towing a boat
Member
Joined: 02-18-2006
Posts: 51
From: Daly City, CA
I have been considering the addition of a hitch as well. Mainly to tow my motorcycle. I was wondering what you guys are towing (weight and size) and how well does the HHR handle a trailer?
Lets face it... the HHR is not really built to tow. I have my doubts that the suspension, frame, brakes, trans, etc are really up to the task. 1000 pounds is reletively easy to achieve.
A decent "light weight" single motorcycle trailer weighs 260 pounds http://www.baxleycompanies.com/ST001ST002.html . With my bike on it, the trailer/bike combo would weigh in at about 760 pounds. The bike weighs 492 pounds (dry). Now add me at 235 and I am at almost at the 1000 pound capacity. 1 gallon of gas and fluids in the bike puts me over... damn!
Lets face it... the HHR is not really built to tow. I have my doubts that the suspension, frame, brakes, trans, etc are really up to the task. 1000 pounds is reletively easy to achieve.
A decent "light weight" single motorcycle trailer weighs 260 pounds http://www.baxleycompanies.com/ST001ST002.html . With my bike on it, the trailer/bike combo would weigh in at about 760 pounds. The bike weighs 492 pounds (dry). Now add me at 235 and I am at almost at the 1000 pound capacity. 1 gallon of gas and fluids in the bike puts me over... damn!
Senior Member
Joined: 02-20-2006
Posts: 520
From: Sacramento, CA
Tow baby tow.
You should have no problems, i hear the idea about in the vehicle wieght, but man I look at it as "tow" weight. What am I towing not when I have totally in the vehicle too. You won't have a problem I'm aware of.
You should have no problems, i hear the idea about in the vehicle wieght, but man I look at it as "tow" weight. What am I towing not when I have totally in the vehicle too. You won't have a problem I'm aware of.
Member
Joined: 02-03-2006
Posts: 45
From: Southeast
Originally Posted by RDosdorian
I have been considering the addition of a hitch as well. Mainly to tow my motorcycle. I was wondering what you guys are towing (weight and size) and how well does the HHR handle a trailer?
Lets face it... the HHR is not really built to tow. I have my doubts that the suspension, frame, brakes, trans, etc are really up to the task. 1000 pounds is reletively easy to achieve.
A decent "light weight" single motorcycle trailer weighs 260 pounds http://www.baxleycompanies.com/ST001ST002.html . With my bike on it, the trailer/bike combo would weigh in at about 760 pounds. The bike weighs 492 pounds (dry). Now add me at 235 and I am at almost at the 1000 pound capacity. 1 gallon of gas and fluids in the bike puts me over... damn!
Lets face it... the HHR is not really built to tow. I have my doubts that the suspension, frame, brakes, trans, etc are really up to the task. 1000 pounds is reletively easy to achieve.
A decent "light weight" single motorcycle trailer weighs 260 pounds http://www.baxleycompanies.com/ST001ST002.html . With my bike on it, the trailer/bike combo would weigh in at about 760 pounds. The bike weighs 492 pounds (dry). Now add me at 235 and I am at almost at the 1000 pound capacity. 1 gallon of gas and fluids in the bike puts me over... damn!
As mentioned in another thread, I pulled my Harley with a cavalier and had no problems. I think you'll be just fine.
Member
Joined: 02-18-2006
Posts: 51
From: Daly City, CA
Originally Posted by RickyO
What are going to do, have your wife drive and you sit on the bike on the trailer?!? As mentioned in another thread, I pulled my Harley with a cavalier and had no problems. I think you'll be just fine.
As mentioned in another thread, I pulled my Harley with a cavalier and had no problems. I think you'll be just fine.
I have a lot of experience towing cars (race and show), motorcycles, parts, etc. Here is a clip from the chevy web site about trailering with the HHR.
http://www.chevrolet.com/hhr/specifications/
Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your Chevy dealer for additional details.
So... as you can see..... I do have a valid concern.
Member
Joined: 03-21-2006
Posts: 40
From: BC
Originally Posted by RDosdorian
I really hate to do this... but, RickyO, you leave me no choice
I have a lot of experience towing cars (race and show), motorcycles, parts, etc. Here is a clip from the chevy web site about trailering with the HHR.
http://www.chevrolet.com/hhr/specifications/
Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your Chevy dealer for additional details.
So... as you can see..... I do have a valid concern.
I have a lot of experience towing cars (race and show), motorcycles, parts, etc. Here is a clip from the chevy web site about trailering with the HHR.
http://www.chevrolet.com/hhr/specifications/
Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your Chevy dealer for additional details.
So... as you can see..... I do have a valid concern.
http://www.pontiac.com/pdf/06Pontiac_Vibe.pdf
Member
Joined: 02-03-2006
Posts: 45
From: Southeast
Originally Posted by RDosdorian
I really hate to do this... but, RickyO, you leave me no choice
I have a lot of experience towing cars (race and show), motorcycles, parts, etc. Here is a clip from the chevy web site about trailering with the HHR.
http://www.chevrolet.com/hhr/specifications/
Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your Chevy dealer for additional details.
So... as you can see..... I do have a valid concern.
I have a lot of experience towing cars (race and show), motorcycles, parts, etc. Here is a clip from the chevy web site about trailering with the HHR.
http://www.chevrolet.com/hhr/specifications/
Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your Chevy dealer for additional details.
So... as you can see..... I do have a valid concern.
I work with engineers on my projects and if the structural engineer says that this device will hold 500 lbs, rest assured, it will hold 2500 lbs. Are you an engineer by any chance? I have trailered a lot of stuff in my day and I stand by my statement that a small boat or a motorcycle should be no problem unless you and yours weigh in such as the Dallas Cowboys offensive line.
I just ordered my hitch and can't wait to see what it feels like pulling the hog. 