Towing a utility trailer with the Matrix

[Wingking]

I have a class 1 hitch on my 2005 Matrix.

I plan on towing a Uhaul utility trailer (rated at 710lbs) with a engine/transmission in it (engine/tranny GENEROUS estimate ~550lbs)

the Matrix's towing capacity is 1500lbs...

It's a good 3hour trip with this being towed.

Has anyone experienced this?

or is this too much of a load for these cars...

advice? recomendation? opinions?

regards,
Ryan

[bc toy]

I think you'll be fine



I never did tow the tent trailer much farther than repositioning it in the driveway
But I do routinely haul a utility trailer around, many times with more than 500lbs in it and never had a problem.
Take it easy and watch your gauges!

[Smar969905]

put the back seats down and throw down a couple of tarps, then throw the engine/tranny in the back...maybe throw a piece of plywood down first, but skip the trailer entirely.

[kevintomb]

go for it..not sure you want an engine in the back of your car....thats a LOT of weight if you crash or stop fast or something...ive hauled heavier loads in my neon and had NO issues......

[mechman600]

Originally Posted by Smar969905

...skip the trailer entirely.

A Matrix can tow just fine. I pull an old 8' tent trailer, empty weight is 1050 lbs. With all my gear it's probably pushing 1300 lbs, plus a couple hundred in the car. I have pulled it across the Canadian Rockies all the way home the Vancouver area. If anybody doesn't know what that drive is like, it's 500 miles of windy mountain roads, with the longest, steepest inclines on the continent. It is a trucker's nightmare. The Matrix pulls up 7-8% grades no problem. 50mph @ 4800 rpm in 2nd for 20 minutes or more at a time. At the end of the day, it doesn't even flinch. And, I get 24 mpg while pulling to boot. I get funny looks, but I'm the one laughing.