How well does a PT Cruiser tow a trailer???

[Quadrajet]

Hey guys, new to this forum so bear with me!

I've always liked the PT Cruiser and I know you can order one with a hitch as an option, but I was wondering just how well they could pull a trailer?

I'm not talking anything unreasonably huge, just a 5x6 open steel trailer hauling something like an ATV. Can a base Cruiser handle it? If not, what about the Turbo or Turbo GT versions? Are the automatic transmission capable enough, or is a manual trans a must?

Tell me your experiences please!

[CREWZIN]

Quadrajet,

The PT Cruiser without the turbo is rated to pull up to 1000 lbs with the hitch that's available from Chrysler. Your trailer with the TV should be no problem at all.

[quicksilverdon]

Haven't done it myself, but I agree with Crewzin - many have done it with no problem. If it were me, I wouldn't have 4 sumo wrestlers in the car while towing....

[gonzomania]

I have a utility trailer and towed a yard of mulch no problem. QSD is correct that your towing capacity is 1000lbs and remember your trailer is going to weigh at least 485lbs. So do the math and also factor in driving conditions,bumber to bumber traffic trying to get to the shore might hurt alittle.

[Quadrajet]

Thanks for the replies guys. My ATV is a Yamaha Wolverine with a dry weight right around 480 (see my homepage), but since I've added a winch, cargo bags, etc. it's probably over 500 with a full tank so it would probably be pretty close.

I currently haul it with a Dodge Dakota. When I bought it last year I talked the dealer into throwing in a free bug shield and car alarm and while they had it for 2 days, they let me take a PT Cruiser as a loaner and I loved the car. I was considering buying a used one if I go the route of keeping my truck, or trading in my truck towards a new one, provided it's a definite step up like a GT model[8)].

If I gave up the truck however, I wouldn't want to give up my hobby of four-wheeling ATV's. Nothing will ever get me to give up that sport- not even Ozzy's mishap [B)] That is why I appreciate any and all input on the trailer issue.

[westgate]

I have a 05 Touring edition with the turbo lite. I tow a 3 seater wave runner (about 900 pounds all total). No problem at all. I have not taken it on long trips yet. Maybe about 100 miles round trip so far. I did speak with the service manager where I bought it from and he suggested I use Mobil 1 oil (because of the turbo) and let it idle for a few minutes when I get to my destination to help cool down the oil.

[tom-t-rifik]

Hey Quad! I had a hidden hitch on my '02 Dream Cruiser (non-turbo) and was able to haul my Big Dog Pit Bull on one of U-Haul's motorcycle trailers at 70 mph from Phoenix to El Paso with no problems what so ever. (oops, you didn't hear that - the U-Haul trailer has a disclaimer sticker that says don't go over 45 mph)

Total weight of the trailer and the bike was a bit over 1,000 lbs., but I didn't notice any problem with acceleration or braking.

[00maggie]

Your e-messages gave me just the info I needed. I have a 2002 PT Cruiser and also a handicap scooter. I currently have a manual ramp I have to lift out and connect to maneuver the scooter in/out of the back of the cruiser -- which means the back seats are always folded down. I am considering the purchase of one of the new scooter trailers I've found, trailer weight 230 lbs (see at http://www.discount-trailers.com/scooter_trailer.htm). My scooter weights about 250 or less. I was told all I could use on the vehicle is a class 1 hitch. Will this hitch pull a "rig" like I am considering?

[westgate]

00maggie
I would say you should be able to handle that "rig" with your vehicle. I know my pt has a towing weight of 1000lbs. I am sure most pt's are the same in the respect.

[Capt Kidd]

[8)]Hi, I have a base early model 2001 and have been towing my 2000 lb. tent trailer for the last three years with absolutly no problems. I do have trailer brakes which helps. I have towed on the flat and over mountains in both the cold and the heat of summer. No overheating problems or brake fade. The only problem is being able to see around the trailer because of its width. In fact if you come up behind me you think the trailer is just going down the road by itself. Oh yeah I have the stock DC hitch and DC wiring harness.