Towing Capacites (towing weight)

[oldtinsmith]

Attached is from the 1980 owner's manual...the 83 manual makes no reference to weights, just that you should contact the dealer.

There was no trailer package per se...you would have to add the upgraded cooling, specific gear ratio, better transmission, etc as optional content. All G bodies got the same small brakes, so that'd be my main concern unless you equip the trailer with brakes.

I have a 1978 owners manual and in the "Trailer towing" section, the first paragraph is the same as in Ribbedroof's manual. The second paragraph, it recommends not towing any trailer over 1000 pounds (450 kilograms) gross trailer weight unless the car has the required equipment. ...In the "Caution:" paragraph, it states; Do not attempt to tow any trailer over 4000 pounds (1800 kilograms) gross trailer weight no matter what trailer towing equipment is installed. ...Factory requirements include: heavy duty battery & radiator and, trailer brakes of adequate size are required on trailers over 1000 pounds (450 kilograms) loaded weight.

Doug

 

[pencero]

You shouldn't tow more than 1,000 without reinforcing the car. Get a real hitch w/ a tongue and your DMV should honor the weight ratings on it's sticker if they see your car in good shape / reinforced when they get up under it. If you can't afford to do much w/ this consider boxing your frame in the back. If you do nothing at all and try to tow something thousands of pounds, there could be really annoying creaks/ rattles and panels in the car could crack from too much stress. If you want to tow more than 1,000 lb you need to convert to bigger brakes up front. Out back - who cares

 

[sebastian305]

First, thank you all for your comments. I'll answer, hoping not to forget.

--> For pontiacgp:
Yes, except that this sticker is unreadable and effectively, no one not known what the towing capacity ...
In France, officially a Peugeot 205 can tow more than my Wagon. this is a hilarious or not ...

--> For thedoctorisin:
My hitch is certified by the manufacturer to be able to tow 2000 kg (4409.25 Lbs), but I lacked the information of towing weight from my Chevrolet (manufacturer data).

--> For Ribbedroof:
Big Thank's to this information, this is very nice for taking your time for me, and to scan the owners manual.
Yes, I always towing trailers equipped with brakes.
thank you very much.

--> For oldtinsmith:
Thank you for the additional details that are useful to me. thank you very much.

--> For pencero:
you're probably right, I have to stop towing heavy. it's not good for my car.

-----------------------
Here some pictures towing I have done.
viewtopic.php?f=38&t=37107&start=30#.URgpJR2894g

I wish you a good night (here is 11:55 pm)

 

[oldtinsmith]

You shouldn't tow more than 1,000 without reinforcing the car. Get a real hitch w/ a tongue and your DMV should honor the weight ratings on it's sticker if they see your car in good shape / reinforced when they get up under it. If you can't afford to do much w/ this consider boxing your frame in the back. If you do nothing at all and try to tow something thousands of pounds, there could be really annoying creaks/ rattles and panels in the car could crack from too much stress. If you want to tow more than 1,000 lb you need to convert to bigger brakes up front. Out back - who cares

I just bought a brand new Drawtite Class III hitch receiver made specifically for a stock factory 5th gen. El Camino. I bought it through "U-Haul" (they are built when ordered and are not carried in stock!). The decal on the receiver states 350 lbs. tongue load w/ a maximum trailer weight of 3500 lbs. With a weight distribution hitch it is 6000 lbs. You will need trailer brakes, heavy duty charging system, heavy duty cooling system, and an auto trans. cooler (I have a 4-speed manual trans). ....I'm planning a frame reinforcement, brake upgrade (4-wheel disc) for my own benefit, because factory "as is" isn,t good enough for me!

Doug

 

[oldtinsmith]

--> For thedoctorisin:
My hitch is certified by the manufacturer to be able to tow 2000 kg (4409.25 Lbs), but I lacked the information of towing weight from my Chevrolet

Sounds like a Class II hitch!

 

[oldtinsmith]

Sabastion305,
Factory Class I requirements (minimum): W/ 3.8L (LC3/LD5) motor, automatic transmission, and a 2.73 rear can pull a gross weight of 2000 pounds (907.1 kilograms) w/ 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms) tongue load.

Factory Class II requirements (minimum): W/5.0L (LG4) motor, automatic transmission, and a 2.41 rear, can pull a gross weight of 4000 pounds (1814.4 kilograms) w/ 500 pounds (226.7 kilograms) tongue load.

Factory Class III requirements (minimum): W/5.0L (LG4) motor, automatic transmission, and a 2.73 rear, can pull a gross weight of 5000 pounds (2267.9 kilograms) w/ 600 pounds (272.1 kilograms) tongue load.

Doug

I sure hope my pounds to kilograms are righht!!!!

 

[MrHernandez]

A bit off topic but, is it me or does that trailer hitch look like something you'd find in an adult bookstore?

 

[pontiacgp]

A bit off topic but, is it me or does that trailer hitch look like something you'd find in an adult bookstore?

I'm not sure, I'm always in the other section of the store...

 

[sebastian305]

Hello

Doug, Thank you. It is really nice to have answered me.

Mr Hernandez and Pontiacgp, you buy trailer hitch in an adult bookstore ?
It's No a bit off topic, it's good to laugh, effectively the hitch have an odd shape in France.

It is true that having a hitch made ​​in usa would have been better on a Chevy Malibu, but it would not have changed the inscription on the certificate of title.

The service of the approval of passenger cars in France, my answer:
Sir, this is most certainly is not an error. We decided to approve only 300 kg (661Lbs)for a Malibu Wagon, and it will be so ...
300 kg for a American Wagon? HAHA the French administration!

Et voilà, in the future I'll have to buy a car to tow... but not a european car

I wish you good day

 

[pontiacgp]

Is it not possible to change the sticker with one from here so you have a higher tow capacity rating?