pengo

Hi Everyone,
I know the question regarding the second generation TL (mine is 2001) and trailer hitches and towing has been discussed many times here.

I will be moving from Chicago to San Francisco in September and the only way for me to move my junk is to fill the car and tow a 4x8 trailer from Uhaul.

Based on previous posts, I have decided to purchase the Hidden Hitch PN 60913 from etrailer. I am also going to purchase a Class 1 Ball mount and a 1-7/8" hitch ball.

Empty weight of the trailer is 850 pounds and it allows a max load of 1650 pounds.
Based on the documentation from the car's manual, it's allowed to two up to 1000 pounds with the TL 3.2. That means it would leave me barely 150 pounds which is useless, I need to fill that thing up with at least about 500 pounds.
Regarding the transmission, I just got my first one replaced at 50K and the car got about 75K miles now, so I hope if anything should go wrong because of my towing activities, the transmission can still be replaced under the warranty.

This will likely be the only time I'll ever use the hitch but it's still a lot more economical than renting a truck and towing my car.

Now based on the information I have provided do you think it will be reasonable for me to go ahead with the plan and move 1200-1300 pounds (including trailer) for 2100 miles??
It seems like everyone else's experience was more towing a small load for relatively short distances.

Anybody ever tried something this crazy before?

Aman

If the owner's manual says 1000 lb max, then stick with that. Any more would put unnecessary strain on the engine, transmission, and suspension, and with a loaded car, that wouldn't be a smart idea. My suggestion is to either rent a big SUV or have a buddy with a larg car help you out.

That and the dealership probably won't replace the transmission if they find out you've been towing more than the recomended weight.

01tl4tl

what you need to move-- always --weighs more than you expect it does- the tv is 70 pounds for a basic 27 inch, a dresser weighs 100....computer stuff 50

In the long run:
Its going to be more economical to rent a uhaul truck, and car dolly for the front of the TL- or a truck big enought to fit all your stuff and the TL inside, than to destroy the tl by towing excess weight up mountains like you have never seen before----using what???- 2nd and 3rd gear---the kjnown weak clutch parts
sounds like a great plan.
The burned trans fluid smell will be the dealers first clue, and the trailer hitch is a giveaway

You also must look at the specs on max car weight and towing weight togther- plus the tires max load rating

I would tow a jet ski to the lake no worries-
fsttyms1 towed his 18 foot ski boat, but also went thru 5 transmissions

What year is your TL?- there is a 7 year9 month time limit that applies too

fsttyms1

The TL will tow 2000 lbs EASILY! Done it many times. Now will it hurt the trans? If your doing alot of shifting or climbing hills im sure it will put a strain on it. How much??


I didnt go thru 5 trans from towing the boat. I went thru 5 from all the stop and go driving.
The boat was usually towed 5 miles with the one exception of 72. Other than that it was strictly the jetski and 4 wheeler (which with trailer and plow was close to 2k lbs)

fsttyms1

But i do agree. It will probably be alot easier to just rent a U Haul truck load every thing in that and call it a day.