Hauling with my camaro. :)

[VTXrider]

Originally Posted by Caspers2SSRS

Yes.........exceeding the cars tongue weight can put a strain on the axles as well the rear suspension components.

In order you overcome this issue a recommended weight distribution hitch along with a hitch rated in the class capable of holding the tongue weight would be needed.......a anti sway bar would also be best added to the formula. Hence using the combo ..........you could raise the tongue weight carrying capacity as well operate the vehicle safely.

The towing capacity itself is another matter. If your vehicles owner manual states a maximum of 1000 lbs............1000 lbs shouldn't be exceeded. Its dangerous and unlawful...........and this includes the trailer weight and its contents.

In a simple fashion...........exceeding the maximum towing capacity can test and push the vehiciles braking ability well beyond its breaking and failure limits. In as much, extraordinary heat is produced in the transmission that the systems componets can't handle. Fluids boil, parts are super heated which untempers them, clutches are scorched. No matter the make or model.............no vehicle manufactured with-out the addition of a properly duty rated and sized transmission cooler should be towing anything and for God's sake don't count on the undersized factory one. The same goes for differrental coolers.

It would be wise to remember that you can mutiply the milage your driving while towing in a vehicle thats not properly equiped by twenty, on average, the actual wear to transmission and differental parts.

Lets say for example you plan on towing the trailer the size the OP used, five hundred miles....................thats actually 10,000 miles worth of abnormal wear and tear. You may not realize it by looking at the odometer............but sooner than expected, your mechanic will be pointing it out in the repair statements.

I'm comfortable that towing a light trailer puts less stress on all the mechanical parts of the car than any high performance driving. My only worry has always been how the hitch attaches to the car.

[LimaCharlie]

Automatic, L99 I assume? How did the transmission temperature look during the trip?

You definitely have more guts than me.

[navyblueburnout]

Originally Posted by LimaCharlie

Automatic, L99 I assume? How did the transmission temperature look during the trip?

You definitely have more guts than me.

Nope, ls3/6 speed. Tranny was fine the whole way. Even in chicago traffic it never hit above 200.

[navyblueburnout]

Originally Posted by VTXrider

Not the rating of the trailer, the rating of the Camaro. The Camaro can tow 1000lbs and a max tongue weight of 100lbs.

U-haul gave me a 200lb tongue weight and 1100 pound trailering limit.

[wayner]

At least it matches the car colour. LOL

[Caspers2SSRS]

Originally Posted by VTXrider

I'm comfortable that towing a light trailer puts less stress on all the mechanical parts of the car than any high performance driving. My only worry has always been how the hitch attaches to the car.

I'm with ya on the hitch attaching...............on the other, 90% of all automatic transmission premature failures can be accounted to exceeding load & towing capacities. For manny's 50%.

[drookster]

So, it sounds like tongue weight and overall trailer weight is the biggest thing to watch out for here. I'm considering towing a parade float with my SS. The float is essentially a hay-wagon with NO tongue weight, but the overall weight of the trailer may exceed 1,000lbs. If I'm going to do it, I would just be 'putting' along at 2-3mph for a couple miles...what's everyone's opinion on this scenario?

[navyblueburnout]

Originally Posted by Comrando

Should be okay if you can just roll off the clutch and it pulls.

Automatic you have to watch because the torque converter will generate some heat.

Doesn't sound like brakes will be an issue.

Pretty much summed it all up.

IMO I would do it. But then again I would do alot of stupid stuff careful people woun't. For example: plast-dipping my whole car and hauling a trailer almost across country with the camaro.

I say go for it. just watch the clutch temp. if standard.

[drookster]

Great! Thanks for the input! If I decide to do it, I'm gonna make the float sponsor purchase the hitch and installation! Plus, I'll take pictures!

[Trevorw24]

nice!