retnavycpo

Ok, here's my problem.

I had a Curt Class 1 hidden hitch installed on my 2008 Panel. I drove up to Michigan from southeast TN to buy a "teardrop" camper trailer. The camper weighs exactly 860 pounds, but because of the axle location (single type), the tongue weight is 240 pounds. Now then; the tongue rate for the hitch is 300 pounds, but the tongue rate for the HHR is only 100 pounds.

I have tried putting extra weight in the back of the camper, but the axle is too far back on the trailer frame, so the effect was minimal. I even took the camper to a local custom trailer company to have them give me an opinion. They said, yes, they could relocate the axle, but then I would have to totally redo both sides of the camper, because the tires would be right where the doors to the inside of the camper are located. So that is not an option.

My question is, would improved suspension (shocks, springs) raise the allowable tongue weight for my HHR? The folks at the trailer company said the HHR has a "unibody" type chassis, not a true frame. I do not really want to sell the camper. It is the perfect size for just me and my dog. If you folks can provide suggestions for me, I sure would appreciate it.

Like I mentioned, adding weight to the rear of the camper will not work.

Thanks.

Pete

garagebuilt

all you need is air bags! doing just the rear is simple.

retnavycpo

Thanks for the quick reply!

Suggestions on where to buy the bags, brand? Cost, and expensive to have installed?

Thanks.

Pete

TomsHHR

You can do the air bags but your hitch is attached to sheet metal not a true frame.

retnavycpo

Is there anything I could do to reinforce the hitch attachment, or make it more secure?

Thanks.

Pete

opelpowered

Very nice looking camper, too bad they didn't bridge the weight better. I don't have any advice. I just hope you can fix your problem because you got a nice little set up there. If you can't and you have to sell the tear drop, look into Serro Scotty campers. They have a 13' campers, that are not tear drops but they have the classic look your going for. They only weight 1000lbs, and the weight is well distributed. I have a 15' Serro Scotty Goucho that weighs 1300lbs and the hhr pulled it just fine, and still got about 25mpg or better.

opelpowered

Just a thought. Ask those trailer specialist if they could just put some trolly wheels underneath the tongue to take some of the weight. I have seen some pretty robust trolly wheels that are used to move canoes around. Check out the link.

http://www.cheltenham-canoes.co.uk/p...t/trolleys.htm

HHROwner

Exactly what I was thinking...like they do for the back of rv's..... here's a pic of one

retnavycpo

I called a company that makes wheels like that today. But he said I need a minimum of 13" from the ground to the bottom of the hitch receiver. I only have 8.5........

Do you have a link for that picture?

Pete

HHROwner

http://www.competitionplus.com/2006_...ooked%20up.JPG

and another

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3D63%26um%3D1

you could probably have one made or you could have them move the wheels forward and shorten your doors a little or even raise it (frame) up so the door just misses the fender......just a thought