Towed a trailer 1400 miles to bring a engine home
1.4 auto did great. No issues
What kind of trailer I that? I'm considering something small just to haul a larger (300lb, 36" cut) walk behind mower. Thanks
Towing trailer
- Thread starter Seatec
- Start date
What kind of trailer I that? I'm considering something small just to haul a larger (300lb, 36" cut) walk behind mower. Thanks
$ub$onic
The Sticker Guy
brainpause
Member
This has been an interesting read. I figured my Sonic would have babies all over the road if I tried to tow something with it.
constantine81
New member
Ive been towing my artic cat on a 5x8 with no issue.
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LorbeerTLC
Member
Towing a 13' Scamp w/Trailer Brakes
Well, I've got a question.
My wife and I are seriously thinking of buying a new 13' Scamp.
13' Light Weight Travel Trailers with Deluxe Interiors - Scamp Trailers
I have a Class 1 Draw-Tite trailer hitch and the Scamp will come with electric trailer brakes. I will also need a bladed, round, 7-way connection plug to connect to the trailer. The 13' Scamp will weigh 1,500lbs and the tongue with the LP tank will be at 165lbs. My hitch is rated at 2,000lbs and the tongue at 200lbs.
The problem is the 13' Scamp won't be ready until December 28, 2017 and I would pick it up in Backus, Minnesota and I live near Salem, Oregon. Getting there won't be a problem if the weather is ok, but I'm thinking of heading south on my return trip heading down to I-40 to I-5 in California and head back home that way.
If the weather is nice, I don't plan on going above 55mph when on level ground. My Sonic has the 1.4L Turbo with a 6-speed manual. Once I get back home I plan on mainly using it to go camp out on the Oregon coast and not to take it cross-country.
The question is, do you think this is too much for this car to handle? I'll be using Premium fuel and I won't push it too hard.
Well, I've got a question.
My wife and I are seriously thinking of buying a new 13' Scamp.
13' Light Weight Travel Trailers with Deluxe Interiors - Scamp Trailers
I have a Class 1 Draw-Tite trailer hitch and the Scamp will come with electric trailer brakes. I will also need a bladed, round, 7-way connection plug to connect to the trailer. The 13' Scamp will weigh 1,500lbs and the tongue with the LP tank will be at 165lbs. My hitch is rated at 2,000lbs and the tongue at 200lbs.
The problem is the 13' Scamp won't be ready until December 28, 2017 and I would pick it up in Backus, Minnesota and I live near Salem, Oregon. Getting there won't be a problem if the weather is ok, but I'm thinking of heading south on my return trip heading down to I-40 to I-5 in California and head back home that way.
If the weather is nice, I don't plan on going above 55mph when on level ground. My Sonic has the 1.4L Turbo with a 6-speed manual. Once I get back home I plan on mainly using it to go camp out on the Oregon coast and not to take it cross-country.
The question is, do you think this is too much for this car to handle? I'll be using Premium fuel and I won't push it too hard.
Llia
New member
Well, I've got a question.
The question is, do you think this is too much for this car to handle? I'll be using Premium fuel and I won't push it too hard.
Look at the "MY POD" It's much lighter. Can be towed by motorcycle. But you lose the amenities of the bath and kitchenette.
Once you add passengers your towing capacity drops. along with things you pack for the trip. we really don't have much to work wit. but being manual trans should help.
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LorbeerTLC
Member
Thanks Llia. That "MY POD" is cute! But we want to have a kitchen, shower, fridge, and toilet. Plus, I would like to stand-up (I'm 5'11" and they say the height inside the Scamp is 6'2").
I spoke to several people who tow and they said my car should pull it ok, just don't overload or overwork it. Be aware which routes to take and avoid going over mountain ranges if possible or if you have to cross over them, do it when the weather is cool. They especially agreed 100% on my decision to get it with trailer brakes. I also have a coolant temperature gauge, voltmeter, and oil pressure gauge. So we went ahead and placed a $500 deposit to have one built for us and it'll be ready around 28 December 2017. I'll write a report after I get it on how it handles.
BTW: I was looking at small cars towing travel trailers in Europe and I was surprise to find that since 2015 Chevrolet ONLY sells the Camaro and Corvette in Europe (?!!?)
The Aveo/Sonic isn't available over there anymore! I wonder what's up with that??
Llia
New member
Thanks Llia. That "MY POD" is cute! But we want to have a kitchen, shower, fridge, and toilet. Plus, I would like to stand-up (I'm 5'11" and they say the height inside the Scamp is 6'2").
I spoke to several people who tow and they said my car should pull it ok, just don't overload or overwork it. Be aware which routes to take and avoid going over mountain ranges if possible or if you have to cross over them, do it when the weather is cool. They especially agreed 100% on my decision to get it with trailer brakes. I also have a coolant temperature gauge, voltmeter, and oil pressure gauge. So we went ahead and placed a $500 deposit to have one built for us and it'll be ready around 28 December 2017. I'll write a report after I get it on how it handles.
BTW: I was looking at small cars towing travel trailers in Europe and I was surprise to find that since 2015 Chevrolet ONLY sells the Camaro and Corvette in Europe (?!!?)
The Aveo/Sonic isn't available over there anymore! I wonder what's up with that??
more info you might use here:
What "Small Car" can really tow a Scamp? - Fiberglass RV
I see all the Sonics pulling various trailers including boats. I am considering doing the same as I just lost my Equinox which I was using to pull my boat. One question that was put on the board with the Scamp, was insurance. If you pull with a Sonic and the owners manual says "This vehicle is neither designed or intended to tow a trailer" would you be covered by insurance while towing? Would this be an out for your insurance to deny a claim if you have an incident while towing with your sonic?
SouthFLSonic
Active member
Insurance companies look for any reason to deny a claim so I’d imagine you’d be SOL. Try calling your provider and see what they say and get a reference number and name of whom you talked to if they say you’re good.
I work with insurances every day at my job and even if one person says yes if you don’t have proof they don’t care.
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I agree with you. Since it does not give any weight or class of hitch you can use, and states that it is not designed for use towing. No matter what the rep would say even with a reference number, the company would go to the owners manual and use that fact to deny the claim, and say that the rep did not have the authorisation to make such a statement. I deal with insurances every day also.
dbratboy92
New member
Prior to owning my sonic I put hundreds of thousands of miles on my mustangs as daily drivers. Most of my mustangs had trailer hitches and I even towed other cars with them. Regardless I don't think a sonic is a good car to be towing with. The 1.4 and 1.8 engines aren't reliable just moving the car around them. Just my $.02 but if you really want to just do it. Keep in mind tongue weight. These are front wheel drive cars and are designed to perform with a very high bias towards the front wheels. Any weight you put behind the rear axel takes weight off the front. Increasing the rear weight bias by more than just the added weight.
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LorbeerTLC
Member
Selling Trailer Hitches to Sonics
In-so-far as insurance, I wonder if it could also fall within reason. Granted the owner's manual may not recommend it (thinking somebody would want to tow something clearly meant for a truck), but when there are now very light trailers available with trailer brakes, I can't help wonder if these were overlooked.
Then there are all these companies who are manufacturing trailer hitches for the Chevrolet Sonics. The Sedan and Hatchback Sonics that I've seen can have a Class 1 Trailer Hitch (200lbs tongue weight/2,000lbs towing capacity), added to these vehicles without any modifications. In this world full of lawsuits, wouldn't you think they could be held liable as well? By staying within the guidelines of the Class 1 hitch capacity specifications, I can't help think that Curt Manufacturing, Draw-Tite, and others, would design a hitch for a vehicle if they didn't think it could handle it. Also, common sense can also add to this equation. Unlike a truck that's "meant" to tow, I wouldn't want to pull a trailer with my Sonic going up over a long steep grade in the middle of the summer when it's over 110F outside! Nor would I want to trailer on I-10 through Ontario, California, during the Santa-Ana winds!
Bottom Line: Know your vehicle and its limitations. If you get a Class 1 Trailer Hitch for pulling a trailer that falls within the listed specifications, make sure your Sonic and trailer are wired for and equipped with trailer brakes.
And I would at minimum have temperature and oil pressure gauges installed. If you have an automatic transmission I would also look into a transmission cooler too! As for servicing your car, I would change the oil & filter every 3,000 miles.
In-so-far as insurance, I wonder if it could also fall within reason. Granted the owner's manual may not recommend it (thinking somebody would want to tow something clearly meant for a truck), but when there are now very light trailers available with trailer brakes, I can't help wonder if these were overlooked.
Then there are all these companies who are manufacturing trailer hitches for the Chevrolet Sonics. The Sedan and Hatchback Sonics that I've seen can have a Class 1 Trailer Hitch (200lbs tongue weight/2,000lbs towing capacity), added to these vehicles without any modifications. In this world full of lawsuits, wouldn't you think they could be held liable as well? By staying within the guidelines of the Class 1 hitch capacity specifications, I can't help think that Curt Manufacturing, Draw-Tite, and others, would design a hitch for a vehicle if they didn't think it could handle it. Also, common sense can also add to this equation. Unlike a truck that's "meant" to tow, I wouldn't want to pull a trailer with my Sonic going up over a long steep grade in the middle of the summer when it's over 110F outside! Nor would I want to trailer on I-10 through Ontario, California, during the Santa-Ana winds!
Bottom Line: Know your vehicle and its limitations. If you get a Class 1 Trailer Hitch for pulling a trailer that falls within the listed specifications, make sure your Sonic and trailer are wired for and equipped with trailer brakes.
And I would at minimum have temperature and oil pressure gauges installed. If you have an automatic transmission I would also look into a transmission cooler too! As for servicing your car, I would change the oil & filter every 3,000 miles.
carsNskis
New member
The hitch designed for Sonics is not designed to tow, even though it may be "rated" to do so. The receiver size is made small for accessories such as a bike rack or hitch platform.
The car isn't made for the extra load, nor are it's components. The transmission and brakes are probably the two most critical factors in towing safely and reliably... but if you're going to tow more than 500lbs it would be wise to upgrade to a secondary trans cooler and the encore brake swap...
Don't be a liability to other people on the road...
[emoji593][emoji809][emoji472]
The car isn't made for the extra load, nor are it's components. The transmission and brakes are probably the two most critical factors in towing safely and reliably... but if you're going to tow more than 500lbs it would be wise to upgrade to a secondary trans cooler and the encore brake swap...
Don't be a liability to other people on the road...
[emoji593][emoji809][emoji472]
LorbeerTLC
Member
The receiver size of my Class 1 Trailer Hitch matches the requirements to tow my trailer without any modifications. Like I've said before, this is a very light trailer that's designed well within the Class 1 towing limits. I WILL have trailer brakes and you can't put a transmission cooler on a manual transmission. However, you can add gauges that will help you monitor your engine and performance (which I've done).
There are a lot of people who modify their Sonics on this forum that probably fall outside GM's recommendations and yet people do it because they generally have a better understanding about the vehicle than the average person. GM makes certain statements on modifications because they have to address the lowest-common-denominator. This is where common sense comes in. I sincerely believe that you can do light-duty towing on a Chevy Sonic provided you do exactly that. Keep it light, don't tow during hot weather, make sure to have trailer brakes, have at least a temperature and oil pressure gauge added, and stay well within the recommended Class 1 Hitch towing capacity specifications.
What I would agree to what you are saying is if the Sonic was built with a uni-body design like the Honda Fit. Fortunately, it's not a uni-body and therefor can have a hitch mounted to the car's frame and not the body.
In-so-far as light-duty towing with the Sonic, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.
I do not argue that the Sonic with modifications or without is not capable of towing something behind it. That is not the point. No matter what modifications you have, IMHO, filing a claim for an accident while towing with a Sonic "could" give the Insurance Company a legal out to deny the claim because the vehicle, as declared in the owners manual, is not designed or intended to tow something. Therefore, yes, you can tow something, but be aware that if anything happens, you may not be covered.
LorbeerTLC
Member
And like most people on this forum that have modified their Sonics (to whatever degree), they also fall within the possibility that any claim that they file may not be covered.
However, I do feel that if Curt, Draw-Tite, and other trailer hitch companies who design these hitches for cars who's owner's manuals don't recommend towing, they must know something about the cars design or they themselves could be held liable. I'm willing to take that chance that they know what they're doing.