Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **willinthe985** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 4:26 pm

I have a 2010 Mitsu Lancer that I was looking to use as my TD tow car. Before I build something I was wondering what kind of towing capabilities this thing has. Found a hitch for the car and it's rated for 2000lbs and 200lb tongue weight. But when I looked in the car's owner's manual it had a big picture with a car and trailer with a big fat X crossing it out. Just wondering if anyone tows with smaller cars knowing it's against the wishes of the manufacturers.

Thanks,
Will

by **green_eyed_diablito** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:11 pm

slowcowboy wrote:who manfactures your car? never heard of them before. Slow.

he has a Mitsubishi Lancer.

by **green_eyed_diablito** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:12 pm

willinthe985 wrote:I have a 2010 Mitsu Lancer that I was looking to use as my TD tow car. Before I build something I was wondering what kind of towing capabilities this thing has. Found a hitch for the car and it's rated for 2000lbs and 200lb tongue weight. But when I looked in the car's owner's manual it had a big picture with a car and trailer with a big fat X crossing it out. Just wondering if anyone tows with smaller cars knowing it's against the wishes of the manufacturers.

Thanks,
Will

do you have the wagon or the sedan?

by **H@nk** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:21 pm

willinthe985 wrote:I have a 2010 Mitsu Lancer that I was looking to use as my TD tow car. Before I build something I was wondering what kind of towing capabilities this thing has. Found a hitch for the car and it's rated for 2000lbs and 200lb tongue weight. But when I looked in the car's owner's manual it had a big picture with a car and trailer with a big fat X crossing it out. Just wondering if anyone tows with smaller cars knowing it's against the wishes of the manufacturers.

Thanks,
Will

Hi Will,
towing with a car like your Mitsubishi is not against the wishes of the manufacturer. The 2000lbs for towing seems right, the 200lbs for the tongue is a little to high. I should go for 100lbs to 120lbs. Thats more usual (here in the Netherlands) The max of towing is only availeble when the RV is braked.Lots of people here in Europe tow with cars like yours and even smaller. I don't know what kind of engine you have, but I think it is the 1600 cc engine with 16 valves? European horsepower about 95? You have to use the gearbox more than a big American car, but if you are careful, specialy with the engine water temp, you can drive all over the continent.

by **willinthe985** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:25 pm

[/quote]

do you have the wagon or the sedan?[/quote]

I have a sedan. It's the GTS, which has the bigger 2.4l engine, 186 hp, 167ft-lbs of torque, and a 5 speed manual.

by **green_eyed_diablito** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:31 pm

i too think you'll be fine. i would check on the lancer forums for other people's experiences as they would be specific to your car.

by **Shadow Catcher** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:49 pm

One thing to remember is that distances here in the US are greater (for the most part) than in Europe. I am towing with a Subaru and the trailer is about 1600#. To do that safely (for the car) I had the largest transmission cooler I could find installed switched to all synthetic oil (higher temperature tolerance) and made sure this trailer has brakes.

by **willinthe985** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:55 pm

Shadow Catcher wrote:One thing to remember is that distances here in the US are greater (for the most part) than in Europe. I am towing with a Subaru and the trailer is about 1600#. To do that safely (for the car) I had the largest transmission cooler I could find installed switched to all synthetic oil (higher temperature tolerance) and made sure this trailer has brakes.

Thanks. I'm hoping to get this thing under 1000lbs wet. And if that's too much, I always have my truck. But 33mpg sure beats 21mpg on the highway.

by **WonkyWheel** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 6:16 pm

Shadow Catcher wrote:One thing to remember is that distances here in the US are greater (for the most part) than in Europe.

Ha, funny.

by **Larry C** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:00 pm

slowcowboy wrote:who manfactures your car? never heard of them before. Slow.

Slow... Ever heard of the "Japanese 0" aircraft from WW2? That would be Mitsubishi. I just retired my 1989 Mitsubishi TV.

by **2bits** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 8:42 pm

I wouldn't sweat it, and don't go overkill on the hitch, some people get a big massive hitch that supports more than the car could ever handle, and not to mention a hitch like that itself adds weight. Your hitch selection here sounds very reasonable. The drivetrain doesn't sound like an issue as well.

by **Danny** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 5:41 am

build light and small like Roly's Stacker(245 pounds total) or similar. Featherweight..Use 1/4 and 1/8 ply and pine framing..Or, maybe something like this beauty.. http://teardrops.net/images/plans/chummy.jpg

by **Synthesis** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:41 pm

I tow my 4x8 Tear with a Pontiac Fiero with the 2.8 V6 (140HP).
I run a Class 1 receiver, and the camper weighs 900lbs loaded with everything needed for a week.

You'll do just fine.

by **legojenn** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:01 pm

Shadow Catcher wrote:One thing to remember is that distances here in the US are greater (for the most part) than in Europe.

They just seem further because the signs are in kilometers rather than miles.

by **Aaron Coffee** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 5:20 pm

When I first built #1 (just under 1,000lbs) I towed with a 95 Plymouth Neon with a 2.0 liter and 5 speed manual. Never had any problems, other than keeping it under 70mph on my first trip.

Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Towing with a small car?

Towing with a small car?

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Re: Towing with a small car?

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