The real towing capacity

[Mick-F]

2009 Vibe GT, how heavy a trailer can I pull, the trailer will have electric brakes. In addition, what is the best hitch type to use?
I am looking a a 12ft long mini toy hauler, electric brakes the bike will weight 480 pounds, the trailer "payload total weight" is 2860, but they can build it lighter. Is this possible or do I need a different vech. ? I have heard that the towing capacity is rated higher in Europe and that the US specs are dictated by the lawyers. Really hate to sell my Vibe GT. Last week I talked to a guy in Asheville KOA towing an Airstream Basecamp, about the same weight, with a vintage Land Rover, 86 horsepower. This was in the Blue ridge Mts. on the BRP. I would probably add an oil cooler too.
Am I crazy, (probably, but stick to this discussion for now), thinking this will work? Anyone done anything similar?

Thanks to Ya'll, Mick

[gtv237]

If you have an automatic transmission, a cooler is a must. Pulling doesn't seem to be as big of a problem as stopping or going over bumps. Having any weight on the tongue seems to cause this really annoying bouncing. The factory shocks/suspension clearly aren't designed to be towing anything. Not to mention a short wheelbase and a short trailer make it significantly more difficult to back up. I wouldn't suggest anything bigger than a 5x8 utility trailer though. A 12ft trailer like you mentioned would be way too much for your vibe.

All that being said... I love towing with my vibe. I can haul more than a pickup truck and still get 30mpg.