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Towing small camper

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Old 09-02-2006 | 04:22 PM
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joshua_arndt's Avatar
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Towing small camper

Has anyone done this? I'm looking at buying a pop-up camper, and was wondering if the HHR would be up to pulling it. I'm thinking it shoulnt be to big of a problem. But just was wondering if anyone else has here on the site.

Josh
Old 09-02-2006 | 05:00 PM
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Most pop ups weigh more than 1000lbs. Then you have to add the payload and people to the car, throwing the gross way over. After pulling campers and trailers for many years I wouldn't suggest it. I think a small yard trailer or a jet ski is all they will pull. You might check into the campers you can tow behind a motorcycle. They have some nice ones with air and other options. It's basically a tent that you tow with a matress inside.
Old 09-02-2006 | 05:25 PM
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The HHR only has a towing capacity of 1000 lbs, including passengers and payload. Even if you installed a transmission cooler it wouldn't be enough to offset the additional weight.

That's one of the problems of the HHR being based on a car chassis - towing capacity is significantly reduced.
Old 09-02-2006 | 06:35 PM
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i think it would struggle to move then struggle to stop.........doesnt seem like a good idea
Old 09-02-2006 | 10:09 PM
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if you are a 5spd, its a no-no per owners manual to pull anything......
Old 09-03-2006 | 12:53 AM
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Dave C's Avatar
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Originally Posted by joshua_arndt
Has anyone done this? I'm looking at buying a pop-up camper, and was wondering if the HHR would be up to pulling it. I'm thinking it shoulnt be to big of a problem. But just was wondering if anyone else has here on the site.

Josh
Thats a good question. At a local fair a dealer had a HHR hitched to a tiny teardrop camping trailer (popular in the 50s). GVWR on the trailer tongue was 1000lbs. Prices started at $8000
Old 09-03-2006 | 08:04 AM
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Even the teardrops usually are over 1000 lbs. The HHR probally could tow it but after a little while you would end up with major problems. The rV dealers are notorious for selling too heavy of a trailer to someone who doesn't have the ability to tow it properly.
Old 10-01-2006 | 03:11 AM
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Red face

This is VERY good information! I too have been looking at small tent trailers or teardrops, and think we'll have to use the other car - and even the other car is questionable...dang, sold the Expedition with the tow package... never even used it.
Old 10-01-2006 | 10:15 AM
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Well according to DTV. The HHR is rated for 3500lbs towing capacity.
Old 10-01-2006 | 10:23 AM
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Whats DTV?



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