Uhaul Hitch installation on 2013 RS

[gijoefontaine]

I'm glad I found this thread as ill be moving from Winnipeg MB to Calgary AB roughly 1400KMs. I installed a straight bar hidden hitch for the Sedan LT. so its goes across instead of over the exhaust. anyone have any idea how I should be hauling a trailer? its automatic.

thanks

 

[AlaskanDSM]

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=271488

Here some pictures of my car loaded and the trailer packed completely full.

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[AlaskanDSM]

I'm glad I found this thread as ill be moving from Winnipeg MB to Calgary AB roughly 1400KMs. I installed a straight bar hidden hitch for the Sedan LT. so its goes across instead of over the exhaust. anyone have any idea how I should be hauling a trailer? its automatic.

thanks

Which engine do you have in your LT? How much stuff do you intend to pull? Do you have a way to monitpr your trans temp?

With my experience thus far with the RS, you're going to have to be VERY gentle with the automatic especially up hills. Im downshifting into fourth to keep the engine RPM high enough to sustain power to pull the trailer. With an auto, you'd need to put it into D2 and go slow. Having a way to monitor trans temps would be very beneficial for you.

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[gijoefontaine]

Its a 1.8
Alot of stuff.
Canada is very flat. Well manitoba to alberta anyways. Elevation change is a very steady change from 238 to 1048 above seas level being the highest i go.

 

[NR552]

Get a bluetooth OBD2 adapter + torque app for android. You'll be able to monitor your engine temp, boost, etc. Very helpful.

 

[ChrisJ]

I considered putting a small hitch on the Sonic to pull a tiny light trailer for when I needed more room. Will be putting one on the Cruze instead.

Even though the Sonic should pull it fine and stop fine the whole legal thing scares me. Something tells me if you have an accident and you're hauling a trailer that the manufacturer of the car said not to, that it won't go over well with insurance.

 

[shorebreeze]

I'd recommend a) using manumatic and using the paddle shifter on the AT, as the car is very responsive to that, and manually shifting down when below about 2500rpm; and b) making sure you keep the trailer load down as far as possible, preferably strictly following the GM Europe guidelines posted above in the thread (500kg with no trailer brakes, 850 with as I recall). Compared to the RS in this thread, you don't have manual; you have less torque on your engine; and you don't have quite as strong a braking system. +1 on instrumentation to check trans and coolant temperature.

 

[AlaskanDSM]

**UPDATE on hitch**

I noticed that my exhaust was hanging low when I filled up yesterday. So when I had my fiancé investigate for me (cant get onto the ground easily), I found that the slight fitment issue with the hitch vs RS exhaust is becoming a little problematic.

The flex in the exhaust allows for enough slack for the exhaust to vibrate and work itself down the hitch frame where it gets stuck. I can grab it and pull it back up each time, but that obviously solves nothing.

Pictures below for reference

Exhaust from rear view:

Exhaust VS Frame:

Exhaust VS Frame pulled back up:

I will be taking the hitch/car back to UHaul in Anchorage for feedback, damage investigations, and possible refund. I will keep updatinf the thread as we go.



On a different note, this car is amazing to be taking the beating it has with the Canadian road quality in some places. Hitch is holding well, car is still in one piece, and everything is overall going very well.


Last night after getting the tent setup in Dawson Creek, BC:

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[CheapFuneral]

Glad it's mostly going well, have u considered cutting off the tip? Looks like that's what's rubbing. You could always go with a smaller one.

 

[AlaskanDSM]

It's the factory RS tip so I don't want to cut it off. Also, I still believe it is UHaul's responsibility to provide me with a hitch that fits my car and does not cause any damages to my car. Even though it is a minor issue, to me, it means fitment is incorrect.

In time I would like to replace the exhaust anywaus, however until that time, I would like to keep the factory setup.

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[gijoefontaine]

Has anyone here installed the electrical portion of their hitch themselves? I did the hitch itself and want to do the wiring and want to know how hard it will be

 

[sonic13rs]

Has anyone here installed the electrical portion of their hitch themselves? I did the hitch itself and want to do the wiring and want to know how hard it will be

I did, I think the hardest part is pop'ng the inside (rear 1st) then left ( broke 2 green thingy's , did not replace them yet) and right loose. I routed RED hot to battery thru spare tire area (front). I've pulled 4x8 trailer 1,100 miles to Manhattan Beach and back with no problems.

 

[gijoefontaine]

I did, I think the hardest part is pop'ng the inside (rear 1st) then left ( broke 2 green thingy's , did not replace them yet) and right loose. I routed RED hot to battery thru spare tire area (front). I've pulled 4x8 trailer 1,100 miles to Manhattan Beach and back with no problems.

No joke I have no idea what you just said haha. Just so when you installed it you had instructions? Where would one find these? Sir, one could learn lots from you lol

 

[sonic13rs]

Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring by Tow Ready for 2013 Sonic - 118555. Try this, watch video and read PDF . Sorry for my carry-on, been busy on my 69z28rs . Installed Edelbrock EFI.