Looking for some info on Trailer towing

[jetmech727]

I have an '03 AWD. I'd like to get a small utility trailer for it. Does anyone know what the limitations for the Vibe are regarding trialers?Thanks

[djb383]

1500 lb max tow limit. Ooops, AWD may be less, not sure.

[jetmech727]

Is 1500 Lbs the actual weight of the trailer including the load? Is this a seperate weight limit in addition to what can be carried inside the vehical? i.e people, I get a little confused with the whole tongue vs trailer weight.

[djb383]

Trailer and it's load = 1500lbs max. Do you have a owners manual? It's all in there.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by jetmech727 »Is 1500 Lbs the actual weight of the trailer including the load? Is this a seperate weight limit in addition to what can be carried inside the vehical? i.e people, I get a little confused with the whole tongue vs trailer weight.tongue weight is the amount of weight pressing down on the trailer hitch... this can be adjusted by shifting the weight around in the trailer, forward of the axle for more weight on the tongue, rearward of the axle for less weight on the tongue....... you don't want to much tougue weight as the cars suspension it trying to hold it up... On the otherhand you don't want to little as it will lift the car over woops in the road... Trailer weight is the amount of weight the car is pulling in the horizontal... this can only be adjusted buy adding/removing weight from the trailer... I have a Subaru and i know for a fact that i have exceded the towing limits on it plenty of times, but, it is not a vibe so it's a apples to oranges comparison..

[vibecrxsi240sxse]

I actually use my 04 Vibe to tow a camper....We bought a Fleetwood pop-up tent camper in Jan 2006 and it weighs 1400lbs. The total weight rating for the fwd Vibe is 1500lbs.A lot of folks like to leave at least a 10% 'fudge factor' regarding weight, but this is the smallest/lightest camper I could find.I usually tow it 10 miles throught the city until I reach the freeway that leads to the lake. Then, we open er' up to 65 mph for the remaining 60-65 miles of freeway driving.It actually tows the camper BETTER than my '04 Honda Pilot. The pilot has a 5 speed tranny, and really gear hunts on the freeway.That is BAD for heat buildup, which leads to premature failure.The Vibe only has a 4 speed auto, and it will hold 4th gear with no trouble at all. There is no gear hunting and very little 'strain' on the Vibe. It really does tow up to 1400lbs very well.I would HIGHLY recommend a transmission cooler be installed. I've had bad experiences with autos, and I feel much better keeping the fluid temp in check with a cooler.I bought one at Autozone for around $50 and installed it myself. It is very easy to do.It bolts right up to the front of the a/c condensor and it further cools the tranny fluid after it exits the stock cooler which is on the side of the radiator.Overall dimension is 11" X 11" X 1/2" thick. Lots of surface area for air to suck out the heat.Anyway..... you won't win any stoplight drag races while towing a trailer, but up to 14-1500lbs, the Vibe is very impressive.