I would like to know how the HHR handles trailering. I am also looking for ways to boost the trailer weight capacity so I can pull a small popup camper of about 1600 lbs. Any after market items?
Your feed back is appreciated. JJ

 

Mine handles my 4x6 tilt trailer fine.

As far as increasing towing capacity.... I'd start with a heavy duty cooler, electronic brake controller, helper bags for the rear. That should "allow" you to tow more. But you will still be overloading the car. But the US seems to have strickter standards for towing than most other countries. But still classified as overloaded. What do you want to tow with this?

Oh, and kiss your warranty goodbye.....

 

For many reasons, you should not consider doing this. Overloading once and a while may be acceptable but on a regular basis it is dangerous and stupid. Forgetting the car, you are placing yourself and family (and others including me) at risk for a very serious accident. I have camped many times and know that your car would already be at the load limit before the trailer was attached. These cars simply do not have the overbuild of earlier cars, every system is built for a specific limit and will fail soon if overloaded. It is just a matter of time before you have to brake suddenly and loose it all. Sorry, this is just the wrong car.

 

Where do you get the trailer hitch?

I just want a trailer big enough to haul a dirt bike.

 

www.e-trailer.com

 

I looked into increasing the capacity of my '07. Had my guy at the dealership talk to GM tech,he was told that the sheet metal where the hitch mounts is to thin. Also I did some research myself,the load rating on the tires is not that high,plus the springs would have to be changed or bagged(no one has a bag kit out yet) and the trailer would need brakes. Guess I'll just stick with the small trailer I built to tow my gear.

 

since were on the topic of trailers can anyone let me know if there is anything out there to help the rear springs when towing a trailer
and if anyone knows the dimentions of the rear springs
it would be helpful
thanks .....................

 

I saw a post on helper spring air bags you can get from JC Whitney. I believe they are made for a Cavalier. It is listed under the suspension section or just search for it. I am thinking about trying them.

 

If the trailer is loaded properly you should not need helper springs.

Sorry just my .02

 

An excellent point.

To add to your message I would also point out that not all trailer applications will allow for proper weight distribution.
You can try to add or shift weight to properly balance, but in some cases you can also move the axle fore or aft to change the tounge weight. Most boat trailers are a good example.
As a general rule of thumb you should try to end up with 10% + or minus a few... of the total weight on the tounge. A 1000lb gross weight trailer would be best at 100 lbs on the tounge at the coupler. Weigh it with a bathroom scale.

So if you follow Chevrolets total weight capacity specs which I believe are 1000 lbs.gross, you should be able to leave your HHR stock. No air bags, air shocks, or heavier rear springs needed.
The only exception is if you load a lot of heavy gear in the rear of the vehicle at the same time.
Be certain to maximize the recommended air pressure in your rear tires while towing. That means your trailer tires as well.
I always do a hand tourqe to spec. of all my wheels including trailers. Especially if the trailer has brakes.