The 2010 LS is a second car for use around the ranch, since the pre-'00 F150 is reaching barely dependable status now a days.
Since I'm not expecting to haul hay, or pull heavy trailers I'll believe this little Chevy just might be enough for 80% of my day-to-day toil & trouble.
I look forward to reading/learning about the vehicle here, and since I've been a repairman for a majority of my 60+ years, I suspect that my observations will benefit the group also.

 

Welcome! With any luck won’t need us, but still interested in your observations.

Pretty sure a bale of hay will fit.

Everyone will want to know more about your HHR; options, miles, pictures. Everyone loves pictures!

 

to the forums!

 

Welcome to the site.

Before you ask, you can’t put much bigger tires on the HHR. It’s a low-to-the-ground design. If you need more ground clearance around your ranch, then the HHR may not be the correct car for off road ranch use.

 

Less concerned about alternate tire sizes (off-road use around farm isn't my main intent), than intermittent higher weight capacity.
I investigated replacement rear dampers with air adjustable units, but no one seems to have -ever- offered such an animal.
I just thought, that with standard old-style shocks for the rear wheel, that this would be a possibility, but, no joy.
Higher spring rates wouldn't be too hard to instill, but the -much- harsher ride isn't something I'd really be willing to sacrifice for.

 

Some have used these drag bags

https://www.dsiautomotive.com/air-li...-or-less-60897

 

The HHR is a 1/2 ton truck. That includes the people and fuel in it, so if you are about 200Lb you can carry around 800lb On the highway. The weight limits apply to legal roadways, not what you can load Mostly a matter of braking power, a smaller part is suspension and horse power.

 

So... with five 200 pound occupants, don't pick up any groceries?

I routinely carry ten 5-gallon water bottles (40 lbs. ea.) 400 lbs. Wifey and I together under 400. Theoretically the buggy would be good for another 5 bottles. But she already feels burdened with the 10.

 

Just a legal definition. I have routinely carried more in mine and in 1/2 to pick ups.
It is the brakes that limit the capacity. Over 800 lb the braking distance is too high for NHTSA standards.