Is Light Towing on Matrix ok?

[BlackFire]

Hi,

I am thinking of adding a tow package behind the Matrix.
the Tow is just for occasionally moving furniture under the max towing of 1750 LBS.
What would you recommend for 1750 LBS towing. Ok or Not OK?

[ksbrace]

The two biggest concerns with towing are:
1. Safety, and
2. Wear and tear.
The safety issue comes down to the fact that you can't stop as fast with a trailer pushing you forward, and if you are in a turn while braking, or start to skid sideways just a little bit, the trailer will push the rear end out and cause a Bad Situation. Simply put, you must not drive "normal" with a trailer. You have to leave extra room. If something happens up ahead, you have to slow a bit earlier, even if you aren't sure if you HAVE to slow. You will be a bit of a traffic clog, so be mentally prepared for that.
As for wear and tear, the biggest concern in the transmission. If you have a manual, starting from a stop will cause a little bit more clutch wear, but if you take it easy on the start-ups and you will be fine. A manual has no issues while cruising, or shifting into 2nd-5th. An automatic is a different issue. An auto tranny without a fluid cooler can overheat just from cruising fast on the highway when you are towing. The fluid will get hot (because the auto tranny is always slipping a little, and under greater load it slips more), and hot tranny fluid breaks down more quickly. If it breaks down enough it will destroy the transmission. Trucks that come with a "towing package" have a tranny fluid radiator as part of the package to prevent this, but there is no such thing for a Matrix. So if you have an automatic, you will have to stay in the slow lane on the highway (which is a good idea anyway, for safety). However, if you will be making shorter trips at moderate speeds this shouldn't be a problem.
I wouldn't worry about engine wear or any other mechanical problem.

[gideon1331]

Another bit of info about the brakes. If you look closely you will most likely see that the 1750lb tow rating is if the trailor has brakes on it. For example, my Mom's Avalon is rated to tow 2000 pounds, but only 750 if the trailer does not have brakes. I have towed 2000lbs in a trailor without brakes and there is very little stopping ability going downhill, and there is a high risk of overheating and damaging the brakes.

So long as you dont tow for extended periods of time with an automatic, the small trans fluid cooler built into your radiator should sufice. My Dad did add a seperate cooler to both his Previa and my Mom's Avalon because he tows a boat with his for hours on end, and even tho the Avalon hardly ever tows anything, he likes to take any precautions he can.

[Salsa03]

I have towed often with my base Vibe.... and I have once been close to the 1500lbs max and you can feel it... the braking is not as great, plus the handling gets affected....


But if it's only once and a while no problem... but the 1750lbs is way too much, keep it below 1500lbs...and even 1200lbs would be preferable

[trdbryan]

I would have to agree totaly, DO NOT tow above the max towing capacity of 1500 lbs. You are taking a big risk on voiding warrenty and damaging the car if you go above. I think 1500 lbs is already very generous for the matrix considering the size/weight and engine size (power)

[Salsa03]

Actually the engine can tow more than the 1500lbs towing capacity


The problem with towing is not an engine one, it is the handling, suspension, braking... Toyota/GM indicate that the Matrix/Vibe duo can tow up to 1500lbs....which means that safely it can tow 1500lbs and keep you on the road!

[skugelstadt]

I have the 2003, 130 HP version and I believe the manual stated 1500 lbs towing capacity. The wording in the manual does not encourage towing. Stuart