles out there that have much of a tow rating. Just not designed for HD use. You can tow more if you want, it's just if you break or wear something out due to towing while under warranty, chevy won't pay! I tow with my 1995 beretta alot. 2.2l / 5 speed, I've already had well over 2300lbs including trailer behind me! This is extreme though, short trip ( five miles to home ) you can definitely tell when you are towing almost what your vehicle weighs! But it will pull 1000-1300lbs all day, don't even really know it's there. 
11-16-2007, 09:29 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: 09-14-2007
Location: xxxxx-xx
Posts: 1,441
Write up by Tomshhr. this is in the How To section of this forum.
11-16-2007, 09:37 AM
#13
Member
Join Date: 10-02-2007
Location: NY
Posts: 58
Actually thinking about it i would suspect you can safely tow about 1500 if you have no rear passengers or cargo. The only thing I would worry about is not increasing tongue weight past what the hitch and the HHR can handle as it could cause steering and traction issues or worse. Maybe a trailer with doubleaxles would be safer since I suspect it would decrease the tongue weight on the vehicle since it would balance its own load better. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
11-16-2007, 11:57 AM
#15
Platinum Member
Join Date: 05-09-2006
Location: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Posts: 6,805
I would suggest.....
Cooling is limited....as witnessed by people in the warmer/hotter portions of the country. Not unusual for coolant temps of 215-220* when ambients exceed 105 and traffic/climbing conditions change. Pulling a trailer will only INCREASE the numbers.
Brakes as mentioned.....for obvious reasons
Transmission......while it is a unbelieveably reliable and strong transmission, it was engineered for specifically what GM intended. Why push for more than the intent?
For those who are thinking about pulling a trailer....I suggest you read your Owners Manual AGAIN. It does state 1000 pound pulling capacity. HOWEVER, there are some LIMITATIONS USING THAT NUMBER. YOU should recognize what those limitations are.
Just offering some thoughts. You do what you are comfortable with !!!
Cooling is limited....as witnessed by people in the warmer/hotter portions of the country. Not unusual for coolant temps of 215-220* when ambients exceed 105 and traffic/climbing conditions change. Pulling a trailer will only INCREASE the numbers.
Brakes as mentioned.....for obvious reasons
Transmission......while it is a unbelieveably reliable and strong transmission, it was engineered for specifically what GM intended. Why push for more than the intent?
For those who are thinking about pulling a trailer....I suggest you read your Owners Manual AGAIN. It does state 1000 pound pulling capacity. HOWEVER, there are some LIMITATIONS USING THAT NUMBER. YOU should recognize what those limitations are.
Just offering some thoughts. You do what you are comfortable with !!!
11-16-2007, 01:43 PM
#16
Join Date: 10-30-2007
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 3
Hello.
I have a new 07 HHR, and just installed the 2,000lb capacity hitch.
The main reason is for pulling a small car (Chevy Chevette), an ice racer to and from the track in the dead of winter. Only 2 trips a year though. I'm not worried about heat because of the time of year I'm doing it, well below freezing. I know the limit says 1,000 lb capacity and 200lb tongue weight. However I'll be flat towing my ice racer, I weighed it in at 1,600 lb (due to major lightening). Since it's being flat towed, there is 0 tongue weight. I suspect the problem is vehicle dynamics, particulary breaking. I'm installing a slave brake in the tow vehicle. I'll also be replacing the fluids with AMSOIL synthetic. I'll let you all know how it goes in a few weeks.
I have a new 07 HHR, and just installed the 2,000lb capacity hitch.
The main reason is for pulling a small car (Chevy Chevette), an ice racer to and from the track in the dead of winter. Only 2 trips a year though. I'm not worried about heat because of the time of year I'm doing it, well below freezing. I know the limit says 1,000 lb capacity and 200lb tongue weight. However I'll be flat towing my ice racer, I weighed it in at 1,600 lb (due to major lightening). Since it's being flat towed, there is 0 tongue weight. I suspect the problem is vehicle dynamics, particulary breaking. I'm installing a slave brake in the tow vehicle. I'll also be replacing the fluids with AMSOIL synthetic. I'll let you all know how it goes in a few weeks.
11-16-2007, 05:53 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: 08-20-2007
Location: Minooka, Ill
Posts: 114
I just installed a hitch today for my hhr. I need it for my mountain bike. Got it on eBay it’s a U-haul brand and was only $115 with free shipping Click Here
Also install was simple take a look. Install Video Click Here
Good Luck!
Also install was simple take a look. Install Video Click Here
Good Luck!
12-04-2007, 02:28 PM
#18
Join Date: 10-30-2007
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 3
Hello.
I have a new 07 HHR, and just installed the 2,000lb capacity hitch.
The main reason is for pulling a small car (Chevy Chevette), an ice racer to and from the track in the dead of winter. Only 2 trips a year though. I'm not worried about heat because of the time of year I'm doing it, well below freezing. I know the limit says 1,000 lb capacity and 200lb tongue weight. However I'll be flat towing my ice racer, I weighed it in at 1,600 lb (due to major lightening). Since it's being flat towed, there is 0 tongue weight. I suspect the problem is vehicle dynamics, particulary breaking. I'm installing a slave brake in the tow vehicle. I'll also be replacing the fluids with AMSOIL synthetic. I'll let you all know how it goes in a few weeks.
I have a new 07 HHR, and just installed the 2,000lb capacity hitch.
The main reason is for pulling a small car (Chevy Chevette), an ice racer to and from the track in the dead of winter. Only 2 trips a year though. I'm not worried about heat because of the time of year I'm doing it, well below freezing. I know the limit says 1,000 lb capacity and 200lb tongue weight. However I'll be flat towing my ice racer, I weighed it in at 1,600 lb (due to major lightening). Since it's being flat towed, there is 0 tongue weight. I suspect the problem is vehicle dynamics, particulary breaking. I'm installing a slave brake in the tow vehicle. I'll also be replacing the fluids with AMSOIL synthetic. I'll let you all know how it goes in a few weeks.
12-28-2007, 09:49 AM
#19
New Member
Join Date: 12-23-2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 20
I just installed a hitch today for my hhr. I need it for my mountain bike. Got it on eBay it’s a U-haul brand and was only $115 with free shipping Click Here
Also install was simple take a look. Install Video Click Here
Good Luck!
Also install was simple take a look. Install Video Click Here
Good Luck!
Jim
12-29-2007, 06:43 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: 09-02-2007
Location: Greencastle, PA
Posts: 152
I just installed mine today, the rubber muffler hangers only need to slide off the body mount not the pipe or muffler mount. The pipe and muffler mounts are longer than the body mount and allow the rubber to slide off the body mount and still stay on the pipe and muffler mount. Mine came off really easy they still had the grease installed from the factory to make them slide easily.
Only problem I had was I didn't drill the rear holes out large enough to allow the fishing wire to release from the bolt. I almost screwed up the fishing wire. Just make sure you drill that hole somewhat larger than the bolt threads. I'd go 9/16" or 5/8".
Also the muffler has TWO of the rubber mounting hangers, one just above the tailpipe and one on the outer fender side above the muffler. Also found if you released the one just in front of the rear axle in the tunnel that helps also.
Man I'm I stiff and sore tonight, and tomorrow, I don't even want to think about it.
TomR
Only problem I had was I didn't drill the rear holes out large enough to allow the fishing wire to release from the bolt. I almost screwed up the fishing wire. Just make sure you drill that hole somewhat larger than the bolt threads. I'd go 9/16" or 5/8".
Also the muffler has TWO of the rubber mounting hangers, one just above the tailpipe and one on the outer fender side above the muffler. Also found if you released the one just in front of the rear axle in the tunnel that helps also.
Man I'm I stiff and sore tonight, and tomorrow, I don't even want to think about it.
TomR
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