Towing with the CRZ

[crzmitch]

I would like to know everyone's thoughts about using the crz to tow. I tried to look up the specific towing capacity of the crz, and couldn't find anything. If it's possible I would like to tow a small trailer, with my motorcycle to the track. Well let me know what you think. I also have a CVT if that makes a difference. thanks!

[Scotty001]

This might help in making the decision.. Not sure if you would be covered under a warranty.. with the wieght of the trailer and motorcycle.. Others can probably chime in..

CR-Z Trailer Hitch and C/F Dash Kits

[crzmitch]

Thanks for the quick reply, I appreciate it. The weight of the motorcycle is 400lb, and the trailer should be around 150lb max. Also am not worried about the warranty. Hope this all help, thanks again.

[Scotty001]

Aye, welcome..

If you do it, pics and impressions and issues would be welcome..

[ITEM9]

The total payload of the vehicle is 400 lbs, including passengers, so you don't have much room to work with. I would say that's more about the suspension carrying the weight and less about the the ability to pull something. In that case, we probably can get away with taking the tongue weight of the trailer and just apply it toward your payload. Tongue weight is about 10-15% of the trailer weight, so for 550 lbs of trailer, you got about 80 lbs of tongue weight, worst case at 15%. That leaves you with 320 lbs of payload remaining.

At least that's my take on it. Whatever you do, be careful; sometimes trailers can take YOU for a ride, especially when it's too much trailer for the tow vehicle. You likely don't have trailer brakes either. Crosswinds could be tricky too with a high profile (compared to the towing CR-Z) motorcycle on a trailer. Just a few things to keep in mind...

BTW you have to take pics if you do this.

[ammocj]

I wouldn't tow anything with my CVT.
I think my motorcycle would tow my CR-Z easier than the other way around since my bike has a bigger engine.

That being said, if I really had to do it to get out of town in a hurry (is that my wife behind me with a gun? ) I would build a receiver and tie down points on the rear of the car so I could hook the front tire of the bike to the rear of the car. Front tire of motorcycle off the ground, rear tire on the road.
Do anything you can to limit weight.
I would also think you should tow in sport as it will give lower gearing.
Install a transmission temp gauge on the car and monitor it closely when towing.
Lots of guys burn up their big Dodge diesel automatic transmissions because they run in overdrive and don't monitor transmission temp.

Again, I wouldn't do it and don't recommend it but I'd love to hear how it works out for you.

Al

[ammocj]

OK, maybe I jumped the gun. I reread your post.

How far to the track?
Any hills on the way?

Al

[gordonfc]

I saw it somewhere (??) on line that the towing capacity is ZERO.
It may be in the manual as well.

[crzmitch]

Well, I need to drive 220 miles north i-5 to buttonwillow race track, and I will have to go over the grapevine (super hills). I might take the trip once a month or once every 2 months. I'm starting to think it's not realistic, ha. My only option is to get a beater truck or get a different car, but I love this car.... thanks for your input everyone. I rather not take the risk of blowing my trans.

[CR-Z Canadian]

Keep in mind that whatever you manage to get in motion will also need to be stopped. And if the CRZ isn't meant to pull a trailer, it ain't meant to stop one either. I think you're making a wise decision to reconsider this.