Towing question

[Detenator]

I have a '90 mtx and i was wondering if it would be a terrible idea to install a tow hitch, and use it on a small trailer. Does anyone have any experience with this? Whats the heaviest and farthest i can tow? Im more concerned about the drivetrain surviving then physicly installing the hardware.

<small>[ October 29, 2003, 08:57 PM: Message edited by: Detenator ]</small>

 

[revhardSHO]

You can definitly do it, a few people here on the forum have em. Scott patterson has one on his 280K 91 SHO. He totes a big boat around with that "aged" SHO. Load is not a big problem. Main thing i would watch is the clutch. Try not to slip it to much and dont shift hard. Always keep the RPMS up above 1500 and dont lug it. You should think about doing your rod bearings before you start towing, just for peace of mind.

 

[projectSHO89]

Hey, Scott!

Show him your rig hooked up the the SHO!

Steve

 

[sdpatt]

Here is one topic where I discussed how I tow with my SHO. Some photos of my SHO being used as a true sport utility vehicle are shown below. My SHO has pulled that boat throughout its entire lifetime - since January 1991. The boat has been with me since December 1982. The windsurfers and roof box are mounted for my trek to South Padre Island. The car is riding low due to the week's worth of gear and supplies for a stay on the Island. My car works for a living.

 

[pjtoledo]

1990 stock everything? Seriously think about a front brake upgrade. I even did an upgrade on my Slo wagon.


Perry

 

[qiksho]

I also tow with my SHO all the time...Just keep your rpms up on hill's, use your engine to brake and don't pull something that will push you around.

One thing these guys didn't tell you is Scott has a very modified suspension. With a GEN I with stock suspension having very much tongue weight will sack out your stock suspension in a hurry.

As far as power car has no problem, brakes and suspension are the things that you might want to upgrade if you are going to tow something like Scott does. I usually tow my two stand up jet ski's with stock brakes and suspension, but I don't have much tongue weight on my trailer.

 

[shojuan]

qiksho:
I also tow with my SHO all the time...Just keep your rpms up on hill's, use your engine to brake and don't pull something that will push you around.

I very much appreciate the input in this thread. I'm thinking about towing something very soon (just shy of 1000 pounds. Maybe another 700 pounds to be added later) and although the SHO is definately not my first choice in my arsenal of 5 cars it has the most power and the most beefed up suspension (car more or less the same spec as Scott's. Not as well maintained for most of its life but with 120,000 fewer miles and it's well maintained now. It just looks like crap and has ugly wheels is all. ). I've driven an overloaded small truck with thousand of gallons of water (worse than static mass, you've got MOVING mass with the slosh there!!! eek! ) up and down one of the nastiest grades in the area it sure got my adrenalin up....but not to the point where I was scared. Since I was being paid then and towing would be for pleasure now, I certainly can appreciate the advice to not pull something that can push you around. Believe me, thousands of pounds of sloshing water in a half ton small truck can really push you around! eek!

Shit, if I really needed to I can borrow my choice of two Tacoma 4X4's with 3500 lb tow ratings or a tough and smelly Suburban 4X4 on the weekends. But I'd really rather make do with what's in my stable. I find myself not laughing as much at all the big American SUVs and trucks in town when I see that receiver hitch in back.