Could 2001 Honda Accord Tow Small Trailer with Motorcycles

Question:

Greetings Etrailer Experts! I hope your holidays have been fun so far! Ok, here we go: I currently own a 2001 Honda accord lx 2.3 liter 4 cylinder Vtec, with a rebuilt automatic 4 speed transmission. There is already a 1 1/4 receiver on the car rated for 200 lbs of tongue weight, and the owners manual states that the car can tow up to 1000 lbs. The GVWR of the vehicle is 4035 lbs, and inside the door jamb it is stated that the cars maximum load capacity is 850 lbs. If there were a 50 lb hitch rack with at least 65 lbs of two bicycles en mount, then there would be 115 lbs of tongue weight on my suspension detracting from my 850 lb carrying capacity. That seems like it could be stressful on the rear end of the car and the suspension. What if instead there were a 150 lb aluminum trailer picture included, laden with 65lbs of two bicycles on the outer rails, and a 240 lb motorcycle on the middle rail, for a total of 455 lbs towing weight, and an approximate tongue weight of 55 lbs. In your expert opinion, could the trailer potentially be less stressful on the car and the automatic transmission than a hitch mounted rack with just the two bicycles? Thank you very much for your sought after expert advice!! Sincerely,

asked by: Joshua B

Expert Reply:

The total trailer weight and tongue weight you mentioned having of 55 lb tongue weight and 455 lb total trailer weight would fall well within the towing capacity of your Accord so you'd be totally safe with this setup. I know you have a hitch already but for trailer wiring then the kit we'd recommend is the part # 118336 because it installs very easily and has the most reliable converter box of the kits we offer.

For ball mounts you'd want the part # C45562 for if the trailer needs a 2 inch ball or part # C45561 for if it needs a 1-7/8 inch ball.

expert reply by: Jameson C