GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I'll be moving from Seattle to NY and I have an automatic '06 vibe. I have a Draw-tite hitch...Do I need anything else? I saw somewhere on here that a transmission cooler might be needed... I don't have much money and have no idea how much one costs either lol.Will I be ok to tow the trailer without a cooler?Any other helpful info on towing is much appreciate... never towed anything before.Thanks! Oh, and what kind of wiring harness do I need to install?

Quote, originally posted by hndlthis »Oh, and what kind of wiring harness do I need to install?You have a hitch installed, but there is no wiring harness? Usually they are installed together.... ?PS... Use the search function on the website, plenty of people have talked about towing before

No wiring harness was installed... I wasn't planning to tow anything before (got a hitch for a bike rack). Plus, it's WAY cheaper to do it myself... Uhaul charges about $70... eek!I did search around, but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for...

I never towed with the Vibe, a few thoughts:1. Some rental places will limit the size of trailer they will attach based on the size of the tow vehicle. Make sure you know they will rent you the trailer you want. 2. Be aware of how much you load as you probably just have a class I hitch? that's 2000 lbs max including the trailer and load.3. Towing all the way across the country as the weather is heating up, I'd recommend a tranny cooler. Last time I installed one was on a 67 Chrysler, over 30 years ago. I don't think they are all that expensive, way cheaper than a new transmission.4. Uhaul trailers will be wired with one wire for running lights (tail and clearance) and one wire for each side for combination brake and turn signal. Vibe has separate bulbs for turn and brake, so you will need to install a converter, s/b available at most auto parts.5. Go slow up and down hills, be gentle in your maneuvers and braking. The Vibe is not really meant to tow, so be nice to it.6. Load the trailer so your have sufficient tongue weight (generally 5% of the loaded trailer weight). This will push the rear of the Vibe down but without enough tongue weight the trailer will fishtail at freeway speeds. Increase the tire pressure in your rear tires.7. Practice backing up the trailer before you leave.8. Change the trans fluid once you get to NY.Good luck.

The rated tow capacity for the Vibe is 1500lbs. That being said the 4x8 uhaul weighs 850lbs empty. That means you can put up to 650lbs of stuff in the trailer (maximum) without going over your vehicle's tow rating. I would suggest you don't load it to this capacity because it will be difficult to control the trailer with a small lightweight vehicle like the Vibe. Furthermore, its going to put a lot of unnecessary wear on your transmission (get a transmission cooler if you have to do this) and your engine. These 1.8s don't make a lot of torque so it will be pretty difficult to get going with the load behind you. If it is at all within the realm of possibility rent a moving van and pull your vibe behind it (uhual and budget both rent vans with tow dollys). I know its a whole lot more expensive but you'll likely be spending the money later if your transmission fails.

Ok, so it sounds like I need a transmission cooler. I only want to put some boxes, my computer chair and other oddly shaped things in the trailer... I don't think I'll even be close to 650lbs.Is one transmission cooler better than another? Uhaul sells one... but I'm thinking I should get it from a regular auto store...?

Hi,I know funds are tight but if you are not hauling much why rent a 850 lb trailer to haul 200 lbs of stuff?Go to a store that sells small trailers, Lowes, home Depot, etc and purchase a small trailer. Tow it to NY, put an ad of Craigs List and get most of your money back. As an added bonus you've only towed 600 lbs instead of over 1000 lbs.Better yet, purchase a used small trailer, you may get all of your funds back when you sell it back East.Beg, borrow or "steal" the cash to get the trailer. You'll be getting a large portion of it back plus if you figure in the rental fees you may come out $$ 's ahead in the end.Dave

tru-cool transmission cooler is a very good cooler will cost you about 60bucks, give or take a few bucks. It should take about 1hr to install it, if your handy.http://www.makcotransmissionpa....htmlI personally have one of these.all the other topics have been covered.

Trailer Wiring Info (Pics)Trailer wiring

IF YOU WANT TO GET THE JOB DONE. . . EITHER RENT A TOW DOLLY FOR YOUR CAR OR PURCHASE A CAR TRAILER FOR YOUR VEHICLE FROM U-HAUL. IT WAS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN HAVING TO GO PURCHASE OTHER ACCESSORIES NEEDED FOR THE HITCH I HAD JUST LIKE YOURS. I CALLED U-HAUL AT 1-800-GO-UHAUL OR YOU CAN VISIT THE WEBSITE TO PURCHASE A CAR TAILER . . . http://WWW.UHAUL.COM/TRUCKSALES . . . . HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD TRIP!! GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY HAULING!

Thanks, everyone for all your help! I have a month to prepare, I'm just trying to stock up on everything I will need to do.Thanks for the alternate ideas, too!