tommytipover wrote:I drive a 5sp. so I'm not familiar with the layout of the automatics. Is it possible to drive the car without using top gear? I've seen quite a few towing threads here, I think even people towing Vibes with their Vibe
Yes. As was mentioned above, there is an Overdrive switch onthe autos that can be turned off.
As far as towing with the Vibe:
The O/D (overdrive) switch can be left on given a couple conditions:
1. The trans isn't gear hunting through a hilly area. Constant gear switches are far harder on a trans than a steady, higher rpm. Heat is the killer!
2. And this is the most important and should not be considered a choice, but an absolute - purchase and install a transmission cooler. This is the #1 modification for extending the life of your transmission.
Don't sweat driving at 4500-5000rpms if needed as long as your engine and cooling system are healthy. The 1.8L 1zz engine, and most n/a small liter engines, aren't torquey motors and aren't going to feel particularly powerful once you start towing/hill climbing. Small 4cyl engine generally make their power higher in the rpm band, anyway. Keeping it in a higher gear and forcing the car to struggle more will be more damaging in the long term.
For your ride height, there are a few options. You can use spring spacers - a cheap and quick alternative. There are also air bags setups ranging from the pretty cheap to the extremely expensive. You can look into adjustable coilovers or try to find a stiffer spring that will help. It'll take a bit of research to decide what works for you.
In the meantime, get rid of ANY excess weight from the car and trailer. Consider changing things out like, for example, corningware plates and cups for plastic picnic plates and cups and so on.
Good luck. I'm sure there are things I've forgotten.