Quote:
Originally Posted by StanTrix06
Just wondering if anyone out there has or heard about towing a tent trailer with a Matrix? The trailer weight is approx 1300lbs. I have a '06 AWD and just looking for some hands on feedback.  |
I've been trailering (camping) for about 15 years ( Ontario and all the way down to Clearwater, Florida), and can't ever remember seeing any Matrix or Corolla towing anything.
That's not to say others don't tow with them.
We started out with a tent, then moved up to a hardtop camper (towed with an '00 Olds Silhouette), then finally to a 21' travel trailer which I tow with an '02 Chevy Tahoe.
Your Matrix, like my '04 XR, is rated to tow (according to the owners manual) 1500 lbs (trailer and load). These specs are rated at the MAXIMUM.
You must think safety first when towing anything. Always remember the trailers' information plate that shows the specs is the 'out the factory door' specs.
That trailer weight shown says 1300 lbs means a totally empty trailer, no propane, no food (canned or otherwise), and empty fridge and silverware drawers, no pots and pans, no A/C on the roof, no clothing, empty water tank, etc, etc.
You would be amazed at how fast these things add up.
Among a long list to be aware of is you have to make sure you DO NOT overload your tow vehicle either.
Load the TV (Tow Vehicle) with what you need plus the passengers and pets and go to a local weigh station and weigh the vehicle by axle (first the front axle then the rear).
Load the trailer (always load a trailer with the 60/40 rule in mind to avoid 'fish-tailing) in such a manner so as to load 60% of the weight in front of the axle (on single axle trailers and center of tandem axles) and 40% over and to the rear.
Now, weigh the trailer.
Do NOT overload the hitch carrying weight spec. Rule here is 10% of total trailer weight (max=12%) to be placed on the hitch ball.
Depending on your towing needs you may need a weight distribution hitch and sway bar(s).
Heat is the tranny's number one enemy, so it's wise to have a heavy duty towing package installed (from the factory) or install things like tranny coolers, etc. from after-market sources.
Like a lot of longtime rvers, I too have a safety factor when towing. That means if my TV is rated to tow say 8000 lbs, and the loaded trailer is 4500 lbs., I have a safety factor of 3500 lbs.
That sounds like overkill and it is, but I know that I have more than enough HP and torque to avoid excessive wear on the engine and drivetrain when it comes to long hills and allows for a larger/heavier trailer (if warranted).
The list is practically endless, but I'm going to stop here and recommend a trailer towing site for you to read, even if you HAVE towed before, it is quite informative.
www.davidsrvtips.com
Type in the above url separate from here to make it work.
Towing Tent Trailer w/Matrix??
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