Could I Tow a Motorcycle Trailer with my 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix with a Curt Hitch # C12225

Question:

I am planning on a move about 1000 miles and need to tow my 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic, which weighs about 500~600 pounds according to specs. My towing car is a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. I am wondering if this hitch would fit my Grand Prix, and if the supported tongue weight is high enough. I would use something like a uhaul motorcycle trailer, which itself weighs 550 pounds http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/EquipmentDetail.aspx?model=MT. Thanks! Rob

asked by: Rob

Expert Reply:

The Curt Class II Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # C12225, that you referenced has capacities of 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight.

If you add the 550 lbs of the trailer with the weight of your 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic of 600 lbs you end up with 1,150 lbs which would be well under the weight limit of the # C12225. Also, tongue weight is usually around 15 percent of the overall total trailer weight so that would put the tongue weight at about 173 lbs. In regard to the hitch you would be under the towing capacities and should be able to tow your bike on the trailer without a problem.

However, you will also need to consult the owner's manual of your Grand Prix to determine what Pontiac recommended for towing capacities. When determining what your overall towing capacities are you should always use the lowest towing capacity component in your towing setup as your overall towing capacity.

expert reply by: Jameson C