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To tow an Evo, how much tow rating?

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Old Jan 23, 2009 | 10:17 AM
  #16  
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From: SL,UT
Originally Posted by CaliMR
I checked out the Chevy website, and it appears that their Build It feature for the Silverado is broken. I tried putting in several different configurations and none would allow the trailer package, and one had all the engines blocked out. I guess it is an extreme tuner version lol, just a roller with no motor.

I never really understood the hatch thing, because the foot print of the trunk is not any bigger than the sedans (sometimes smaller) and the angled glass means you can't really stack stuff in most anyways But to each his own
They don't have any money to support their site! And yet... they won't let me test drive one of 4 Cobalt SS on their lot...

Footprint may not be bigger, height almost always is bigger (even with the angled glass) plus folding down the seat leaves even more room.

From Subaru's website on the WRX dimensions for trunk storage:

11.3 cu. ft. (4-Door)
19.0 cu. ft. (44.4 cu. ft. with rear seat lowered) (5-Door)

Course, a sedan with full pass through (rather than the lame half-crap or ski-slot that most have) will be able to fit a lot more, but still not as much.

Hijacking your own thread but: I like the style of the hatch, and the fact that it is open into the rest of the car (regardless of storage space), and that it has better aerodynamic properties (i.e. downforce). But like you said, it's a personal preference, the spoiler on the Evo probably provides nearly the same downforce (at a much larger size, as you know), so then it really is just looks and taste.
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Old Jan 23, 2009 | 12:00 PM
  #17  
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From: Left of you
Originally Posted by UT_Evo
They don't have any money to support their site! And yet... they won't let me test drive one of 4 Cobalt SS on their lot...

Footprint may not be bigger, height almost always is bigger (even with the angled glass) plus folding down the seat leaves even more room.

From Subaru's website on the WRX dimensions for trunk storage:

11.3 cu. ft. (4-Door)
19.0 cu. ft. (44.4 cu. ft. with rear seat lowered) (5-Door)

Course, a sedan with full pass through (rather than the lame half-crap or ski-slot that most have) will be able to fit a lot more, but still not as much.

Hijacking your own thread but: I like the style of the hatch, and the fact that it is open into the rest of the car (regardless of storage space), and that it has better aerodynamic properties (i.e. downforce). But like you said, it's a personal preference, the spoiler on the Evo probably provides nearly the same downforce (at a much larger size, as you know), so then it really is just looks and taste.



Big fin may (probably not) provide the same downforce, but I would bet that it has increased drag between the tail and the sedan rear, and possibly more weight. I have had a few SUVs, one with a huge trunk and one with a tiny one, but neither really did it for me. My next car is non-truck car is going to be a spec E30 so no hatch option lol
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 11:19 AM
  #18  
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From: Asleep at the wheel
Originally Posted by CaliMR
What is the minimum tow rating that I should be looking at?

I will be towing the Evo 5-6 times a year on a 400 mile round trip, including at least 150 miles of traffic. I have heard that you should never tow more than 75% of your tow rating, which would mean I need a 7300+ pound tow rating. Is this accurate? I know it can technically tow more, but is the 75% rule accurate for what it is actually safe to tow? If I get a Tacoma (for example) with a 6500 pound rating and a 236 hp / 266 torque V6, is it going to be struggling in traffic and going over the hills?
The tow rating provided by the manufacturer is the highest safe rating. This is more defined by stopping power and vehicle control than by engine power, however. I've never heard a 75% rule, but it's probably a good rule of thumb.

I've pulled a ~5000 lb boat with a GMC pickup (4.3 V6, manual tranny, 2wd) and a Ford Explorer (4.0 V6, auto tranny, 4wd) and neither was particularly happy about it. Compact pickups *will* do it, but hills and traffic will be difficult. Get a trailer with electric brakes and your life will be easier. 2wd, automatic tranny is the preferred towing setup. Never tow in 4wd on the road.

Your 5500 lb estimate is pretty good for the car + trailer.

http://www.aluminumtrailer.com/open%20car%20hauler

18' with 3500 axles weighs 1750 lbs. Tie downs and what not will get you over 1800.

Something to consider - you may be able to rent a diesel 3/4 or 1 ton pickup for reasonable price. A few hundred bucks for a weekend and you'll have a much easier time.
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Old Jan 29, 2009 | 12:36 PM
  #19  
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From: ROY, UTAH
Ive got a 2007 Nismo Frontier and I have pulled some larger enclosed trailers with it, and it did alot better than what i expected. If you are going to look at the tacoma (like I did) make sure you also look at the frontier, its bigger inside (i have a crew cab), has more power, and materials are better in some areas. I think that my truck has alot of full size capability but its still a mid size (so you can fit it into smaller places). Also, the Honda Ridgeline is a very capable truck as well. I have pulled vehicles (pilots and accords) with a ridgeline over mountain passes and although you have to shift down in some areas, it has pulled them fine. If it was me, and its not, i would make sure to check out the frontier and ridgeline as you look around.
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 10:08 PM
  #20  
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From: NW washington
if you got the money, please get a dually. Ford or Dodge.
if you dont, a V6 tacoma will be your best choice.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 08:50 AM
  #21  
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I would definitely get 4WD. You'll need it if you ever have to tow on wet grass, which happens a lot at road course events.

I would get at least a full size truck. A mid-size will have the power to pull it, but you won't be nearly as safe and secure in the tow vehicle. You don't want to feel like the trailer is pushing you more than you are pulling it, if you know what I mean.

I went from towing with a 1/2 ton Yukon to a 3/4 ton 2500 and the difference was night and day. Towing power alone wasn't that different, but the heavier truck is much more stable and the braking is much more confidence inspiring.

Also, keep in mind that it's a strain on a regular duty automatic tranny to do towing. That's not what the trannies in most regular sized trucks are designed for.
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