[Nick]

Hi all!

I'm about to pick up a used Spark or two but need to be sure that my car will be able to tow them without any issues. (Their light weight is actually what attracted me in the first place.)

I drive a sedan with a tow capacity of 1000 lbs. I believe it is typically recommended that hitch weight is limited to 10-15% of the tow weight.

My first question is what hitch weight have you experienced with your sparks (for trailers with both 1 and 2 sparks)?

I'd really like to buy two Sparks and tow them using the sea doo move II trailer specific for the spark. I think that would give me a total weight of just under 1200 lbs. Do you think this would be manageable or am I setting myself up for failure? I'd like to note that I don't mind taking it slow and most of my drives to the lake would be 5-10 minutes (3 miles of city driving).


Thanks in advance for an insight you may offer!

 

[Sprato]

The hitch weight in my single spark is about 40 lbs
I lift on and off my hitch


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[DickB]

I bought a used Spark 2up and the single trailer was set up way to heavy on the hitch weight; really bounced and tugged on the car bringing it home. My Spark and trailer weight is 645 lbs dry, so I set the weight to 65 lbs and it tows much better.

If you would have said "all of my drives" will be 3 miles of city I'd be less concerned by your exceeding the tow limits of your car. Do you have an automatic transmission and a transmission oil cooler?

 

[Nick]

If necessary I would limit myself to the closer bodies of water 3 miles and 20 miles but obviously I would prefer to be able to go over passes and travel to some of the more distant lakes (150 miles).

In response to what would be doing the towing, I drive a 2012 Chevy Cruze with a manual transmission.

Does that make this dream sound any less realistic?

 

[Mr Hanky]

Manual tranny is the best way to tow.
You should have no problem with that set up. You just want to give yourself a little extra stopping distance.

 

[seaking]

Manual tranny is the best way to tow.
You should have no problem with that set up. You just want to give yourself a little extra stopping distance.

Yup, nothing like towing with a manual, which also has me hating how the auto industry is phasing out manuals. Hopefully with that they dont' take away from towing capability.

 

[AUJeep]

Nick, not trying to hijack your thread here but where are you located? I've got a 2up Spark for sale if you're interested.

 

[sparkdream]

Ive towed about 500 lbs with a geo metro 3 cyl for years with no issue. Turn off ac when taking large hills and store as much inside the car as you can. Go as lite as you can. Stay out of overdrive. Down hills in the rain be careful it doesn't push the car sideways.

 

[sparkdream]

The metro was not rated for towing. Under tow rating it said NOT RECOMMENDED.

 

[Nick]

Thank you all for the feedback. It has definitely helped out.

AUJeep - I'm in the Seattle area. Are you nearby?

 

[AUJeep]

Thank you all for the feedback. It has definitely helped out.

AUJeep - I'm in the Seattle area. Are you nearby?

Nearby is such a subjective term, I'm in Nashville. I'm sure shipping couldn't be that bad right???

 

[milwaukeesbest]

Ford fiesta

 

[SeaDood]

For the best results, you want the trailer to be either leveled or more of an upper angle. Having a decline angle when towing is not good. So just make sure the height is level/higher than leveled. I had to turn my 2" drop hitch ball upside down.

 

[Bloor9710]

Towing a 3up with my 2013 ram 1500 is like nothing! cant even tell its there! only thing I can see in my mirrors is the handle bars lol! gotta use a 5" drop just to make it level while hooked up!