Towing with cruze

[hypervish]

I wouldn't recommend towing with the Cruze. It probably has enough power, but as mentioned, braking is also important. lol

Have you looked at how much it would cost to rent a vehicle? If your looking for a cheap rental agency, look into "dollar rent a car". I've rented cars from them on many occasions, they offer unlimited mileage and charge an unbeatable price. I'm not sure if their rental policy allows towing, but most of their vehicles do have trailer hitches.

 

[E365]

I've towed for many years with my 1996 BMW 318ti. 1.9L I4, 138 HP 138 FT-LBS. 2700 lb car.

I'd first search for the tow limits on the European Cruze. But I don't know if the brakes/engine are the same size on US versions though - check that.

That's what I did with my 318ti. I found the European owner's manual and I use those limits for my towing. My car is good for 1,400 lbs. UNBRAKED and somewhere between 2,900 lbs. and 3,300 lbs. BRAKED, depending on grade and transmission (auto is rated for more). 165 lbs. is the max tongue weight.

I've never gone above 1,400 lbs. (I don't own a braked trailer), but even at 1,400 it certainly doesn't struggle to accelerate. You actually don't feel it much at all. From a stop you slip the clutch for maybe a fraction of a second longer, not enough to make me worry. Going up hills I do downshift to 4th (5th is top gear) because it will start to slow, but this car barely accelerates in 5th gear anyways below about 60 mph. RPMs there are too low to be in the power band.

You feel a slight extra weight when stopping. And that's really the only time you feel the weight - certainly not much under acceleration. I have 76,000 miles on my front pads right now, so that should tell you how "bad" it is for them. But then again I do consider myself a smart driver; always looking ahead and managing my energy.

Add in four extra people and who knows....

My 5x8 Aluma. 790 lbs. empty gives me about 600 lbs. of cargo capacity. 215 cubic feet inside.

 

[hattaresguy]

It would probably be ok, but I would look for the lightest camper you can find, maybe one under 1k pounds.

Braking is where you have to be careful, also make sure your transmission doesn't get too hot since I doubt your car has a transmission cooler.

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: E365
I've towed for many years with my 1996 BMW 318ti. 1.9L I4, 138 HP 138 FT-LBS. 2700 lb car.



BMW is a superior tow car due to RWD.

Also you likely never loaded your BMW with 5 passengers and towed that trailer as this poster suggests.

 

[demarpaint]

I'd take the SUV for the trip.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I'd take the SUV for the trip.


His mom already said no to that idea.

 

[E365]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
Originally Posted By: E365
I've towed for many years with my 1996 BMW 318ti. 1.9L I4, 138 HP 138 FT-LBS. 2700 lb car.



BMW is a superior tow car due to RWD.

Also you likely never loaded your BMW with 5 passengers and towed that trailer as this poster suggests.


That's why I added: "Add in four extra people and who knows.... "

Just trying to dispel the notion that he shouldn't be towing with the Cruze at all, as some have suggested.

 

[Nick R]

The idea was nixed in favor of simply staying at a motel in NH and with family for cedar point. So it's a non-issue anymore. Thanks to the input from everyone else though, it's appreciated!