Question:
My wife and I are about to launch into the world if pop-up trailer
camping.
Our car is a 1995 Dodge Neon Sport with a 5 speed manual transmision.
The owner's manual states the car is rated to tow 1000 pounds.
Now in my priliminary searches I've found that 1000 pound trailers are
hard to come while 1200 to 1500 pound trailers are very common. The
Coleman Taos is rated at 995 but I've found that many trailer
manufacturers only start at about 1200 pounds.
So if I could increase my towing capacity but 200 to 500 pounds I
would drastically increase my trailer selection (especially in the
used market).
So does anybody have any advice on anything I can do to increase my
towing capacity, or maybe if I could just go ahead an tow a 1200 -
1500 pound trailer with what I have.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
-Towing capacities are based on engine and drive line strength, body
strength, and to some degree overall weight of the tow vehicle. Often, the
towing capacity can also be reduced by such things as a full gas tank,
luggage, and passengers. Basically, while it might be possible to pull a
heavier trailer than the recommended capacity, it could be dangerous or
cause early failure of one of the car's systems (brakes, transmission, etc.)
Towing a trailer causes more stress on the tow vehicle than many people
realize. The safest route is to stay within the weight range or get a
bigger tow vehicle.
If you're basically interested in a tent on wheels, then some motorcycle
shops (though hard to find) carry tent trailers. (YES, some motorcycles
have a listed towing capacity!)
-Actually, every motorcycle manufacturer says not to two a trailer with a
bike. But bikers ignore that and pull trailers between 200 and 400 pounds
routinely. I used to "pull my tail" but it affects the handling and braking
significantly. The reason it's so popular is that it still handles better
than an overloaded motorcycle, especially with two people on the bike.
These motorcycle tent trailers are mostly in the 290 to 330 pound range.
Behind a car, any car, they should tow easilly. You can load up to 200 to
300 pounds of cargo to the trailer if it fits.
The biggest downside is their expense and lack of features. They cost over
$2,200 and have no options, just a bed and dressing area. Some have a
dinette but only one or two has a stove built in.
