Thanks again for all the input. I will not take a chance with towing.

That is good to know you are up to 91K with no problems!!

 

i looked into getting a hitch to tow a small u-haul trailer a few weeks ago,they said for the hitch to fit they would have to cut out a section of the rear facia. (bumber) hell no im doing that!

 

Actually you can get a nice frame mounted hitch that bolts to the underneath frame of the car (no cutting required). The only thing you have to be concerned about is wiring the brake/turn signals. The adapter that comes for the car requires splicing into the eletrical system of the lights. It is not a plug and play adapter like you can get for trucks and vans. It is doable without cutting the plastic, but I decided against it because the Monte Carlo has a fragile transmission and I didn't want to cut into the wiring of the rear tail lights.

If you would like to know the website where these hitches can be ordered, I can look it up for you.

 

Toyota Siennas have a #3500 towing capicity.. If those pieces of garbage can tow a boat then you get the point.

 

i haven't been on the site in a while but i will throw my 2 cents in on this topic since i am also considering getting a trailer hitch.

i think you will be fine doing mild towing with our vehicles. as long as you keep the trans shifted into 3 (as mentioned earlier), keep the load light, and don't try to pass people doing 80 and making it downshift really hard, things should stay in good shape. i am condsidering getting an 8x10 aluminum tilt bed trailer to haul my snowmobile (Arctic Cat F7, ~500lbs), which together shouldn't weigh 1000lbs or so. i would also check your owner's manual to check max towing capacity for your car.

 

Max tow load suggested for the Monte is 1,000 LBS according to the owners manual.

 

Does the owner's manual also note that you should have a transmission cooler equipped on the car if you are towing?

*edit* Also nice to see that you know how to open an owner's manual now :P

 

No, but it does mention something about towing more than the recommended tow load may cause premature damage to your transaxle.

And as for the other comment :P haha!

 

I have had a "Hidden Hitch" on my 03 SS for 5 years now. I've pulled my 19' Ski Boat many times (not a truck kinda guy). Yeah, it may look a bit weird, but I have had absolutely NO ISSUES. I got mine installed by a U-Haul dealer here in town Can't even see it when it's not hitched up. Try it!

 

What kind of Ski Boat? I want to look up the weight specs on iboats.com

My Plan is to get a fish and ski and use the Monte on a temp basis since the lake is a block away.