Hi, and a question about towing a tear drop.

[retnavycpo]

I am in the process of getting a divorce, and plan on making some trips in the not-to-distant future.

I have a 2008 HHR Panel van that does not have a hitch on it currently, but am thinking about installing.



The Chevy HHR (automatic transmission) has a listed towing capacity of 1000 pounds.

Would my vehicle tow a tear drop trailer, considering the towing capacity? I am hoping this will work, because it would be the perfect camper to take on the road.



Thanks in advance,

Pete W.
Retired US Navy CPO

[High Desert]

I like those HHR panels, they're kinda cool.

I've noticed a few members here using HHRs as tow rigs. PT cruisers are another popular one, and it seems they would be in the same catagory. Just build your tear light and seems to me you'd have a slick combo. The folks here have lots of great weight saving ideas.

[madjack]

Welcome...bought or built, you should be able to stay under1K...and the HHR should tow it nicely...if you still have concerns about towing, electric trailer brakes can help alleviate those worries....as can a transmission cooler...other than that, you should be good togo.......
madjack

[retnavycpo]

Thanks for your quick replies!

I most definitely will be buying one, vs even attempting to build one. I just don't have the know-how to build anything!!!

Pete

[retnavycpo]

I am sure the answer to this question can be found elsewhere on this forum, but can someone please tell me the price range of teardrops?

Mainly what the minimum price for a new one would be. One that would suit my purposes, but not break me - financially.

Are used ones hard to find?

Pete

[Gerdo]

There are a few "mass" produced Teardrops like the Little Guy and the Wazzit and a few others that slip my mind right now. There are a few smaller produced TDs also like the Camp Inn. Look in the For Sale forum and also Craigslist for a good used one. Some people "try" one and find out that it's not for them.

[FireLion]

First off, let me say, I am a 'Ford' man, but that HHR is sweet! Second, I tow a 4 X 8 Little Traveler by Pleasant Valley Trailers (weight-770 lbs empty) with an 02 Ford Taurus 6 banger, no problem.
http://www.pleasantvalleytrailers.com/index.html

[Juneaudave]

Pete...where are you at? Your options for buying one might be different depending on locality....

BTW...Welcome!

[retnavycpo]

JuneauDave,

I am in southeast Tennessee, in an area called Farner. Not far from Turtletown and Ducktown if you Google it. Definitely a remote area though. It's about 1 1/2 hours from either Knoxville or Chattanooga.

Pete

[retnavycpo]

I might see if someone wants to trade me.

I have a 1967 vintage M274 Mule (worth about 6500). Much as I love the thing, I would get more use out of a trailer...........



Pete

[wanders]

1000 lb ought to be fine. My car is rated for that and we do OK.

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[retnavycpo]

1000 pounds would be ok.

But anything over that would NOT be, I don't think.

The seller is going to check and see if the weight is listed on the title.

Am keeping my fingers crossed.........

Pete

[TENNJIM]

I know exactly the country you are talking about. Those town names lose a little something when translated from the Cherokee word. I have a sister-in-law that lives in Turtletown on Merdith Dr. Welcome to the Forum. I tow a teardrop of about a 1000 lbs loaded with a Subaru, 2.5 Liter, Impreza, 5-speed-no problem, doesn't fade on the mountains as much as my 4.3 Liter, S-10, Chevy P/U, Auto.

Jim B / Utah - Maryville, TN native

[retnavycpo]

I talked on the phone with the seller. There's a truck repair facility not far from him, called Scientific. On their website, they list weights and measures certification as part of their services.

I am hopeful when he calls them tomorrow, they'll say they can weigh the trailer!!!

I need reassurance before I make the trip up there!!!

Pete

[retnavycpo]

I did more research, and located truck scales at a truck stop that is right at 30 miles from the sellers house, IF the repair facility in the nearby town of Gaylord cannot weigh it.

Then the decision is up the seller. I am offering him extra cash to verify the weight. If he isn't willing to do so, then I guess I won't make the trip. Will find out tomorrow morning, I guess.

Pete