Hi!
This is my first post!
Thinking about adding a trailer hitch to my 2009 HHR. Was reading the manual and discovered that Chevy does not recommend towing with a standard shift.
I plan on installing a hitch anyway for a bike rack but do have a small aluminum boat that would like to tow with the HHR.
Why is towing not done with a standard shift?
What problems other than void warrantee?
What hitch has anyone installed?

 

lots and lots of posts on this, just try the search function. or click on my name and find my posts, i am in a few of them

just ordered the Curt hitch from etrailer. I had a 10% off coupon. Also got the swagman XTC bike rack from them. All waiting for me to install when i get to my parents in a couple weeks, i will do a full report when that happens.

 

I use a hitchhaul and also pull a 4x6 tilt trailer occasionally with mine. It will wear the clutch faster, but I've never has a problem. Hitch was put on before it had tags on it.....

 

From what I've heard, the clutch slipping is the biggest problem. If it voids the warranty that would kill the idea right there for me.

 

It would take a while before if would cause any noticable slippage. Perasonally if the clutch last 100k miles, I'm happy. Last one I had to replace was right at 190k miles......

Clutch easy...... And cheap compared to the auto.

 

Great Bike Rack, I got one a few weeks ago!

Also, I have the Hidden Hitch brand. I think they are all basically the same design.

 

great to hear that on the bike rack. I did a lot of research on which one to get. All based on ease of use, quality, price, etc. But i love hearing it from a real person (and doesn't hurt that it's an hhr owner). Can't wait to try it out, but i had it all shipped together to my parents since i can't install the hitch here. My wife's bike has a really low bar on it, so I might still have to use the top tube adapter bar on it, we shall see. Also got the threaded anti wobble, locking pin for the hitch.

The draw tite and the hidden hitch are nearly (or 100%) identical. The hidden just comes with an extra accessory, the draw bar, i think?

The curt is a bit different, where as at the hitch the draw tite and hidden have the reinforcement plate at the top and then the chain hook on the bottom, the curt just has a plate on the bottom which chain hook built in. I chose this because i am working on a way to conceal the hitch a bit too, I hate the look of it on the hhr, so i want to hide it. Also, the curt has both ends of the cross bar sealed and cut off even with the vertical supports. Where as the other 2, i think are open at least on one end, and the cross bar extends past the plate on the end.

This is all just for examining photos, so we shall see.

Really want to get mine on because i want to transport my bikes. Mainly the only use for it, didn't even order a wiring kit...

 

The clutch is a consumable like brake pads, just more expensive to replace. I tow a 400 lb sailboat around. I just take it easy when starting and accelerating. Life is about assumed risk.