Uhaul Hitch installation on 2013 RS

[AlaskanDSM]

Well in preparation for the move next week, I am having a hitch installed on my car to tow a trailer up north to Alaska.

I had UHaul order the parts needed and am scheduled for install in about 1 1/2 hours from now. They are installing the hitch and doing the wiring. I am curious as to how this is going to go. I will have to take some pictures of workmanship once everything is done.

For you DIYers, I would have done it myself, but I am recovering from two broken legs still (7 months later) and cannot do this kind of work yet otherwise I would have been all over this.


FYI Safety warning from the Manf. owner's handbook. All readers been warned, tow at your own risk:

Page 9-36 of the owners manual states:
"Towing"
"General Towing information"
"This car is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer"

 

[Dogz]

Not meaning to offend but why the heck would anyone want to tow anything with a tiny little hb. The car is a shopping trolley not a truck.
I don't think you'll enjoy your decision.

 

[Eric Smit]

sometimes it's convenient to tow some stuff with the only vehicle you have.

 

[AlaskanDSM]

Sorry, it got too late for me to take any decent images to post of the installation and wiring. The hitch is an under exhaust style (as opposed to over exhaust as others have) so it does show more, but appears to be very sturdy!

Two immediate things about the Uhaul hitch. First, the receiver part of the hitch is just a bit high and forces the plastic of the bumper up a slight bit. So it is a very tight fit. Second, I noticed an increase in exhaust/driving/RPM noise coming from the rear after installation. Nothing serious but a noticeable difference.

Will post images tomorrow! I will also let everyone know how I felt about driving with the trailer (empty) tomorrow after I pick it up.

Not meaning to offend but why the heck would anyone want to tow anything with a tiny little hb. The car is a shopping trolley not a truck.
I don't think you'll enjoy your decision.

No offense taken here. On the grand scale of things, you are correct. I did not want to haul anything with my car for the smaller engine, smaller tank, etc. However, we could not get a hitch for my fiance's car in time so I got it on mine instead.

I am going to tow a trailer because it is roughly 3,600 miles from Phoenix, AZ to Anchorage, Alaska. To rent a box truck one way, with a trailer to haul my car, plus gas, would have cost a small fortune ($3,000 or more). This way, renting a 4' X 8' enclosed trailer is going to be much cheaper, most likely a one time thing (for a move this large), and the hitch can still be utilized in many different applications after the move with bike racks, additional storage racks, etc.

Also, I can only get a Class 1 hitch for my Sonic. This already limits the capabilities of what you are able to tow to begin with.

For Reference:

Class I Trailer Hitch Receivers:

- Towing capacities up to 2,000 lbs GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) and 200 lbs TW (Tongue Weight)
- 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver hitch opening.
- Works with only Class I accessories, such as bike racks, cargo carriers, ball mounts and tube covers.
------- 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" Class II accessories will not work with Class I hitches
- Requires a drawbar or ball mount to tow a trailer; may be included or sold separately
------- Uses a 1/2" pin to secure ball mount into place
------- Manufacturer-recommended drawbar or ball mount should be used for each specific hitch
- Will work with hitch balls with 3/4" diameter shank
- Available in square and round tube designs



I had a hitch installed on an family 98' Buick Century and I actually really enjoyed having the hitch. Having it on the Sonic is going to allow me additional options when needed. This is obviously not for everyone but as Eric stated, this is my only option AND is most convenient. I wouldn't do anything excessive with the hitch, but on any vehicle, they do have their uses.

 

[Sailurman]

Well in preparation for the move next week, I am having a hitch installed on my car to tow a trailer up north to Alaska.

I had UHaul order the parts needed and am scheduled for install in about 1 1/2 hours from now. They are installing the hitch and doing the wiring. I am curious as to how this is going to go. I will have to take some pictures of workmanship once everything is done.

Page 9-36 of the owners manual states:
"Towing"
"General Towing information"
"This car is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer"

Much less a 5X8 Box trailer. If U-Haul even rents you a trailer they should be sued.....

 

[AlaskanDSM]

Lol I read that too. Do you realize how many vehicles actually HAVE that warning that have hitches? I heed that as a warning and will treat any damages that might occur to the fact that this IS stated in the manual. However, with my experience with other vehicles (other than mine) that also state that same thing, as long as I am accelerating and braking softly and with plenty of distance, no speeding, not driving recklessly or cornering like a race car, AND not exceeding the load limits of the hitch, everything should be just fine.

I will be happy to report any and all issues that I encounter in my journeys!

I am adding that section to the bottom of my first post for all to see and understand!

 

[Amoral]

Page 9-36 of the owners manual states:
"Towing"
"General Towing information"
"This car is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer"

Much less a 5X8 Box trailer. If U-Haul even rents you a trailer they should be sued.....

In other countries Chevrolet offers a hitch for the Sonic. They even list a towing capacity.

...but in the US they rather you buy their trucks.

 

[KartRacer]

In other countries Chevrolet offers a hitch for the Sonic. They even list a towing capacity.

...but in the US they rather you buy their trucks.

I would love to see any reference to towing in other country's . Anyone out there have a copy to show the text?
Would be great information.

Box trailer is not something I would try. Wind resistance alone could cause excessive loads on the turbo . Hope it is not an automatic as I doubt you will make it without Trans trouble. Manual Trans, maybe?
Good luck with the trip and let us know how things go.

 

[Dogz]

This is why I have six cars, to make sure I have something to suit my needs.
One car doesn't do it all.

 

[Sonicus Prime]

Chevrolet Aveo | Compare features and specification

850kg = 1873.93lbs Braked towing

500kg = 1102.31lbs Unbraked towing

Listed under the "Dimensions" tab.

 

[$ub$onic]

This is why I have six cars, to make sure I have something to suit my needs.

One car doesn't do it all.

Good for you. Not all of us can afford 6 cars.






I would not toe a 5x8 box trailer, but I would not think twice if I had to tow a motorcycle trailer or a tire trailer.

 

[AlaskanDSM]

Just to clarify (although minor difference) the trailer is a 4x8. When checking dimensions, the total height of the box should roughly in line with the roof of my car. A 5x8 would end up being a wind sail behind me.

I do have the manual transmission instead of the auto.

Sent from my phizzone with Tapatizzalk

 

[CheapFuneral]

I have a truck so I wouldn't be in need of this but, if I had to move to Alaska with just my sonic, I would do this too. I don't think u will have any issues (other than speed up large hills/ mountains). Dont run a tune if you have one and probably stay away from 6th. The tune will make your turbo work harder I think. It's advised to stay out of over drive while towing but your mt, so just watch for rpms getting to low.

Anyway love to see the pics.

 

[AlaskanDSM]

Follow up and pictures! :banana:


Hitch feedback/review:
After talking with UHaul and looking over the hitch further, we have concluded that the non-specific Sonic hitch FITS the RS, but is not DESIGNED for the RS.

What does this mean? This means that all Sonics (other than the RS) should have no fitment issues with this hitch. RS models, will have a slight issue with how the exhaust is routed from the muffler out the rear VS the hitch. The hitch was designed to be used with Exhaust that comes straight back where the RS has that little curve and then the fancy stock tip.

When I drove off the UHaul lot yesterday after the installation, I noticed an increase in exhaust sound in the hatch area. Today, when I picked up the trailer, I had it re-inspected. They informed me that when the car is not moving, exhaust does not touch the hitch. However, as the engine and exhaust flex, it does appear to be making minimal contact with the exhaust/factory tip. :blankface:

I don't necessarily foresee too many issues arising here, I will keep a close eye on that area of the exhaust. The hitch receiver sits against the plastic of the bumper at the very bottom, which again, shouldn't be too much an issue but I will keep my eye on this. Due to the design of the hitch, aesthetically it does not appeal to me due to the offset in the exhaust routing.

Other than that, the hitch feels extremely sturdy and works well as intended. When I get to Alaska, I will re-evaluate how I feel about the hitch aesthetically, and fitment wise.

I cannot really provide any accurate information as to how towing the trailer is as the trailer was empty and there was all kinds of bouncing and noise as is usual with an empty trailer and no tongue weight to secure the receiver better. Will post back about that later when I have weight in the car.

Here are the pictures of everything!

Hitch pictures:
















This one you can see how the exhaust curves, causing some minor issues with fitment.








With the trailer:

 

[KartRacer]

Box height on the 4x8 will be a lot easier on the tow. Manual transmission would take a huge concern off of the trip as well. As stated before keep out of high boost situations by being in too high of gear.
I wish you the best of luck. Working the engine too hard will show in engine temp, no guage, but computer will let you know on the cluster.

 

[AlaskanDSM]

Yea, I'll be taking it slow and easy for this trip. I really wish I had known about Ultra-Gauge sooner as I would have really benefited from having it installed on this trip. As I am leaving tomorrow, not enough time to get one.

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[CheapFuneral]

Good luck on ur trip. Be sure let us know how it goes.

 

[Sailurman]

May your hills be gentle and your brakes be resilient. Have a safe and slow trip.

 

[shorebreeze]

Take it easy, but this is one situation where the RS's low gearing and hefty braking will be your friend. Of all the Sonics, this is the one that ought to have the highest towing capacity, ironically.

 

[AlaskanDSM]

Thanks all for the kind thoughts!

Drove 11 hours today from phoenix to beaver, utah averaged 55-60 mph mix of 4th, 5th, and 6th gears where appropriate. Of the two times I have filled up (premium), I'm averaging 25 mpg.

I am fairly positive that the car damn well overpacked. The stiffer suspension is making this possible. Honestly, the car tows very well, with two exceptions. When there are rougher roads/bumpy roads, you definitely know how light your car is compared to the trailer when it bounces. The second is that up some hills, even 5th gear isnt enough to pull the weight, downshifting to 4th is the only option and so your speed is limited.

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