WEIGHT

[wolfman]

Hello all.
Considering buliding a squidget. However, I realize the weight factor is a problem. I have a 2007 PT crusier. It does have cold air injection, screamin deamin coil, 10mm plug wires, dual exshaust, header, iridium plugs, air helper bags in back springs. My question is does anyone know aprox. weight of a 5 x 9 teardrop using frame with skins instead of solid wood walls? I know the squidget is 1400 lbs at 5 x10 with 13 inch tires. I fear a litle heavy for my PT??? Any info from experiance??
Thanks

[Wild Bill]

All those add ons do not substitute for the number of cylinders and their bore and stroke. You did not mention the Cubic Inch displacement of your engine. Trans fluid, oil and coolant capacities and duty engineering are all factors to consider. Simply put, consult and follow the manufactures recommended tow ratings and you should be ok with electric brakes to assist in stopping the load once you get it moving. Bill

[Shadow Catcher]

I just took Compass Rose to the truck scale at the local quarry and it is 1500# dry but is 6X10 grasshopper design. I am pulling with a H6 Subaru with about 220HP the biggest transmission cooler I could find (10 qt of synthetic ATF total). I can feel it and I have brakes, I would not want to try it with out them!

[wolfman]

YEA I thought so. I am installing trans cooler, aluminum, radiator as well. I have been considering a 5 x 8.5. Better stay there I think.
Thanks all for the info........I am also considering a Aluminum trailer. Any thoughts on that???

[Maverick71]

Howdy,

Take all the guess work out of the final decision as to what you can tow by reading the automobile owner's manual.

For instance, my TBird allows for 175 lb tongue weight and a gross trailer weight of 2000 lbs.

My '04 Impala allows for 1000 lb gross trailer weight; but no tongue weight is specified.

No towing permitted of any kind is stated in my '08 Focus owner's manual. In other words it does not have the power to pull the hat off your head and the puney rear wheel drum brakes and the automatic transmission are marginal at best.

I bought a Focus for each of my three daughters while they were in the universities. When they graduated, they picked up the montly payments.
So far one Focus is a transmission king!

If you really want the truth, consult with the service manager of the dealer of the brand you drive. He intimately knows what your auto can and cannot do.

For instance, the Ford service manager told me not to waste my time and money on an oil cooler for my TBird's automatic transmission because it is also used in Ford trucks. He would not go beyond the tongue and tow weights specified in the manual.

Remember, if you have an accident that may not even be your fault, the lawyers are going to have a hay day with the owner's manual specifications that you have exceeded.

Take care,
Maury

[mvperini]

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 7:46 pm Post subject: WEIGHT

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Hello all.
Considering buliding a squidget. However, I realize the weight factor is a problem. I have a 2007 PT crusier. It does have cold air injection, screamin deamin coil, 10mm plug wires, dual exshaust, header, iridium plugs, air helper bags in back springs. My question is does anyone know aprox. weight of a 5 x 9 teardrop using frame with skins instead of solid wood walls? I know the squidget is 1400 lbs at 5 x10 with 13 inch tires. I fear a litle heavy for my PT??? Any info from experiance??
Thanks

There are a lot of people that pull teardrops with pt cruisers. i pulled a 47 kenskill with a 05 PT convertible 5 speed non turbo. the trailer loaded weighs in at 1500 lbs with 180 lbs tounge weight and average 24 mpg. that being said i used to drive long haul semi. and i know the capability of my tow rig and the stopping power.



Mike