Bike hauling vehicle

["Dangerous" Dan K]

So, I've been shopping for a heavy duty van with the thought it'll move my bikes and give me somewhere to crash at other tracks every once in a while.

Today I had a slightly less retarded moment and realized a HF cheapie folding trailer would move my bikes to and from tracks. Further, I already have a camper @ Loudon and can get a friend to haul it (the camper) back and forth.

So, now I'm thinking with the cost of gas I should just buy another economical car. Manual transmission a must. Cheaper is better, it'll see low miles and I twist my own wrenches. I'm thinking around 1K. I'll spend less on the vehicle, and WAY less on gas. The savings will cover the other track hotel rooms on occasion I run outside LRRS.

So, who's towing a bike or two with a small, fuel efficient car? What's it rated for? How's it tow? I'm starting to think an older Accord or whatever would be a smarter choice than a van.

We're having issues at my new place with storage already (too many race bikes, etc) so I'd have to use an open folding trailer that I can hide no problem between uses. That means it's LIGHT. Add in a 370# EX and a scooter or sub 400lb street bike, plus some tools. Total weight ~1000lbs.

With that little weight to haul I just can't see buying a 3500 full size van like I planned. Gas would kill me.

I don't drive far, and when there's no snow on the ground I'll be using a bike anyway. Not like I'm going to put much wear on it. I've had some GREAT $1K small cars in the past, but never tried to tow with any of them.

Any and all input appreciated!

[Chippertheripper]

Doesn't pat Nixon use a corolla to tow? My soob does ok with the turd, and is ok in the snow. If I were to do it again, I'd have gotten a forester.

[G21forme]

All my siblings have kids and minivans so I'm going to borrow one of em for towing and sleeping but if need be I'll be hauling my bike with my camry le 4cyl.

[butcher bergs]

[obsolete]

Dude, you could tow what you're talking about with a power wheels.

[rg500]

I towed my bikes to the track with my Honda Fit(I traded the car in). It wasn't quick or glamorous but it was a lot more comfortable and cheaper than my truck. It was rated to tow 1500 lbs. I used a three rail trailer and have towed two motards and a sport bike with it. Definitely more than you are looking to spend, but they do not come much smaller and wimpier than a fit.

[Trickniner]

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/t...or-towing.html

See number 9. Sure it's not the nicest vehicle but it'll be dirty cheap and good on gas.

["Dangerous" Dan K]

Doesn't pat Nixon use a corolla to tow? My soob does ok with the turd, and is ok in the snow. If I were to do it again, I'd have gotten a forester.

I'd love a toyo. They go forever. My experience in scoobies is 1) endless problems & 2) expensive, fun, well maintained and again PRICEY sporty rides. Neither fits my bill. I'm sure I'm tainted, possibly unfairly so, but it's what's in my head.

All my siblings have kids and minivans so I'm going to borrow one of em for towing and sleeping but if need be I'll be hauling my bike with my camry le 4cyl.

The camry I could do. A minivan? I'd rather pay the extra gas for a 3500 cargo van.

If only I had the stones! For real, can't see stacking a weekend of gear, tools, tires, rain wheels and 2 bikes on one. Be a bitch to ride home after a crash too. I HAVE had the thought though!

Dude, you could tow what you're talking about with a power wheels.

Pink one? Barbie on the side? How much are you asking?

I towed my bikes to the track with my Honda Fit(I traded the car in). It wasn't quick or glamorous but it was a lot more comfortable and cheaper than my truck. It was rated to tow 1500 lbs. I used a three rail trailer and have towed two motards and a sport bike with it. Definitely more than you are looking to spend, but they do not come much smaller and wimpier than a fit.

Way out of my price range, but thanks! Good to have more reinforcement it can be done!

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/t...or-towing.html

See number 9. Sure it's not the nicest vehicle but it'll be dirty cheap and good on gas.

Holy shit! For real? How are they as cars? I have Kia experience and they're the worst pieces of shit in the world. Are these things any better?

[mojobreakfast]

Holy shit! For real? How are they as cars? I have Kia experience and they're the worst pieces of shit in the world. Are these things any better?

Not to threadjack this too bad, but it seems that auto manufacturers dramatically under-rate their vehicles for towing in North America - for liability reasons (sue-happy Americans) or whatever.

I've driven quite a few (thousands of) miles in Europe and noticed that pulling trailers - often huge trailers - with compact cars is actually really common. I've seen huge 20+ foot camper trailers, car haulers, other wacky shit being pulled by the equivalent of VW Golf and BMW 3-series cars, regularly. It's pretty shocking when you first see it, then you realize everyone is doing it. They drive carefully (read: kind of slow) but they get where they are going.

So it doesn't surprise me that something like an Elantra is rated to tow 3k. Hyundai probably decided to stick it's neck out and offer the same tow rating they offer in the rest of the world.

I recently bought a Toyota RAV4 which is rated for 3500k I think, and it pulls my empty 5x10 trailer like its not there. The trailer alone probably weighs 900 lbs. Not worried at all about pulling 3k or so with it.

["Dangerous" Dan K]

Not to threadjack this too bad, but it seems that auto manufacturers dramatically under-rate their vehicles for towing in North America - for liability reasons (sue-happy Americans) or whatever.

I've driven quite a few (thousands of) miles in Europe and noticed that pulling trailers - often huge trailers - with compact cars is actually really common. I've seen huge 20+ foot camper trailers, car haulers, other wacky shit being pulled by the equivalent of VW Golf and BMW 3-series cars, regularly. It's almost shocking when you first see it. They drive carefully (read: kind of slow) but they get where they are going.

So it doesn't surprise me that something like an Elantra is rated to tow 3k. Hyundai probably decided to stick it's neck out and offer the same tow rating they offer in the rest of the world.

I recently bought a Toyota RAV4 which is rated for 3500k I think, and it pulls my empty 5x10 trailer like its not there. The trailer alone probably weighs 900 lbs. Not worried at all about pulling 3k or so with it.

Good to know. I've read 4-5 Elantra reviews so far, and I'm REALLY considering one. They seem like JUST what I'm looking for. Next stop is reliability ratings, I have a hard time believing these things are not complete pieces of shit no matter how well they review. Assuming the reliability ratings don't suck ass, I think they at least bought themselves a test drive!

[MidNight Powder]

I used to tow a snowmobile with a 2000 accord 2dr 4 cyl 5 speed and one of those HF folding trailers.

There is a guy that tows a snowmobile on a one place enclosed trailer with a VW cabriolet from W. Springfield to St. Johnsburry VT every weekend.

So yes small cars can tow that kinda load just fine.

[mojobreakfast]

A buddy of mine is a complete Hyundai fan boy going all the way back to the 80's, having owned them when he was in the service in Korea. Loves them. He now has a 2010 Elantra Touring (sort of a hatch/wagon thing) that already has maybe 40k miles on it - drives it all around the north east for youth hockey stuff. It's been completely reliable. His previous Elantra is still in the family (gave it to his kid) and has 180k+ miles on it - still completely reliablie.

["Dangerous" Dan K]

A buddy of mine is a complete Hyundai fan boy going all the way back to the 80's, having owned them when he was in the service in Korea. Loves them. He now has a 2010 Elantra Touring (sort of a hatch/wagon thing) that already has maybe 40k miles on it - drives it all around the north east for youth hockey stuff. It's been completely reliable. His previous Elantra is still in the family (gave it to his kid) and has 180k+ miles on it - still completely reliablie.

Any idea what year the previous one was? From what I've seen so far there were substantial changes in 96, still need to find a good resource for info on what changed, what's best, etc. If he's that much of a fan boy maybe he'd have a link or two you could snag for me next time you chat with him?

[mojobreakfast]

Any idea what year the previous one was?

Pretty sure his older one is a 99 or 2000. Manual transmission with the original clutch and everything. Suspension is a little worn at this point. To be expected. His new Touring one is a 2010, maybe a 2009.

The engines in these things have been around since the dawn of time and are pretty reliable. Not quiet or smooth - but reliable.

Hyundai only recently (last 2 years I think) has introduced a new generation of engines in the small cars.

He's not a fanboy to the point of reading about them on the 'net... just fell into the habit of buying them, and advocates for them religiously when someone is talking about a new car. I'm a little more into cars than he is, so it's just interesting to observe his experiences with them. He's got 5 kids so doesn't have time to deal with the finer details of cars. I'm into Japanese cars myself, and will only own Jap cars but.. respect other view points. I have a lot of respect for Hyundai.

[TheIglu]

My wife's old subie Impreza 2.5rs went 156k miles on stock everything but brakes, timing belt (once), plugs, filters and tires. Oh, and a $15 exhaust gasket once. Then we sold it. Probably still rippin around VT without a hitch rackin up miles.

Fun, reliable as the sunrise, cheap, great in the snow. Reconsider Subaru.

[Kurlon]

My Forester towed open trailers just fine. It didn't have the muscle to pull a 6x12 enclosed trailer thanks to the added wind resistance hence ditching it. If you're going to pull an open utility trailer a 2.5L manual shift Subie will have no issues what so ever. Hell, I pulled a 20' industrial flat bed with 4 bikes and the Subie didn't flinch.

[csmutty]

I have towed with my 5 speed 4 cyl 2 liter focus before. It wasn't all that bad.

[Kurlon]

Holy shit! For real? How are they as cars? I have Kia experience and they're the worst pieces of shit in the world. Are these things any better?

My wife drives a 2000 Hyundai Elantra, only way it's getting pried out of her hands after she's put over 100k on it (Got it with 60k I think?) is if someone hits and totals it. Damn thing refuses to give me any excuse to trade it.

I haven't tried towing with it, and wouldn't with the slushbox automatic though.