tow vehicle

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I have a new car that I want to tow with. Anyone here tow an egg with a PT cruiser? I know the factory limit is 1000lbs, but that is using the factory hitch. If I get an aftermarket hitch rated for 2000 lbs, I would like to tow a 13' or 16' scamp or casita.

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Ken, welcome to the group. Is this what you have in mind?

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3e42e01ace636PTCasita.JPG/>

Hey, I afraid that you've been victimized by our friend, Glen Gold, who staged this picture as a joke.

There is no way, with its frame, wheelbase and underpinnings, that a PT Cruiser could even safely tow a 13 molded fiberglass trailer.

Despite what some trailer manufacturers claim, even a 13 foot trailer would be 50 percent heavier than the rate tow rating for the PT Cruiser. You might be able to get it rolling ... but there is no way you could safely pull it down the road ... or more importantly, safely stop when pulling that heavy of a trailer.

You might be able to find a stripped down tear-drop trailer that you could tow ... but please don't exceed your vehicle's tow rating, ok?

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Rats!

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Orginally posted by Charles Watts
You might be able to find a stripped down tear-drop trailer that you could tow ...

With permission Charles, I think this is nonsense.
I looked up the specifications of the PT Cruiser in the Netherlands.
They say it can tow up to 1000 kg. So he is very well able to tow my trailer and that's really not a stripped down tear-drop trailer.

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3eb975896509f000.jpg/>

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The specs say 454 kg or 1000 pounds MAX and only when properly equipped.

Don't do it! :)

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Orginally posted by Rick

The specs say 454 kg or 1000 pounds MAX and only when properly equipped.

Rick, pick up your language machine and look:
<a href="http://wwwThis" target="_blank">http://wwwThis is a Hacker contact Admin!ysler.nl/nl/modellen_chrysle...sp?model_id=209</a>

aanhanger = trailer
gewicht = weight

:wave

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Actually, Lex and I are both right.

Chrysler builds a 2.0 L PT Cruiser model for export only to Europe ... where, the official "stats" say it will tow 1,000 kg (2200 lb) ... whereas the 2.4 L US-Pt Cruiser model is only rated for 1,000 lb (454 kg)

http://ptenthusiasts.virtualave.net/ptstats.html

Now, what's interesting, is while Chysler says it's European tow-ratings are "correct," the company says the European tow ratings are "easier" than US tow ratings.

Thing that concerns me, Lex, is the PT Cruiser is built on a Neon frame, which isn't strong enough to withstand the rigors of towing a trailer as heavy as ours.

Also, Trailer Life Magazine doesn't rate the PT Cruiser for towing at all!

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Just to be clear ....

Ken owns a US-market PT Cruiser with a 2.4 L in-line 4 cyclinder engine ... which is rated to tow 1,000 lbs.

An export-only PT Cruiser model, with a 2.0 L, is rated for a higher tow rating.

Since Ken owns a US-market PT Cruiser, there is no way he can tow even a 13 foot rig ... according to Chrysler's own figures.

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That is strange Lex............. :)

I love the PT CRuisers looks, but it is a NEON.

Both US and Canada say 1000 lbs. Bottom line is that there is no way I would attempt to pull any travel trailer with a PT Cruiser. Note I am a huge Dodge/Chrysler fan. ;)

www.4adodge.com (USA)

www.dodge.ca (Canada)

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Orginally posted by Charles Watts

Thing that concerns me, Lex, is the PT Cruiser is built on a Neon frame, which isn't strong enough to withstand the rigors of towing a trailer as heavy as ours.

Charles, I don't know anything about the frame, but I must admit that 1000 kg is not much for a car like the PT Cruiser. My Volvo 440 wich is smaller and lighter, takes up to 1100 kg.

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Hasn't it been noted elsewhere that tow ratings for cars are RADICALLY different in the US vs. Europe? It's got less to do with the differences between cars and more to do with the differences in who's building the ratings.

mkw

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With respect guys, the PT is NOT built on a Neon platform. The concept car was, but while the production car does share some of the Neon's parts, it's not a Neon with a different skin. I saw the European tow ratings and that's what got me to wondering about the differences between the ratings. It's my understanding that the tow rating set by DC here in the states is based on the Mopar OEM hitch, which does have a 1000 lb. rating. There are hitches with 2000 lb rating which are made for my car. I don't want to risk damage to my car or myself, but I have a suspicion that the tow rating has more to do with concern over liability in a lawsuit than actual towing ability of the car.

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I guess it all comes down to the risk factor, common sense in the end will prevail - good luck! :)

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LOL! Had to say it.

I think the PT is better being towed then towing. There are lots of good deals out there on trucks right now -- or you can get one of those very cute tear-drops. A PT would be so perfect pulling one of those -- much more keeping with the vintage style.

Good luck!

Jane

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have we ever seen pictures of your Allegro MH? :E :E

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It's not as cute as an egg, but it has a certain Beastly charm!

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3eba66331bcc4front.jpg/>

And here's an interior:

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3eba6602c7fefkitchen.jpg/>


It's very spacious.

Jane

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Orginally posted by Jane Eno

LOL! Had to say it.

I think the PT is better being towed then towing. There are lots of good deals out there on trucks right now -- or you can get one of those very cute tear-drops. A PT would be so perfect pulling one of those -- much more keeping with the vintage style.

Good luck!

Jane

I hope your'e not laughing at my PT! She is very sensitive to this sort of thing.:)

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They are very cute cars! I love the vintage look to them, and have driven one and I was very impressed -- very fun to drive. I just really want to sell the Allegro so I'm using all my best salesman tatics.

You should really look at the tear-drops -- I've considered them myself -- they would look wonderful with a PT, particularly if you got one painted to match.

Jane

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I think the comment about liability driving the tow ratings is right on the money. In our victim mentality here in America, we always reserve the right to make somebody else pay for our own stupidity. So, the ratings reflect a max tow load that the manufacturer is reasonably certain will protect them from liability. I has nothing whatsoever to do with the physical capacity of the vehicle.

It is also important to note, however, that not only the rating is dictated by litigation. So is your insurance coverage, and your personal liability in case of an accident. If I am driving a Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel Dually that by some fluke is only rated to tow 500 lbs, and have an accident towing a 950 Scamp Std, my insurance company will deny the claim quicker than a heartbeat, and I'll be left holding the bag.

So, Ken, your PT will tow a 13 just fine and perfectly safely, but the risks are WAY too high in case of accident. Don't do it.

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Point taken Paul. I'll just have to find me another vehicle to tow with, or go to a teardrop like Jane suggested. Jane you have been trying to sell your Allegro for quite a while haven't you? I remember you from when this forum started up. So how much are you asking? Just curious, I don't think I can afford it since I just bought my cruiser.