Forum Discussion

syndrome85's avatar
syndrome85
Explorer
Aug 02, 2017

Towing a Travel Trailer with a Pontiac G8

Hello all. I have a general question about towing a 2,600 lb (when completely empty) light weight travel trailer with a 2009 Pontiac G8. The manual on the G8 says about towing: It should never weigh more than 2,000 lbs. But even that can be too heavy. I tried to explain this to the person that has this set up, but they told me that has to do with a class 1 trailer hitch. He insisted that his towing setup (hardware) is well equipped to handle the trailer, cargo (both in the trailer and in the car), 2 adult passengers, and an infant. My concern is that they are putting their kid (and themselves) in serious danger by towing this trailer with the current set up. I wanted to know if anyone else has experience with this or with dealing with someone like this. The G8 has a brake controller installed and the tongue weight on the trailer is 312 lbs according to the trailer manual. Can someone please let me know if i am way too worried about this? Do you think this is a safe set up? Is there something else i am missing? Please let me know.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Aug 02, 2017
    Two things would be a concern to me. The tires and the temperature of the transmission. I would want to have a cooler and gauge in order to not overheat it.

    The stock size tires on that car have a weight rating of 1,565# for each tire.
    I would take the combo to a scale and weigh it properly. Google search "RV.net, how to weigh a trailer" .
    I would be concerned about the possible weak link in this set up , the tires .
    The only way to know, is to weigh the combo.

    If you or anyone is interested is some VG good hitch and tongue weight info. Read Ron Gratz posts in the below link.

    http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25928885/gotomsg/25929827.cfm#25929827
  • syndrome85's avatar
    syndrome85
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2017
    Thank you all for the replies. Unfortunately this idiot is my brother and the infant is my nephew so I am concerned. jerem0621 I will look into the Can-am set up but i know my bro is not smart enough to have researched that.
  • EstorilM's avatar
    EstorilM
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2017
    Dennis12 wrote:
    Get everyone out of the car but him and follow him with a video camera. This will be one to see.

    That's the problem.

    Confirmation bias. Everything will be fine the first few trips - till it isn't anymore.

    Any kind of variable will send stuff off the rails really quickly, thunderstorm/winds, crappy roads, giant rig passing you at 25+mph faster than you, etc.
  • Dennis12's avatar
    Dennis12
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2017
    Get everyone out of the car but him and follow him with a video camera. This will be one to see.
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Aug 02, 2017
    Sounds like a Can-Am set up. If so, I wouldn't worry to much about it. That's a pup of a trailer compared to what they normally tow with "properly set up" Sedans.

    Typically they set up 31 ft Airstreams to be pulled with something like a Hemi Charger or 300.

    He is probably less of a danger to the road than these 3/4 ton diesels pulling 17k lbs triple axle toy haulers at 85 mph.

    Just google can-am rv in London, Ontario Canada and click on their towing section if your interested in their set ups.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah

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