HELP-towing with my new C6 ???

[hddeuce]

I am headed North from FL to Western NY, towing a Harley in a small 5x10 enclosed trailer (Bike 670 lbs; trailer 900 lbs) behind a Trailblazer. When I get to WNY I am picking up a new C6 with 6 speed and Z51 package. After one month up there riding the Harley to NH and back, I need to tow my Harley back to Florida behind the C6. I know - I saw yu'all cringe !!! I found a Curt Manuf. trailer hitch for the C6 that allows for a tongue weight of 200 lbs. and towing weight of 2,000 lbs. Is there any real danger in doing this - I do need to get my Harley and trailer back to FL !!! I will then take the hitch off the C6 - I promise. What's your thought ?!?!?!

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
I know you understand its not built for towing, but you really shouldnt have more than 1000 lbs on a hitch on Corvette.
You can do it, but it will really tax the rear suspension and the brakes, be very careful.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[hddeuce]

Thanks. I understand. Most of the driving will be on I-95 so I won't be on and off the brakes very much. Also, I can pick up the tongue of the trailer with the Harley in it so the tongue weight isn't terribly heavy. Once back in FL, I will take the hitch off; sell the trailer; and keep the Harley at home. I have had many Vettes in the past but it has been awhile and I'm looking forward to replacing some of my Harley riding (because it is getting too dangerous) with doing some Corvette activities. I will, no doubt join the local Vette club. In the past I have owned:
62 convert (new)
64 convert (new)
66 convert - 427/425 (new)
67 convert (used)
63 convert (a body off restoration that I did - Fuel Injected)
87 coupe (new)
93 coupe (used)

 

[motorman]

I am headed North from FL to Western NY, towing a Harley in a small 5x10 enclosed trailer (Bike 670 lbs; trailer 900 lbs) behind a Trailblazer. When I get to WNY I am picking up a new C6 with 6 speed and Z51 package. After one month up there riding the Harley to NH and back, I need to tow my Harley back to Florida behind the C6. I know - I saw yu'all cringe !!! I found a Curt Manuf. trailer hitch for the C6 that allows for a tongue weight of 200 lbs. and towing weight of 2,000 lbs. Is there any real danger in doing this - I do need to get my Harley and trailer back to FL !!! I will then take the hitch off the C6 - I promise. What's your thought ?!?!?!

sell the trailer in NY and ship the H-D back to fla. as there are companies who ship bikes all over the USA.

 

[vett boy]

Cringe ,is a good word.I'd have to agree with motorman on this one. But good luck anyway. Steve

 

[JonM]

Rent a U Haul truck...put the bike & trailer in the truck...tow the C-6 on a rented trailer

 

[hddeuce]

Isn't there anyone out there who thinks this can be done safely. I would like to know if it:
1. Is just something you would prefer not to do being Corvette lovers; or
2. There is some actual engineering fact that tells me not to do this. When I looked under a C-6 and referred to the hitch installation instructions, it didn't appear that the hitch was attached to the aluminumk frame, but rather an extension that appeared to be painted steel (two of the bolts go on the rear crossmember where the muffler hangers are bolted). The other two on the longitudinal frame extensions that connect to this crossmember. The hitch is a DeLan or Curt (same company) and is rated for up to 200 lbs. tongue weight and 2,000 lbs tow weight. What do you think could happen that would actually hurt the Vette?
If there is a good technical reason, rather than emotional, I will leave the Bike and trailer up there; drive the Vette home; fly back, rent a tow vehicle (SUV or Van and tow the Bike and trailer home.
I appreciate the responses; and your help in making my decision.

 

[JonM]

You asked for opinions and you got an answer from perhaps one of the most knowledgeable people on Corvettes. (C4C5Specialist)...Look at his signature, he is a certified Corvette specialist. It is ultimately your own decision. I think perhaps your trying to get someone to agree with your theory so you can justify what you want to do. Good Luck

 

[hddeuce]

No, JonM, it's not it at all. I am just looking for a technical reason for not doing it; because it will be a costly and time consuming problem to get both the Harley and trailer back, otherwise. The dealer didn't think it would be bad because he tows a small water craft -ski-doo, sort of thing. But I guess I am questioning him too by asking you guys who probably know more about it. If there is a liklihood that something will be damaged on the Vette, I would like to know that and won't do it.
I, too, have a mechanical background having been a race car builder and racer of some repute, having several National records and class and Elininator wins, and I'm just the type of person who questions things - wants to know all the opinions and the reasons thereof, and then tries to make an informed decision. That's just my personality - sorry about that. I really do appreciate the comments; and I'm struggling with what to do. I'm new to these forums so I don't even know the implications of being a Certified Corvette Specialist; but I would like to hear more from C4C5 to see why he advises against it. I guess my real question is - What couldor would happen to the Vette on thuis 1,000 mile trip?
Thanks again,
Dave
Dave

 

[Vette Poor]

You asked for opinions and you got an answer from perhaps one of the most knowledgeable people on Corvettes. (C4C5Specialist)...Look at his signature, he is a certified Corvette specialist. It is ultimately your own decision. I think perhaps your trying to get someone to agree with your theory so you can justify what you want to do. Good Luck

I disagree because I have towed easily with a C5 and with my C6. It does not hurt anything and works well in fact.

The real issue is the tongue weight. The C6 will easily handle the 1,500# tow and it wil NOT hurt the suspension at all. The Vette has such great brakes that the trailer poses no threat ... just be careful as suggested and plan ahead so you don't get into a panic stop situation.

800# for the trailer seems a bit on the heavy side. Maybe look into a light unit for the trip just to haul the bike.

 

[SilverFox]

I agree with post #4 & 8
Have you looked into the cost of shipping the bike ? If you consider the cost of modifying the Vette with a hitch you might be better off saving that expense, selling the trailer and shipping the bike home. If you are a HOG member check in their brochure for recommended shipping Companies.

 

[Dad]

C4C5 gave you a guarded answer as he is trained to do.

Curt Manufacturing sold you a trailer hitch because they like to get sued when something goes wrong?

I've towed with a Corvette and put hitches on for club members. They use them quite a few time in the year. One is used to take their belongings to Florida from northern Ohio for winter vacation and I think to Arizona one winter. By the way, it's an automatic. Unless you are going to pull a long boxed trailer you should have no issues, and if it is you should rethink towing it. The biggest thing is the Corvettes short wheel base and how quick it can give you a problem in cross winds with a boxed trailer.

Just a word of caution when installing the hitch, the C5 was setup to clamp on the frame with the bumper cover trapped in between the hitch and the frame. I made stepped washers to allow the cover to float with out undue stress.

Of course if you've towed a race car you're well aware of the need to balance the load and drive as if every car on the road is out there to cut you off.

I would hate to think that all of the Hondas I see with a trailer hitch on them are more durable than the Corvette.