Towing trailer and glider with a honda civic

Towed for the last 6 years with a VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI. LS8/18 in an Anschau trailer then ASG-29 in a Cobra. Great tow vehicle. I did put spring helpers (coil inserts) in the rear end which helped keep the sag to a minimum. Over the years I've towed with a bunch of VWs starting with a Rabbit Diesel (no good) up through Jetta sedans (fair) Passat V6 wagon with 4 motion (great) and the Sportwagon TDI (great). Pay a lot of attention to the hitch height and tongue weight as well as all the other good advice about tire pressures etc.

Now that OP has made his decision, I'll drift the thread with this towing tidbit...

I looked into towing with a hybrid. There is an issue with overheating of the electric motors on long grades. The 'recommended tow weights' are much lower for the hybrid version of the same model vehicle. I'd guess that part of the issue is that the same motors are used for 'regenerative braking' on the downgrades, so they don't get a chance to cool off.

On Friday, March 2, 2018 at 7:54:13 AM UTC-8, son_of_flubber wrote:
Now that OP has made his decision, I'll drift the thread with this towing tidbit...

I looked into towing with a hybrid. There is an issue with overheating of the electric motors on long grades. The 'recommended tow weights' are much lower for the hybrid version of the same model vehicle. I'd guess that part of the issue is that the same motors are used for 'regenerative braking' on the downgrades, so they don't get a chance to cool off.

Remember that manufacturer recommended towing limits are assuming a shorter wheelbase utility type trailer, not a long wheelbase glider trailer. Weight is not the only issue to consider. And they probably also assume short, local trips, not long-distance trips.

Tom

I'm towing my Schreder trailer with a 2004 Prius with 277k miles on it. MPG drops to 28-29, but it tows fine. The Schreder is much lighter than the wood/fiberglass box I was pulling.

The plan is to add electric or surge brakes soon. Plus, it probably will feel a little different when I actually put my glider in it. ;-) (Soon...very soon...still working on fittings.)

Paul A.

On Friday, March 2, 2018 at 8:32:39 AM UTC-8, Paul Agnew wrote:
I'm towing my Schreder trailer with a 2004 Prius with 277k miles on it. MPG drops to 28-29, but it tows fine. The Schreder is much lighter than the wood/fiberglass box I was pulling.

The plan is to add electric or surge brakes soon. Plus, it probably will feel a little different when I actually put my glider in it. ;-) (Soon...very soon...still working on fittings.)

Paul A.

Electric brakes good.

Surge brakes bad.

On Friday, March 2, 2018 at 9:36:00 AM UTC-8, sisu1a wrote:
On Friday, March 2, 2018 at 8:32:39 AM UTC-8, Paul Agnew wrote:
I'm towing my Schreder trailer with a 2004 Prius with 277k miles on it. MPG drops to 28-29, but it tows fine. The Schreder is much lighter than the wood/fiberglass box I was pulling.

The plan is to add electric or surge brakes soon. Plus, it probably will feel a little different when I actually put my glider in it. ;-) (Soon...very soon...still working on fittings.)

Paul A.

Electric brakes good.

Surge brakes bad.

Again?
The term "********" comes to mind.
Jim

bol·locks
ˈbäləks/
BRITISHvulgar slang
/noun/

1.
*1*.
the testicles.
2.
*2*.
used to express contempt, annoyance, or defiance.

Which is it?



On 3/2/2018 11:26 AM, JS wrote:
On Friday, March 2, 2018 at 9:36:00 AM UTC-8, sisu1a wrote:
On Friday, March 2, 2018 at 8:32:39 AM UTC-8, Paul Agnew wrote:
I'm towing my Schreder trailer with a 2004 Prius with 277k miles on it. MPG drops to 28-29, but it tows fine. The Schreder is much lighter than the wood/fiberglass box I was pulling.

The plan is to add electric or surge brakes soon. Plus, it probably will feel a little different when I actually put my glider in it. ;-) (Soon...very soon...still working on fittings.)

Paul A.
Electric brakes good.

Surge brakes bad.
Again?
The term "********" comes to mind.
Jim

--
Dan, 5J

Not maintaining the tongue center tube on surge brakes, a little worse.
No brakes on the trailer, really bad.

I would not recommend assuming that a manufacturer "assumes".Â* When in
doubt, ask the manufacturer.Â* My experience in the auto industry,
involved with manufacturer's engineering specifications, indicates that
they have very stringent specs.Â* Give 'em a call.

On 3/2/2018 9:00 AM, 2G wrote:
On Friday, March 2, 2018 at 7:54:13 AM UTC-8, son_of_flubber wrote:
Now that OP has made his decision, I'll drift the thread with this towing tidbit...

I looked into towing with a hybrid. There is an issue with overheating of the electric motors on long grades. The 'recommended tow weights' are much lower for the hybrid version of the same model vehicle. I'd guess that part of the issue is that the same motors are used for 'regenerative braking' on the downgrades, so they don't get a chance to cool off.
Remember that manufacturer recommended towing limits are assuming a shorter wheelbase utility type trailer, not a long wheelbase glider trailer. Weight is not the only issue to consider. And they probably also assume short, local trips, not long-distance trips.

Tom

--
Dan, 5J

While I "typically agree", OEM limits are sometimes based more on "local sales laws" or "how likely do we think we will get sued?".

What may be fine in parts of the planet are banned in other parts of the planet, even if the basic hardware is the same.

As to the original question, well yes, this combination may be fine, but margins can be rather slim compared to other cars.

I have towed from a worn out '70's super beetle (with a huge plywood and steel trailer and a ASW-15 in it) to a mid sized motor home with a newer trailer and 15m ship.

Vehicle weight, the more the better.
Vehicle wheelbase, the more the better.
Trailer weight, the lower the better.
Tongue weight, small range of "OK".
Aero can make a difference, use the same trailer but on 2 similar vehicles but with different aero, some are great and some leave the trailer dancing at speed.

Road speed, hills, crosswinds and truck traffic can all make a difference.

Small cars with a AT and a heavy trailer, be mindful of trans fluid temps. Manual trans is a bit easier, all other things being the same.

When in doubt, slow the Frik down. If you lose it, damage is lessened, both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Trailer damage is like aircraft damage, if you don't hurt it, you likely don't hurt peeps.