Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

"DP" <emailpetty@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1153969014.845000.182070@b28g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
>I am moving across the country and I just purchased a 4dr V6 Accord. I
> researched the costs of renting a Uhaul truck and towing my accord.
> Wow, $3000 moving out and then back in 6 months (not including fuel).
>
> Uhaul told me I can tow a 5' x 8' trailer with my 4 dr accord. The
> trailer weighs 800 lbs and they say trailer plus cargo should not
> exceed 2000 lbs. They say as long as I'm under 2000 lbs combined, I am
> fine.
>
>
> They recommended a automatic transmission cooler when I install a
> hitch.
>
>
> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
>
>
> Am I making a mistake putting a hitch and auto trans cooler and towing
> a trailer across the country with my Accord?
>
>
> Help!

I would think you would be OK based on my experience. Years ago, I did the
exact same thing with an '83 Subaru GL sedan with a 5sp transmission. The
only problem I had was that the electric cooling fan was unplugged. Since I
was living in Northern Michigan in the winter, I never realized it was off.
Didn't have any problems towing the trailer from Charlevoix, MI to
Alexandria, VA. I would think the Accord is a little stronger than the
Subaru but I can't say for sure. The Sub had a 4 cylinder.

Bob

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

"DP" <emailpetty@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1153969014.845000.182070@b28g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
>I am moving across the country and I just purchased a 4dr V6 Accord. I
> researched the costs of renting a Uhaul truck and towing my accord.
> Wow, $3000 moving out and then back in 6 months (not including fuel).
>
> Uhaul told me I can tow a 5' x 8' trailer with my 4 dr accord. The
> trailer weighs 800 lbs and they say trailer plus cargo should not
> exceed 2000 lbs. They say as long as I'm under 2000 lbs combined, I am
> fine.
>
>
> They recommended a automatic transmission cooler when I install a
> hitch.
>
>
> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
>
>
> Am I making a mistake putting a hitch and auto trans cooler and towing
> a trailer across the country with my Accord?
>
>
> Help!

I would think you would be OK based on my experience. Years ago, I did the
exact same thing with an '83 Subaru GL sedan with a 5sp transmission. The
only problem I had was that the electric cooling fan was unplugged. Since I
was living in Northern Michigan in the winter, I never realized it was off.
Didn't have any problems towing the trailer from Charlevoix, MI to
Alexandria, VA. I would think the Accord is a little stronger than the
Subaru but I can't say for sure. The Sub had a 4 cylinder.

Bob

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

"DP" <emailpetty@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1153969014.845000.182070@b28g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
>I am moving across the country and I just purchased a 4dr V6 Accord. I
> researched the costs of renting a Uhaul truck and towing my accord.
> Wow, $3000 moving out and then back in 6 months (not including fuel).
>
> Uhaul told me I can tow a 5' x 8' trailer with my 4 dr accord. The
> trailer weighs 800 lbs and they say trailer plus cargo should not
> exceed 2000 lbs. They say as long as I'm under 2000 lbs combined, I am
> fine.
>
>
> They recommended a automatic transmission cooler when I install a
> hitch.
>
>
> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
>
>
> Am I making a mistake putting a hitch and auto trans cooler and towing
> a trailer across the country with my Accord?
>
>
> Help!

I would think you would be OK based on my experience. Years ago, I did the
exact same thing with an '83 Subaru GL sedan with a 5sp transmission. The
only problem I had was that the electric cooling fan was unplugged. Since I
was living in Northern Michigan in the winter, I never realized it was off.
Didn't have any problems towing the trailer from Charlevoix, MI to
Alexandria, VA. I would think the Accord is a little stronger than the
Subaru but I can't say for sure. The Sub had a 4 cylinder.

Bob

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

Me wrote:

>
> I would think you would be OK based on my experience. Years ago, I did the
> exact same thing with an '83 Subaru GL sedan with a 5sp transmission. The
> only problem I had was that the electric cooling fan was unplugged. Since I
> was living in Northern Michigan in the winter, I never realized it was off.
> Didn't have any problems towing the trailer from Charlevoix, MI to
> Alexandria, VA. I would think the Accord is a little stronger than the
> Subaru but I can't say for sure. The Sub had a 4 cylinder.
>
> Bob
>
>

You didn't have to cross the Rocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada on that
trip. The cross country drive is much harder on vehicles than yours was.

John

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

Me wrote:

>
> I would think you would be OK based on my experience. Years ago, I did the
> exact same thing with an '83 Subaru GL sedan with a 5sp transmission. The
> only problem I had was that the electric cooling fan was unplugged. Since I
> was living in Northern Michigan in the winter, I never realized it was off.
> Didn't have any problems towing the trailer from Charlevoix, MI to
> Alexandria, VA. I would think the Accord is a little stronger than the
> Subaru but I can't say for sure. The Sub had a 4 cylinder.
>
> Bob
>
>

You didn't have to cross the Rocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada on that
trip. The cross country drive is much harder on vehicles than yours was.

John

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

Me wrote:

>
> I would think you would be OK based on my experience. Years ago, I did the
> exact same thing with an '83 Subaru GL sedan with a 5sp transmission. The
> only problem I had was that the electric cooling fan was unplugged. Since I
> was living in Northern Michigan in the winter, I never realized it was off.
> Didn't have any problems towing the trailer from Charlevoix, MI to
> Alexandria, VA. I would think the Accord is a little stronger than the
> Subaru but I can't say for sure. The Sub had a 4 cylinder.
>
> Bob
>
>

You didn't have to cross the Rocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada on that
trip. The cross country drive is much harder on vehicles than yours was.

John

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

Me wrote:

>
> I would think you would be OK based on my experience. Years ago, I did the
> exact same thing with an '83 Subaru GL sedan with a 5sp transmission. The
> only problem I had was that the electric cooling fan was unplugged. Since I
> was living in Northern Michigan in the winter, I never realized it was off.
> Didn't have any problems towing the trailer from Charlevoix, MI to
> Alexandria, VA. I would think the Accord is a little stronger than the
> Subaru but I can't say for sure. The Sub had a 4 cylinder.
>
> Bob
>
>

You didn't have to cross the Rocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada on that
trip. The cross country drive is much harder on vehicles than yours was.

John

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

I have thought the same thing... maybe its a lawyer thing. I understand
the need to be careful with the automatic transmission but the owners
manual says only $1000 pounds max towing capacity.

Thanks everyone for their help. Still haven't decided what to do.


jim beam wrote:
> John Horner wrote:
> > DP wrote:
> >
> >> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
> >> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
> >
> > First, of course, check out the towing section of your owners manual.
> >
> > Personally I would not do a cross country move using an Accord as the
> > tow vehicle if you are going to load up the trailer to anything close to
> > the vehicle's full rated towing capacity.
>
> there's plenty of head room for full load - the "real" towing capacity
> of the accord is over 3000lbs.
>
> http://www.honda.co.uk/brochure/down...cordTourer.pdf
>
> the only reason it's not rated higher stateside is that [for some
> bizarre reason i don't understand] trailers don't have to be braked, so
> load is reduced to keep them lawyer-free.
>
> > Honda's modern automatic
> > transmissions have had quite a few problems and towing is very hard on
> > an automatic transmission, especially over the mountain ranges implied
> > by a US cross country trip. If, however, you are taking I-10 across
> > the southern US then it might be more reasonable.
> >
> > Personally I think you would be much safer and easier on your vehicle to
> > rent a proper truck and a trailer for the car, then pull the car. If
> > you do so, get the strongest cover you can for the car to help protect
> > it against road rash.
> >
> > Finally, I would not let the U-haul or other place add a transmission
> > cooler to a Honda. If you must do that, have it done by a dealer where
> > they will use the correct fluid, etc. The same for installing a hitch.
> > Many installers will do a hatchet job.
> >
> > John

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

I have thought the same thing... maybe its a lawyer thing. I understand
the need to be careful with the automatic transmission but the owners
manual says only $1000 pounds max towing capacity.

Thanks everyone for their help. Still haven't decided what to do.


jim beam wrote:
> John Horner wrote:
> > DP wrote:
> >
> >> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
> >> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
> >
> > First, of course, check out the towing section of your owners manual.
> >
> > Personally I would not do a cross country move using an Accord as the
> > tow vehicle if you are going to load up the trailer to anything close to
> > the vehicle's full rated towing capacity.
>
> there's plenty of head room for full load - the "real" towing capacity
> of the accord is over 3000lbs.
>
> http://www.honda.co.uk/brochure/down...cordTourer.pdf
>
> the only reason it's not rated higher stateside is that [for some
> bizarre reason i don't understand] trailers don't have to be braked, so
> load is reduced to keep them lawyer-free.
>
> > Honda's modern automatic
> > transmissions have had quite a few problems and towing is very hard on
> > an automatic transmission, especially over the mountain ranges implied
> > by a US cross country trip. If, however, you are taking I-10 across
> > the southern US then it might be more reasonable.
> >
> > Personally I think you would be much safer and easier on your vehicle to
> > rent a proper truck and a trailer for the car, then pull the car. If
> > you do so, get the strongest cover you can for the car to help protect
> > it against road rash.
> >
> > Finally, I would not let the U-haul or other place add a transmission
> > cooler to a Honda. If you must do that, have it done by a dealer where
> > they will use the correct fluid, etc. The same for installing a hitch.
> > Many installers will do a hatchet job.
> >
> > John

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

I have thought the same thing... maybe its a lawyer thing. I understand
the need to be careful with the automatic transmission but the owners
manual says only $1000 pounds max towing capacity.

Thanks everyone for their help. Still haven't decided what to do.


jim beam wrote:
> John Horner wrote:
> > DP wrote:
> >
> >> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
> >> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
> >
> > First, of course, check out the towing section of your owners manual.
> >
> > Personally I would not do a cross country move using an Accord as the
> > tow vehicle if you are going to load up the trailer to anything close to
> > the vehicle's full rated towing capacity.
>
> there's plenty of head room for full load - the "real" towing capacity
> of the accord is over 3000lbs.
>
> http://www.honda.co.uk/brochure/down...cordTourer.pdf
>
> the only reason it's not rated higher stateside is that [for some
> bizarre reason i don't understand] trailers don't have to be braked, so
> load is reduced to keep them lawyer-free.
>
> > Honda's modern automatic
> > transmissions have had quite a few problems and towing is very hard on
> > an automatic transmission, especially over the mountain ranges implied
> > by a US cross country trip. If, however, you are taking I-10 across
> > the southern US then it might be more reasonable.
> >
> > Personally I think you would be much safer and easier on your vehicle to
> > rent a proper truck and a trailer for the car, then pull the car. If
> > you do so, get the strongest cover you can for the car to help protect
> > it against road rash.
> >
> > Finally, I would not let the U-haul or other place add a transmission
> > cooler to a Honda. If you must do that, have it done by a dealer where
> > they will use the correct fluid, etc. The same for installing a hitch.
> > Many installers will do a hatchet job.
> >
> > John

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

I have thought the same thing... maybe its a lawyer thing. I understand
the need to be careful with the automatic transmission but the owners
manual says only $1000 pounds max towing capacity.

Thanks everyone for their help. Still haven't decided what to do.


jim beam wrote:
> John Horner wrote:
> > DP wrote:
> >
> >> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
> >> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
> >
> > First, of course, check out the towing section of your owners manual.
> >
> > Personally I would not do a cross country move using an Accord as the
> > tow vehicle if you are going to load up the trailer to anything close to
> > the vehicle's full rated towing capacity.
>
> there's plenty of head room for full load - the "real" towing capacity
> of the accord is over 3000lbs.
>
> http://www.honda.co.uk/brochure/down...cordTourer.pdf
>
> the only reason it's not rated higher stateside is that [for some
> bizarre reason i don't understand] trailers don't have to be braked, so
> load is reduced to keep them lawyer-free.
>
> > Honda's modern automatic
> > transmissions have had quite a few problems and towing is very hard on
> > an automatic transmission, especially over the mountain ranges implied
> > by a US cross country trip. If, however, you are taking I-10 across
> > the southern US then it might be more reasonable.
> >
> > Personally I think you would be much safer and easier on your vehicle to
> > rent a proper truck and a trailer for the car, then pull the car. If
> > you do so, get the strongest cover you can for the car to help protect
> > it against road rash.
> >
> > Finally, I would not let the U-haul or other place add a transmission
> > cooler to a Honda. If you must do that, have it done by a dealer where
> > they will use the correct fluid, etc. The same for installing a hitch.
> > Many installers will do a hatchet job.
> >
> > John

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

DP wrote:
> I have thought the same thing... maybe its a lawyer thing. I understand
> the need to be careful with the automatic transmission but the owners
> manual says only $1000 pounds max towing capacity.
>
> Thanks everyone for their help. Still haven't decided what to do.

i'd tow the trailer. the motor's already got an oil cooler. the drive
train can handle it easily. it's not like you're going to be making a
habit of it.

>
>
> jim beam wrote:
>> John Horner wrote:
>>> DP wrote:
>>>
>>>> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
>>>> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
>>> First, of course, check out the towing section of your owners manual.
>>>
>>> Personally I would not do a cross country move using an Accord as the
>>> tow vehicle if you are going to load up the trailer to anything close to
>>> the vehicle's full rated towing capacity.
>> there's plenty of head room for full load - the "real" towing capacity
>> of the accord is over 3000lbs.
>>
>> http://www.honda.co.uk/brochure/down...cordTourer.pdf
>>
>> the only reason it's not rated higher stateside is that [for some
>> bizarre reason i don't understand] trailers don't have to be braked, so
>> load is reduced to keep them lawyer-free.
>>
>>> Honda's modern automatic
>>> transmissions have had quite a few problems and towing is very hard on
>>> an automatic transmission, especially over the mountain ranges implied
>>> by a US cross country trip. If, however, you are taking I-10 across
>>> the southern US then it might be more reasonable.
>>>
>>> Personally I think you would be much safer and easier on your vehicle to
>>> rent a proper truck and a trailer for the car, then pull the car. If
>>> you do so, get the strongest cover you can for the car to help protect
>>> it against road rash.
>>>
>>> Finally, I would not let the U-haul or other place add a transmission
>>> cooler to a Honda. If you must do that, have it done by a dealer where
>>> they will use the correct fluid, etc. The same for installing a hitch.
>>> Many installers will do a hatchet job.
>>>
>>> John
>

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

DP wrote:
> I have thought the same thing... maybe its a lawyer thing. I understand
> the need to be careful with the automatic transmission but the owners
> manual says only $1000 pounds max towing capacity.
>
> Thanks everyone for their help. Still haven't decided what to do.

i'd tow the trailer. the motor's already got an oil cooler. the drive
train can handle it easily. it's not like you're going to be making a
habit of it.

>
>
> jim beam wrote:
>> John Horner wrote:
>>> DP wrote:
>>>
>>>> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
>>>> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
>>> First, of course, check out the towing section of your owners manual.
>>>
>>> Personally I would not do a cross country move using an Accord as the
>>> tow vehicle if you are going to load up the trailer to anything close to
>>> the vehicle's full rated towing capacity.
>> there's plenty of head room for full load - the "real" towing capacity
>> of the accord is over 3000lbs.
>>
>> http://www.honda.co.uk/brochure/down...cordTourer.pdf
>>
>> the only reason it's not rated higher stateside is that [for some
>> bizarre reason i don't understand] trailers don't have to be braked, so
>> load is reduced to keep them lawyer-free.
>>
>>> Honda's modern automatic
>>> transmissions have had quite a few problems and towing is very hard on
>>> an automatic transmission, especially over the mountain ranges implied
>>> by a US cross country trip. If, however, you are taking I-10 across
>>> the southern US then it might be more reasonable.
>>>
>>> Personally I think you would be much safer and easier on your vehicle to
>>> rent a proper truck and a trailer for the car, then pull the car. If
>>> you do so, get the strongest cover you can for the car to help protect
>>> it against road rash.
>>>
>>> Finally, I would not let the U-haul or other place add a transmission
>>> cooler to a Honda. If you must do that, have it done by a dealer where
>>> they will use the correct fluid, etc. The same for installing a hitch.
>>> Many installers will do a hatchet job.
>>>
>>> John
>

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

DP wrote:
> I have thought the same thing... maybe its a lawyer thing. I understand
> the need to be careful with the automatic transmission but the owners
> manual says only $1000 pounds max towing capacity.
>
> Thanks everyone for their help. Still haven't decided what to do.

i'd tow the trailer. the motor's already got an oil cooler. the drive
train can handle it easily. it's not like you're going to be making a
habit of it.

>
>
> jim beam wrote:
>> John Horner wrote:
>>> DP wrote:
>>>
>>>> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
>>>> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
>>> First, of course, check out the towing section of your owners manual.
>>>
>>> Personally I would not do a cross country move using an Accord as the
>>> tow vehicle if you are going to load up the trailer to anything close to
>>> the vehicle's full rated towing capacity.
>> there's plenty of head room for full load - the "real" towing capacity
>> of the accord is over 3000lbs.
>>
>> http://www.honda.co.uk/brochure/down...cordTourer.pdf
>>
>> the only reason it's not rated higher stateside is that [for some
>> bizarre reason i don't understand] trailers don't have to be braked, so
>> load is reduced to keep them lawyer-free.
>>
>>> Honda's modern automatic
>>> transmissions have had quite a few problems and towing is very hard on
>>> an automatic transmission, especially over the mountain ranges implied
>>> by a US cross country trip. If, however, you are taking I-10 across
>>> the southern US then it might be more reasonable.
>>>
>>> Personally I think you would be much safer and easier on your vehicle to
>>> rent a proper truck and a trailer for the car, then pull the car. If
>>> you do so, get the strongest cover you can for the car to help protect
>>> it against road rash.
>>>
>>> Finally, I would not let the U-haul or other place add a transmission
>>> cooler to a Honda. If you must do that, have it done by a dealer where
>>> they will use the correct fluid, etc. The same for installing a hitch.
>>> Many installers will do a hatchet job.
>>>
>>> John
>

Re: Is it safe to tow a trailer with my Accord?
 

DP wrote:
> I have thought the same thing... maybe its a lawyer thing. I understand
> the need to be careful with the automatic transmission but the owners
> manual says only $1000 pounds max towing capacity.
>
> Thanks everyone for their help. Still haven't decided what to do.

i'd tow the trailer. the motor's already got an oil cooler. the drive
train can handle it easily. it's not like you're going to be making a
habit of it.

>
>
> jim beam wrote:
>> John Horner wrote:
>>> DP wrote:
>>>
>>>> If I put a hitch and auto tranmission cooler on, I can rent a trailer
>>>> and be in the move $600 instead of over $3000.
>>> First, of course, check out the towing section of your owners manual.
>>>
>>> Personally I would not do a cross country move using an Accord as the
>>> tow vehicle if you are going to load up the trailer to anything close to
>>> the vehicle's full rated towing capacity.
>> there's plenty of head room for full load - the "real" towing capacity
>> of the accord is over 3000lbs.
>>
>> http://www.honda.co.uk/brochure/down...cordTourer.pdf
>>
>> the only reason it's not rated higher stateside is that [for some
>> bizarre reason i don't understand] trailers don't have to be braked, so
>> load is reduced to keep them lawyer-free.
>>
>>> Honda's modern automatic
>>> transmissions have had quite a few problems and towing is very hard on
>>> an automatic transmission, especially over the mountain ranges implied
>>> by a US cross country trip. If, however, you are taking I-10 across
>>> the southern US then it might be more reasonable.
>>>
>>> Personally I think you would be much safer and easier on your vehicle to
>>> rent a proper truck and a trailer for the car, then pull the car. If
>>> you do so, get the strongest cover you can for the car to help protect
>>> it against road rash.
>>>
>>> Finally, I would not let the U-haul or other place add a transmission
>>> cooler to a Honda. If you must do that, have it done by a dealer where
>>> they will use the correct fluid, etc. The same for installing a hitch.
>>> Many installers will do a hatchet job.
>>>
>>> John
>