What is the max YOU'VE towed?

[skylinedrifter]

Just got my hitch yesterday. It's a Class II frame hitch from Curt billed as capable of pulling a max of 2,500lbs.I know the GM says that she is good for 1,500lbs but I suspect that this is largely to protect GM against any lawsuits and that there are a few of us out there who have towed more than the recommended max load.So, has anyone topped 1500lbs and what has been the result?

[kunkstyle]

I'm curious about this one too. I was looking at those teardrop trailers, but they're about 2000 lbs.

[skylinedrifter]

Honestly, I suspect that 2000 isn't too much and that you'd really only run into a problem if your car was not in good mechanical shape OR you were trying to pull it up a mountain.

[stoutvibe]

2004 Base manual - I have a class I hidden hitch which is rated at 2000lbs of towing weight. I have towed +/- 1000 lbs of retaining wall blocks (not including the 300 lb rough weight of the trailer itself), multiple times. Being out on the road isn't bad - you definitely notice the weight in braking and acceleration. Where it gets interesting is backing up/parking, especially on a driveway like mine which is an incline. It definitely is wearing on the clutch. I am assuming with an automatic you wouldn't actually 'smell' the wear like in a manual. All in all, with my 4x8 cheapo $250 trailer from my local home improvement store, who needs a pickup!

[Lecanard]

I pull a 12foot boat loaded with bikes and beer all the time!the only thing i do is flush the trans in the fall

Attached files

[Sublimewind]

Wow, you got a class II for the vibe... I didn't think anyone would make one clas II... The weight you pull is important, but the tongue weight is just as important... I really can't say much, i've never towed with the Vibe... If you DO decide to tow with it, make sure you stay out of OD... You'll burn you tranny up quicker than you think if you try to stay in OD, as it will be switching in and out a LOT... As rfar as the boat above, even with it full of beer and bikes, you are hardly over 1000 lbs.. should be a problem with the vibe... it's once you get to 1500-2000lbs when you'll really need to be carefull.. .

[Baltovibe]

I wonder why Curt used only 2 holes for mounting?I purchased the DrawTite because it uses all 3 holes available. Just seems more sturdy having additional mounting points.

Attached files

[Vibe_dude]

All i can say is no matter what u tow.you want to get a tranny cooler installed.

[SeattleJeremy]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe_dude »All i can say is no matter what u tow.you want to get a tranny cooler installed.+1 if you have an automatic.

[altimar]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe_dude »All i can say is no matter what u tow.you want to get a tranny cooler installed.Really? The only thing I've towed is a small boat aluminum boat (with trailer, prob. < 400lbs), and only for about 15 miles @ 60mph. Should I be concerned about my auto tranny subjected to that kind of usage?

[skylinedrifter]

A tranny cooler is a good idea, but considering that the Vibe is designed to be able to carry more than 400lbs of human cargo, I wouldn't be too worried.Remember, tho, that when considering a tranny cooler, consider the total amount of weight your car is moving (including what is loaded in the boat, in your trunk, your passengers, etc.).Hell... if, on a regular basis, you carry 1,000 pounds of human and material cargo inside/on top of the car you may want to consider one regardless of whether or not you even have a hitch.