Ok, what's the maximum number of bags of standard mulch bags have you safely put in your HHR? Short distance drive - two miles max.

 

Technically, the HHR is a 1/4 ton truck. So, the total capacity (including people) is 500 LB. That being said; I have just put as many as would fit for a short drive. Just account for extra stopping distance.

The chart and calculations are in your Owner Manual. In the 2010 book it is page 5-26.

 

I have packed 30 bags of mulch into it. Just 2 or 3 miles from home.

 

Thanks! I figured you two would know the answer. I just didn't want to over do it by cramming too much in there. Usually I get about 20 bags so I have a cushion of about 10 bags, lol. I have my Jeep but it's much easier to load the HHR, plus much easier clean up.

 

500 pounds is like two good sized passenger. But I regularly load 300-380 lbs. and it’s noticeable. I would not feel comfortable with much more than 500# except for a rare short trip on goods roads at moderate speed.

 

I hauled the bullet/explosive proof liners for the POTUS lectern from DC to Cleveland. That took all of the sway out of the suspension the stopping distance was lengthened by about 20 feet. On the way back it felt like riding on air.
I think I once got 50 bags of mulch in; no more would fit the space, HomeDepot is only 2 miles away.

 

I have several small trailers. One of the harbor freight folding 4x8' will haul most anything a pickup will without putting gas in it every day!

 

I might be concerned how much weight the plastic shelf can hold.

 

I've had 500+ lbs of weld testing equipment on it no problem.

 

and I think they fit more than 20 people in a VW bug back in the day!

fact check* The most people crammed into an old style Volkswagen Beetle is 20 and was achieved by the Asbury University Emancipation Project (USA) at the Lexington Rescue Mission in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, on 9 December 2010. A 1964 Beetle was used for the attempt, which was organised to draw attention to human trafficking.

Just because you can do it doesn't always make it right?
Short trip pack it safely, make two trips if necessary.
And the handy trailer is a great tool. That needs to be loaded carefully preferably with 60% of the load in front of the axle to avoid a OOC sway troubles braking.