is there much difference in towing a 800 total trailer load or having 4 250lb people in the car?

 

Acutally yes, the people are spread out in the vehicle, the trailer is focused on one spot for pulling, the reciever.

 

I used to tow a pop-up camper with my '99 Sonoma quite frequently. 4cyl 5spd made it from Kansas City to Ft. Worth quite a few times and I never had any problems whatsoever.

 

oh no! a jayhawker! :) but you give good information. we just got a note from the teardrop trailer dealer about an hour west of Columbia. he has a used fibreglass that is only $3000 and brandnew condition 2006. think someone else is buying but we are going over tomorrow.

because of what my husband used to do professionally he ended up teaching special CDL classes. he definitely can drive and not burn up a clutch. and besides.. the cost of freedom! :)

thanks guys!
elizabeth

 

I know your post is really old, but you're on line & I have a question you might be able to answer. My husband & I just came upon the "issue" of no-towing w/manual tranny. We bought a new '07 HHR-LT in Sept '07 & got the extended warranty. We were planning to have a hitch installed in order to pull a trailer on vacation this summer, but are concerned it will void our warranty. I've tried finding info through Chevy, without luck. Have you any idea where I might find info re: the warranty issue?

 

If you have any power train failures (engine/transmission/axle) and there is a hitch attached to the vehicle or there is evidence that a hitch was attached to a vehicle, then a warranty claim could be denied. It's up to the dealer and the local chevrolet representative to decide if the failure will be denied or not. You may want to rent or borrow a vehicle that will pull your trailer if that is feasible.

 

The difference between the manual and automatic for towing is that the automatic has a torque converter that multiplies the engine's torque for starting the vehicle from a stop. This cannot be done with a clutch, so the tow rating of a manual equipped car is usually 1000-1500 pounds lighter than one with an automatic. Since the HHR is only rated for 1000 pounds with an auto, that leaves zero when you de-rate it for the manual.

 

I know you said "could", but they have to prove it was related to towing a trailer correct? Cause it could be there for a hitchhall, bikerack, or other items that utilize a hitch. Not just a trailer. If they questioned mine (and never have so far). I'd just slap the hitchhaul on and say where in the manual does it say I can't use this.

 

I do not believe that a lot of GM and/or Dealer personnel feel that they have to prove that the failure is caused by towing with the vehicle. It's too easy for them to say "denied". And GMs legions of lawyers will back them on it. I am not saying it's right or wrong, it just could happen. But I would never deny warranty until I found out what use the hitch was installed for, and how much weight did it carrry or haul etc.

Lets say it breaks a gear in the tranmission. If you took it to 5 different dealers in 5 different states, you would might get 5 different responses to the question of "is it a warranty repair or not".

I really hate posting about denials of warranty though. Since there is no consistency as to how, when and why it is applied. This subject is in many threads throughout the forum, and there are many, could of , would of, should of, therorys on this. Everyone can read the rules (owners manual) and then make their own adult decision from that knowledge.

I really don't want to get flamed on this and solman98 I dont think you were or are, but others have. Some of the PMs I get on this subject have not been too friendly. You know it's the old "don't shoot the messenger". Thanks.

 

I can say first hand they some dealers can, and do, use "denied" with out proof with the backing of the regional chevy rep. This happened to me when I had my car in to replace the antenna base, it had broke in a drive-thru car was (please don't go there). During the repair, they shorted the head unit becuae they had shorted the wires installing the antenna base. They refused to work on it further because they said that the after market speakers I's installed were causing the problem and until I replaced them with the oem, I was out of luck.

I'm sure if I took an stick HHR with a hitch to this dealer complaining of drivetrain issues, I would be very quickly "DENIED".

The service dept I use now, while they have other shady practices, have never given me one bit of grief for the extensive work I've done on my HHR.

So I guess what it boils down to is, yes, you can tow with a manual HHR. BUT, if something goes wrong, be prepared to pay for the damage yourself.