hey guys I have a Baja bug that I would like to tow with the e it would be on all 4 tires and just have a tow bar attatched the tounge weight is very minimal. do you think it will be ok? the bug weighs around a 1000 pounds

Yes - it should be fine.

If you like a challenge - use a chain instead of a tow bar. :wink:

na thats ok I think I will stick with the tow bar. this way I can throw my paddle tires in the bug and all of our camping gear in the cargo pod and have plenty of room to carry all the stuff we need for romping around in the sand all weekend.

i have a bass boat thats around 2000 lbs. can the element handle that?

The Element is only rated to tow 1500lbs. I tow a pop up camper that runs about 1300lbs comfortable but feel that 2000 is way too much. It may 2000lbs. from the factory but by the time you put your stuff in it and run it on the water there will be a lot more weight to pull up a boat ramp!

No. Not safely.

I would suggest considering the Honda Pilot.

I have a Boston Whaler Jet boat approx 1600 lb., not a problem for my E even going up a pretty steep grade in the mountains of NH... our camp is 55 miles one way, no problems, you do notice that you are pulling though... you would want to make sure you have a 2" hitch, not the honda option and make sure you are not over 2000 lbs. as one post suggests, often when you add fuel, supplies and other things you get closer to 2300 lb. which would likely push the E over the limit.

The perfect vehicle for me! A good interior for two dogs, the utility I liked in my Nissan pick-up, and the gas mileage I want (short of a turbo-diesel).

But how much can I tow?

I've got two boats. I know the 16' sail boat will be no problem, but how 'bout the 19' center console (??3000 lbs??)?

My prior pickup, with a 2.4L 4 cylinder could pull the motorboat. Even my current Subaru 'can' do it, but don't tell anybody (clearly I shouldn't be using the 'ru to pull such a heavy load).

Does anybody have a stat for me? or just a good suggestion??

Thanks

1500 lbs. max, 150 lbs. tongue weight max. You need to find something else for your 19-footer.

Rated at 1500. I would imagine it can do more, but wouldn't push it too far.

It is rated to tow 1500lbs. I regularly tow around 1300 with no problems at all. It is very comfortable at that weight but much more would be a pain im sure.

I was wondering about the towing thang also.
Towing is one thing, but I worry about stopping when an old "Blue Hair" pulls out in front of me or you. :shock:
I see the result of this happening all the time. People yackin' on their cell phones too! :x
How does it stop for you BriBoy?

I wish the Element would tow more heavy loads as I have a hanker'n to get a trailer for adventures in America. However, I'm currently looking at this one which is 1,000 pounds dry, and without added accessories like A/C.

Anyone ever have one of these?

http://scamptrailers.com/images/MP/ImgLibrary_0024.gif

I towed in the mountains this summer for work, and the power was great with the load. Stopping was also fine. IT definately made your stopping distances longer but NEVER felt to be a problem. I did have one experience where I had to make an emergency lane change under hard breaking to avoid an out of control car but even then I felt as comfortable as can be expected. The main thing to remember is no matter how comfortable the load feels you cant forget its back there. Keep your eyes open, your cell phone turned off, following distmaintain a longer ance, and watch your mirrors.

has anyone added a tow bar to their 2WD Element? What is the towing capacity in terms of tongue weight, etc? I have bought a boat weighing 2200 lbs. The trailer must weigh 500 or so. The tongue weight is 200 lbs, apparently. Can I tow it? I live in a flat region w/no hills. The boat ramp is the only challenge. Can it be done?

thanx in advance for any replies

simlesby

150 tongue / 1500 trailer, so the manual says you can't do it.

the 150lbs/ 1500 is with a stock hitch,,,, which is where your limit comes from to a degree... I've got a modified stock hitch with a 2" receiver and I tow my boat with it at 400lbs tongue weight 1800lbs total weight

What was honda thinking here?
Should 1500 lbs be considered absolute max? Or can the element handle easy 1500 day in and day out?

I am thinking of buying the AWD model and will want to tow 2 ATV's and small trailor at around 1500 lbs. Would the 5 speed or auto be better?

What part of a vehicle get strained at the max level? Cooling system engine, or brakes or what?

I tow a pop-up camper that is between 1300 and 1400lbs depending on the trip. I towed it through the WV mountains at least once a week for work and never felt that it was too much for the element. The main part of towing is to watch your speed and following distance. The element is by no means a heavy duty tow vehicle but after towing my trailer i feel that it is more than able to handle it or otherwise i wouldnt tow with it. Overall I would say yes the element can handle the 1500lbs IF you are careful while towing, dont plan on winning any races, and watch your tongue weight the element is only rated at 150lbs.

400LBS TONGUE WEIGHT!!!!! WOW I dont suggest that much of a tongue weight on an element REGARDLESS of your hitch!. Do you use a weight distribution hitch or what?

Because at 3500 pounds the Element is a very light vehicle for its size, that's why.

Some people here will confirm that they have successfully towed more, but (my opinion is) they simply haven't gotten into trouble with it yet. I've done some towing, both light and heavy, and - frankly - if I knew that towing was going to be in my future at all the Element would not be on my list.

Sufficient power to pull, but too little brake and too little chassis for safety margins once you're moving.

BriBoy's absolutely right about tongue weight. Exceed the 150# by much and you'll start to lift the nose, which means that control and braking go into the dumper even more.

:shock:

[quote:c78fb7f34d=" "]Max trailor capacity of only 1500 lbs? Why?
Should 1500 lbs be considered absolute max? Or can the element handle easy 1500 day in and day out?

What part of a vehicle get strained at the max level? Cooling system engine, or brakes or what?[/quote:c78fb7f34d]
Consider the brakes will be worked hard, especially on long downhills. Most people don't think about this too much, but the Element has a pretty short wheelbase, which will make handling a large trailer difficult and dangerous.

it's a modified oem hitch, removed the 1.5" receiver and replaced it with a 2" boxed it in and arced it tightly,,, btw handles the weight easily,,, of course the other mods might be helping

dana 9" front and rear ends
widened wheelbase 4"
lengthened wheelbase 6"
spicer tranny and transfer case
modified leaf spring suspension (front & rear)
V8 conversion 350cid chevy with 4 bolt mains
beefed up drive shafts front and rear 3"
tires gumbo 36" dick cepecs

heyyyy who woke me up just before the best part
sorry just a little bored :roll: :shock: 8) :twisted:

huh?

-brendan

I just bought a 2004 ex element, I was wondering how it will pull a 13ft flat bottom boat, the total weight of the trailer and boat is about 1500lbs.

[quote:fa36242f9f=" "]I just bought a 2004 ex element, I was wondering how it will pull a 13ft flat bottom boat, the total weight of the trailer and boat is about 1500lbs.[/quote:fa36242f9f]
That is exactly the max recommended tow weight, so you should be safe, as long as tongue weight is 150lb, methinks.

Of course that means you'll need to keep the 200# of fish you catch inside the Element!

Having pulled trailers from oversized/overloaded to the one wheel type...
Let me say...It's not the pullin'/draggin', it's the stoppin'/ho'in up, AND
the weight distribution ratio............power wise (w/ a 5speed)
and level.....double the recommends.......Just use your head and LOOK down the road. :D

A number of us have towed assorted trailers within the 1500 pound and tongue recommendations with no problems at all. Forgive us for not seeing and/or responding to your question, but most probably have responded many times already in the past, and hope you'll find that by searching a little more or a little deeper.

And next you'll have questions about wiring, and which hitch? Read, search, read some more -- it's here somewhere. Probably more than once.

[quote:5bb7c844f9=" "]Having pulled trailers from oversized/overloaded to the one wheel type...
Let me say...It's not the pullin'/draggin', it's the stoppin'/ho'in up, AND
the weight distribution ratio............power wise (w/ a 5speed)
and level.....double the recommends.......Just use your head and LOOK down the road. :D[/quote:5bb7c844f9]

I agree. The stopping and emergency handling are definitely the limiting factors.

Bill

2008 Update:
For the 2008 model year, Australia has dropped the higher towing capacity specification for the manual transmission model, and now only has capacity listed for "with brakes" and "without". However, the "with brakes" is now at the higher 1,500kg (3,307#) amount, while the "without" is at the old 600kg (1,323#). Interestingly, both are listed as the capacity for "twin axle" trailers. What this means for single axle trailers is not clear. http://www.honda.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/internet/Honda.com.au/Home/Showroom/CRV/Specifications/

The U.S. limit for the CR-V remains at 1,500#. http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/specifications.aspx?group=dimensions

2008----------------- Australia CR-V------------ U.S. CR-V------- Element 4WD
Specs
Horsepower ----------168 (125kW)---------------- 166 ------------ 166
Torque -------------- 161 (218nM)---------------- 161 ------------ 161 lbs/ft
Weight MT/AT ------- 3,461/3,527 (1570/1600kg)-- 3,389/3,501 --- 3,567/3,645
Length -------------- 182" (4620mm)--------------178" ------------ 169"
Wheelbase ---------- 103" (2620mm)-------------- 103" ------------ 101"

To reiterate the "but", while the engine and transmission specifications remain very similar, there may be unknown differences in frame or suspensions that allow the higher AU capacities, and the Australian limits won't mean a thing in a US court if an accident occurs while towing more than US Honda specifies for the CR-V. How all of this applies to the Element is also open for speculation and I think it is prudent to use the Element as specified by Honda USA.

Sept 19, 2007

2007 Update:
While horsepower and torque has increased in 2007 to 166 and 161 respectively in the U.S. for both the CR-V and Element, the towing limits remain the same, and the differences remain the same between the US and AU. The mystery continues. (Oct 7)

Element: http://automobiles.honda.com/models/specifications_full_specs.asp?ModelName=Element&Category=ALL
US: http://automobiles.honda.com/models/specifications_full_specs.asp?ModelName=CR%2DV&Category=ALL (http://automobiles.honda.com/models/specifications_full_specs.asp?ModelName=CR%2DV&Category=ALL)
AU: http://www.honda.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Honda.com.au/Home/Showroom/CRV/Specifications/

2006 Update:
Just to see if the U.S. and Australian CRV towing differences are still valid, I've looked up the numbers. Note the Element is not sold in Australia.

The AU model is 4WD (the only one they sell) and has the 5-speed manual/auto transmission vs. the 5-speed manual/4-speed auto in the Element. The lower US HP from 2004 may be a result of the change in the calculation which is also shown in the Element numbers, and not really reflect a different engine configuration from the AU version.

---------------------- Australia ------------------ U.S. --------- Element
Specs
Horsepower ----------160 (118kW)---------------- 156 ---------- 156
Torque -------------- 162 (220nM)---------------- 160 ---------- 160
Weight MT/AT ------- 3,197/3,307 (1470/1500kg)-- 3,406/3,472 -- 3,527/3,578
Length -------------- 181" (4610mm)--------------181" ---------- 169"
Wheelbase ---------- N/A------------------------ 103" ---------- 101"

Towing
Auto w/Brakes -------- 2,645# (1200kg)---------- N/A
Manual w/Brakes ------ 3,307# (1500kg)---------- N/A
Either w/o Brakes ----- 1,323# (600kg) ----------- 1,500# ------- 1,500#
Tongue Weight (A/T)-- 265/331# (120/150kg) ---- 150# --------- 150#

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/specifications_full_specs.asp?ModelName=Element
http://automobiles.honda.com/models/specifications_full_specs.asp?ModelName=CR%2DV
http://www.honda.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Honda.com.au/Home/Showroom/CRV/Specifications/

2004 Original Post:
I am buying a small Scamp trailer and have been very interested in towing capacity of the Element. Well, a nice guy here in Tucson invited me over to view his Scamp, which is being towed by a CR-V. He was also very concerned about towing capacity, and someone had referred him to the Australian Honda CR-V specs, which show towing capacities SIGNIFICANTLY above U.S. specs. Australia doesn't yet have the Element (poor bloaks!), but the CR-V is so similar it makes me wonder.

I converted all the AU amounts to U.S. measurements. The two different country's model appear to be the same, except for the pesky towing difference. Australia lists with and without trailer brakes, which the U.S. doesnt.

One explanation that the CR-V owner heard was that the U.S. does not uniformly require trailer brakes, so they purposely forced the amount to the lower No Brake amount (appx.) to CYA.

This is rather startling! Of course, without further information, and a similar Element to Element comparison, no firm conclusion can be reached, but it appears that there may be significantly more towing capacity than advertised. Use at your own risk!

Specs
Horsepower ---------- AU 158 ---------- US 160
Torque -------------- AU 162 ---------- US 162
Weight MT/AT ------- AU 3,252/3,307 -- US 3287/3347

Towing
Auto w/Brakes -------- AU 2,645# ----- US N/A
Man w/Brakes ------- AU 3,306# ------- US N/A
Either w/o Brakes ---- AU 1,322# ------ US 1,500#

Australia http://www.honda.com.au/crv/cr-v/specifications/dimensions.htm
U.S. http://www.hondacars.com/models/specifications.asp?ModelName=CR-V

INTRIGUING!!!

What I find even more odd is this:

If you pretend there's a ratio between the AU and US towing capacities (do they use a different lb? or perhaps a different safety law which requires a higher margin of error?), the Auto with brakes coverts to *exactly* 3000 and the Man with brakes is 1 off from 3750, which could be due to rounding...

...that...seems...like...they...did...the...calcs* ...in...the...US...originally...

HMMMMM

-brendan

* rounded to the nearest 50 lbs., of course.

INTRIGUING!!!

What I find even more odd is this:

If you pretend there's a ratio between the AU and US towing capacities (do they use a different lb? or perhaps a different safety law which requires a higher margin of error?), the Auto with brakes coverts to *exactly* 3000 and the Man with brakes is 1 off from 3750, which could be due to rounding...

...that...seems...like...they...did...the...calcs* ...in...the...US...originally...

HMMMMM

-brendan

* rounded to the nearest 50 lbs., of course.

Sorry, a pound is a pound, unless your are talking units of currency. :D If you go to the AUS website you will see it is listed in kilograms, bigfoot has thoughtfully :wink: converted the figures to pounds for us, ie. manual w/trailer brakes is 1500kg x 2.2 = 3300lbs (1kg=2.2lbs)

Ok, fair enough. Still, the AU numbers (converted to lbs) for the CRV make me more comfortable that my bike rack, plus four bikes w/ bags, locks, etc., even if over 150lbs. are unlikely to stress the my E, since in AU, they say the CRV's auto can handle a tongue weight of 264lbs! :)

One more notable thing: in Australia, they don't list the interior carrying capacity... :) Perhaps the legal system is different there...or they know how to drive?

-brendan

And think about how much fun they have Down Under using these terms, rather than horsepower and pound-feet! Newton-meters anyone? "Hey mate, how many Newton's does that rig have?"

Max. power
118 kW @ 6,000 rpm

Max. torque
220 Nm @ 3,600 rpm

Another factor that might be at work is the American Litigation Factor. Rather than deal with those who sue at the drop of a trailer tongue, Honda chose to use the Without Brakes number, rounded up, and know they wouldn't have to worry about someone towing 2,500 with defective brakes and having a problem stopping. That, of course, would be Honda's fault since they knew idiots would be driving their cars.

Bottom line, these CR-V figures give me comfort in towing my 1,500# Scamp with brakes.

I need to tow some laminate flooring and was wondering if the trailer weighs

500 pounds and the load wieghs 1300 pounds

that equals 1800 pounds is this to much for the element?????

Anyone know.

Thanks

RTM......
Honda recommends not to exceed 1500lbs.
You didn't hear it from me but...........
A few of us have gone beyond that..........

I understand that the specs indicate a 1500 lb. cap., But I would appreciate some real world examples of what you tow with the E.
I have a 5X 8 flat trailer that has a tare weight of about 250 lbs and I would occasionally have as much as 13 or 1400 lbs. but only for short periods and on flat roads(Eastern N.C.). Aside from that, the E is exactly what I'm looking for to play AND work out of.

my trailer alone weights 1475lbs with about 200lbs tongue weight before loading the boat on it but I wouldn't tow it very far or definetly not fast (with the boat on it)

http://www.elementownersclub.com/uploads/files/tow.jpg

That trailer makes the E look like a TOY!!!

...or like an ACCESSORY....

:shock: :shock: :shock:

-brendan

I am buying a small Scamp trailer and have been very interested in towing capacity of the Element. Well, a nice guy here in Tucson invited me over to view his Scamp, which is being towed by a CR-V. He was also very concerned about towing capacity, and someone had referred him to the Australian Honda CR-V specs, which show towing capacities SIGNIFICANTLY above U.S. specs. Australia doesn't yet have the Element (poor bloaks!), but the CR-V is so similar it makes me wonder.

I converted all the AU amounts to U.S. measurements. The two different country's model appear to be the same, except for the pesky towing difference. Australia lists with and without trailer brakes, which the U.S. doesnt.

One explanation that the CR-V owner heard was that the U.S. does not uniformly require trailer brakes, so they purposely forced the amount to the lower No Brake amount (appx.) to CYA.

This is rather startling! Of course, without further information, and a similar Element to Element comparison, no firm conclusion can be reached, but it appears that there may be significantly more towing capacity than advertised. Use at your own risk!

First, these CR-Vs appear to be the same mechanically:
--------------------- Aussie ------- U.S.
Horsepower ----------- 158 -------- 160
Torque ---------------- 162 -------- 162
Weight Manual Tran -- 3,252 ------- 3,287
Weight Auto Tran ---- 3,307 ------- 3,347

Now check out the towing numbers provided:
Automatic w/Brakes --- 2,645# ------ N/A
Manual w/Brakes ------ 3,306# ------ N/A
Either w/o Brakes ------ 1,322# ---- 1,500#

2,645!!! Electric trailer brakes seem to be very important!

Australia
http://www.honda.com.au/crv/cr-v/specifications/dimensions.htm
U.S.
http://automobiles.honda.com/models/specifications_full_specs.asp?ModelName=CR%2DV&Category=ALL (Updated Mar05)

2006 Update (Dec 25 )
CRV 4WD EX

--------------------- Aussie --------------- U.S.
Engine ---------------- 2.4 liter -------------
Horsepower -----------158 (118KW) -------- 156
Torque ----------------162 (220nm) -------- 160
Weight Manual Tran -- 3,241 (1470kg) ------- 3,406
Weight Auto Tran ---- 3,307 (1500kg) ------- 3,472
Wheelbase ------------ N/A ----------------- 103.3"
Length ---------------- 181"(4610mm) -------- 181.0"

Towing Capacity
Automatic w/Brakes --- 2,645 (1200kg) ------- N/A
Manual w/Brakes ------ 3,306 (1500kg) ------ N/A
Either w/o Brakes ------ 1,322 (600kg) ------ 1,500#
Tongue Weight
Automatic ------------- 265 (120kg) --------- 150#
Manual ---------------- 331 (150kg) --------- 150#

Australia: http://www.honda.com.au/crv/cr-v/index.htm
U.S.: http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=CR%2DV

I copied the mini-study on CR-V towing capacity in the U.S. vs. Australia over to the Hitches & Racks area so it won't get lost.

I think if you have electric brakes the towing capacity is significantly above 1,500#, but use at your own risk!

First, these cars appear to be the same mechanically:
Horsepower - AU 158 US 160
Torque - AU 162 US 162
Weight MT/AT - AU 3,252/3,307 US 3,287/3,347

Now check out the towing numbers provided:
Automatic w/Brakes - AU 2,645# US N/A
Manual w/Brakes - AU 3,306# US N/A
Either w/o Brakes - AU 1,322# US 1,500#

2,645!!! Electric trailer brakes seem to be very important!

And don't forget the CRV's AU tongue weight ("towing downforce") measurements from your URLs (no mention of brakes...), converted to #s:

Automatic AU & US 264#
Manual AU & US 330#

-brendan

I do get some pretty interesting lOOks going down the road with it on,,,, next time boats on it i'll take a pic

Dive Hawaii,

What tow hitch do you have? I take it with a trailer that size, you have a standard size hitch with a 2 inch ball. I ask because I don't plan on towing anything, but I have a tow-hitch bike rack and I need to get a hitch put on the Element.

Thanks in advance,

-Sarge

What tow hitch do you have?....I ask because I don't plan on towing anything, but I have a tow-hitch bike rack and I need to get a hitch put on the Element.
If you already have the hitch rack for your bikes, that will dictate what size hitch receiver you will need to buy at a minimum...either 1 1/4" or 2". Of course, if your bike rack is designed for a 1 1/4" receiver and you want to have a 2" receiver for versatility, you will need to buy an adapter.

Aloha sarge,
I went with the honda hitch and had it modified by cutting off the 1 1/2" receiver and replacing it with a 2" one then had it heavily braced for heavy towing, the design of the honda one is far superior to many others as the mount goes thru the frame instead of just having the bolts (2 or 4) hold it in place along the frame. If cost is an issue definety go with the uhaul or comparable and stick with a 2" more options and a greater tongue weight.
Hitch is a 6" drop turned up (just barely clears gate open) with a 2 5/16 ball.

Hownow- I can carry probably enough Spam® to feed everyone on the board here for a year :!: :shock: :? 8) 8) :wink:

Based on the installation instructions, the Honda hitch does look like it mounts more solidly to the frame rails. I wonder though, what part(s) of the stays makes contact with the rails. These angled brackets have two hollow pins that pass through the inner holes on the rail. Ideally, when the bolts are properly tightened, the brackets should mount solidly on to the frame rails without deforming the hollow rails. If the pins are too long, there will be a gap between the bracket and the inner face of the rail. If too short, the bolts might deform the rail.

I think the Valley/Uhaul hitch approach, which bolts the hitch to the outer wall of the frame rail, may be a common one in the industry. It avoids the tight dimensional requirements inherent in bolting through a hollow box.
The idea of using a wire to fish a bolt through a hollow box is well know in the hitch industry.

paulj

We would like to purchase a pop up camping trailer to tow behind our E. However, I can find very few models that are under the 1500 pounds maximum weight recommended by Honda.
Since it's also recommended in the owners manual to have electric trailer brakes on trailers over 1000 lbs, do we have our Honda dealer install our trailer brake controller or the RV dealer?
How does the Element perform when towing a 1500 lb load? Does it still have enough power to go up hills?
Also, we have the standard 1.25" Honda trailer hitch installed. We have a mountain bike rack that is made to install in a receiver hitch. Is there a 1.25" to 2" adapter that we could get to allow us to use the bike rack?
Does anyone have any recommendations on where to look for camping trailers (pop up) in the Intermountain West?

BriBoy01 on this site has an ~1500lb popup he really likes. I got a chance to pull it around the east coast meet camp site a bit.

I think it's a Flagstaff 176LTD.

Here's the 5 page thread he posted on:

http://elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4202&highlight=176ltd

His pics begin on page 4:

http://elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4202&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=176ltd&start=45

That should get you started...

Edit:

There are 1.25" -> 2" connector adapters (and vice versa). http://www.sportsrack.com/ should have 'em. My opinion is that if you're towing, you might be better off with a 2" hitch. However, brian's been towing his 176LTD with a 1.25" hitch, I believe.

-brendan

I have a Coachman Clipper Sport 086 (they also make the same pop up under the brand Viking). It weighs less than 1300 lbs and the tongue weight is 80 lbs. I ordered it with trailer brakes which added about $200...The pop up cost around $4500 with fridge, heater, awning, screen room, propane tank, and battery. Got a Prodigy controller off the Internet for $109. My mechanic installed it for $90. It tows really easy. Don't forget trailer mirror extensions. $12 each.
I'm going to post pictures when I get a little time.

I've pulled a 24' Starcraft pop-up with no problems and no electonic brakes. The Element knew it was back there, but the acceleration and braking were acceptable.

If I was buying a pop-up, I'd buy a Starcraft 2106.
http://www.starcraftrv.com/starcraft_folding_campers/starcraft_floorplans_ss.html

Just thought id throw this site in as a possible answer. This has the funktionality i like.

http://www.leesurelite.com/

Here is another
http://www.kamparoo.com/sprintspecs.htm

The best hitch hands down is the 2inch valley/uhaul. Do not use a 1 1/4 to 2inch adapter because the added length creates extra leverage and lowers the weight limit.

I pull a 2002 Starcraft 1404 popup behind my EX with no problem. The 1404 weighs about 1300 lbs and has a King size bed. It's a great little camper.

I have a couple of pictures of the EX towing the trailer at http://community.webshots.com/album/65277248unarbq

Thanks!!

great shots.YOu get a round too. I envy your traveling. LOOKS like you guys have tons of fun. its also fun to fix your element the way you want it too.
regards

Bob

try this one out it is a light weight camper that we based our E purchase on:
http://aliner.com/
this is supposed to be a dealer in your area:
Utah
Funmaster, Inc.
8169 South State
Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 255-7339
Email: sales@rentmotorhomes.com

lt me know how it turns out !
Dev.

I would have the RV dealer install the brake controller, as they no doubt do many of those.

We had no problemos towing our 1,500#+ 12' Scamp up and down the mountains between Tucson and Minnesota. Plenty of power to maintain speeds on mountain grades.

I do highly recommend trailer brakes, though, as it appears they give substantially higher towing capacity (per Austrailia CRV capacity).

View my charge/brake line install, Scamp factory tour, and travel pictures here: http://members23.clubphoto.com/patrick866297/guest-1.phtml

Can the Element pull a 1800 pound trailer (give or take a few hundred pounds)?
Thanks

Though I'd be slightly more comfortable with something in the neighborhood of 1200 - 1500 lbs, at least for long distance towing on a somewhat regular basis. You could always check the manual. Though, being a "newbie" - you may not have a manual in-hand to check, since you may only be "shopping" at the moment. Someone with a manual within easy reach may be able to give you a more definitive answer.

I think I remember reading 1500lbs. I'll go get my manual and check for sure.

*runs back in the house soaking wet*

Yep, 1500 lbs.

it would seem to depend on three factors;

1. What terrain you are driving in?

2. How much tongue weight is applied? You can measure this by placing the tongue onto a commercial scale (maybe your local highway weigh station would be willing to let you use their scale?)

3. Will your wife fit inside your Element through those huge cargo doors??

j/k ;)

Seriously, if you are ABSOLUTELY certain that you'll not be venturing into hilly terrain (i.e., you live in Kansas), I'm sure that the Element would tow 1800 lbs. just fine. If it were me (back in the day) I'd let my (ex)wife get some air from the rear sunroof instead and avoid the hassle entirely. :)

LEGO

Just returned from a trip up the west coast towing our 13' Scamp trailer. In Oregon I weighted it and it came to a total of 1,850 fully loaded. We have brakes. Had no problem pulling it up hills and down dales. Plenty of power. Brakes as if it weren't there.

Only issues was front wheel spin in gravel going up steep grades, due to me only having a 2WD Element. BAD BIGFOOT, BAD!

But, this is not in accordance with the manual limits, so there is some risk of some sort!

I almost don't want to post this beacuse I'll probably get flamed.

I towed a U-Haul 6x12 foot double axle trailer and it towed just fine. 1800 lbs empty. It had brakes. It was a little noisy when empty. The anti-rattle hitch pin helped.

The trip down from Madison to Beloit was fine. A little noisy with it clunking over bumps.

We were moving an 50's era church organ. The console probably weighed 600lbs alone. Then there were 4 racks of tone generators (100lbs each). And the amplifiers, and the speakers. In the end the trailer was very full.

The trip back was a lot quieter with a load in the trailer. The only hairy point was when I was trying to merge onto the interstate and there was road construction so the pavement was uneven. The trailer hung up on the lower section of road and swayed a bit as it came up on the higher pavement. Other than that one sphincter check, the rest of the trip was uneventful. I kept the speeds under 60 and took it easy. I was surprized that even with the heavy trailer the back end of the Element didn't get pushed around. I've towed with other vehicles where I've felt this and it's very un-nerving.

Dang, probably over 3000lbs.

According to this thread I will reference again...

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8372

...the CRV is rated *in Australia* at:
Automatic w/Brakes - AU 2,645# US N/A
Manual w/Brakes - AU 3,306# US N/A
Either w/o Brakes - AU 1,322# US 1,500#

The E's numbers might be similar if it were marketed there, though there are weight and suspension differences that would likely decrease them.

I'd guess you were significantly pushing the limits there, but glad to hear of the conservative driving while doing so and the lack of serious problems with the weight.

-brendan

Yeah, it's not something I'd think of doing on a regular basis. :)

That said, I was very impressed with it's overall ability. I didn't feel like I couldn't climb the hills (not that there are many on I-90 between Beloit and Madison) or stop safely. I just gave everyone a lot of room and kept 'er slow.

The trailer had brakes, but being a U-Haul I don't know how effective they were.
They spray painted the tongue all over the rust that was there. Big flaking chunks of rust. :roll:

Story followed by question.
I borrowed a utility trailer from a friends dad this week. We are going camping and since no one own's a truck anymore we need it to carry firewood. Well I loaded all the wood from the trailer axle to the rear of the trailer. Did you know when you unhook in this situation you need to make sure your chin is out of the way as the tonge swing's to the sky :oops:. luckily it did'nt get me.

O.K. here's the question. should I pull this trailer loaded with wood with overdrive off? Should I pull the trailer empty with OD off? Anybody know the spec's on this? :?

Let your transmission tell you! Mine stayed in OD on level roads without problems or heating. It would drop down to 3rd on hills, depending upon speed and grade. When in doubt just leave it in 3rd!

Firewood is heavy so be very careful if the trailer doesn't have brakes. You tongue weigh should be around 150, or 10% of the weight of the trailer.

I just returned from a trip towing my Scamp which weighed in at 1,850 with a 165 tongue weight. Only problem was traction in gravel up short hills at low speed. The problem was: there was no traction!!!! :oops:

[quote:e3d1bc45ac=" "]I just returned from a trip towing my Scamp which weighed in at 1,850 with a 165 tongue weight. Only problem was traction in gravel up short hills at low speed. The problem was: there was no traction!!!! :oops:[/quote:e3d1bc45ac]

That's why some of us got AWD! :)

-brendan

...from a Canadian perpsective: I'm glad you've brought this subject up. I own a 2003 FWD Manual E and have just purchased a Starcarft Folding Tent trailer. The GVW (gross vehicle weight) for the trailer is 1546lbs and according to the E's Owner Manual, I have a max load towing capacity of 1500lbs (tongue weight being 10% of max load). I've seen Civics pulling these trailers! I spoke with my local Service Dept and theoretically if you tow greater than the specified load capacity.....bye bye warranty. It was explained to me that Honda reduces the towing capacity to ensure that an individual could tow that weight without damaging the transmission/vehicle. According to the RV dealership, who has actually towing capacity stats from hitch producers (of course the Element doesn't have an Actual Towing capacity yet), the Odessy can safely tow 5000lbs. I was told that a 2.4L, 160hp engine should tow 2000-2500 safely and without problem.

So my question is: Why has Honda Canada/America decided to downplay the abilities of the E?

Did much research myself and even considered building a small trailer which would give similar funtionality to the Kamparoo.....decided instead to go with a teardrop trailer. Originally available in the 30's thru 50's they are now seeing a resurgence in popularity. Tho they are still unique enough to cause stares. Remember all the looks you got when you first bought your Element? With a teardrop you'll start getting the looks again. There are many plans for building your own and a few folks building them for sale. I purchased mine from a gentleman in Laconia, NH and part of the fun was driving up to pick it up. I like the trailer because it is small, secure. Nothing to set up. and leaves plenty of room for storage. Thus I am able to keep my bikes securely inside my vehicle. Will eventually post pics when available. My trailer is a cargo version which gives me more flexibility and less weight. Dry weight is approx. 700#. Leaves plenty of room for two to sleep and supplies. Dog loves it too.

http://www.eastcoast-teardrop.com/index.html

I think I understand. If you take your Element to Australia, you can haul a heavier trailer. Right? But once you bring it back to the USA, you'll have to buy a lighter trailer............

I think I understand. If you take your Element to Australia, you can haul a heavier trailer. Right? But once you bring it back to the USA, you'll have to buy a lighter trailer............
Yes! Have one trailer here and one trailer there.

Makes perfectly good sense. As I see it when you are in Australia (or the entire southern hemisphere, for that matter), the vehicle (& trailer) weigh less because they are up-side-down and barely in contact with the Earth. :lol:

Did you know when you unhook in this situation you need to make sure your chin is out of the way as the tonge swing's to the sky :oops:. luckily it did'nt get me.

I believe a properly loaded trailer should have about a tenth of its weight on the hitch. Hence the typical towing specs of 2000 lb trailer weight, 200 lb tongue weight. It sounds like you had a negative weight on the tongue :)

paulj

The owner's manual states an internal capacity of 675 Lbs. Is this understated, also? After what I've read, it seems like it would be.

I think I understand. If you take your Element to Australia, you can haul a heavier trailer. Right? But once you bring it back to the USA, you'll have to buy a lighter trailer............

But only if you drive in a counterclockwise direction while you are down there.
:)

Regarding the internal weight, last weekend I got my ****e together....I mean literally, and hauled 600 pounds of bagged steer manure plus the 200 pound driver(insert the obvious joke here), thereby exceeding the 600 pound "rated" internal capacity and didn't even see a noticeable difference in suspension sag, stopping distance, and whipping around bogging down cars on the steep freeway hill on the way home from the hardware store.

I've loaded it up before but never with a evenly distributed and calibrated weight. That sure made me less nervous about pretty much ignoring the rated internal weight capacity....within reason.

I owned a Kamparoo, tows like nothing is there. Room limitations in the trailer abound tho.

go to http://www.fiberglassrv.com to view the possibilities in hard sided fully eqipped, no pop up travel trailers that you can stand up in. They seem to be a perfect match for the Element.

We have at least 5 Element owners over there, 3 of them are members here.

See pic attached below

I forgot to ad...

if you go to that site within the next week or 2, you will see Bigfoots rig on the home page.

(Mine hasn't been purdy enuff to make the home page photo yet! :-P)

I am looking at 13 ft scamp/ have to go to Mn and get it/about 100 lbs

If you are looking for a pop-up camper, this is what we pull behind our motorcycle. About 300 lbs plus whatever you can fit in the lower 25 cu ft or so of storage. (http://www.bf-specialties.com)
It has a king size bed, a dressing room and an optional add-a-room, Tim

A bad pic of my element towing a 1997 Coleman Fleetwood. Weights in at 995 lbs empty, about 1050 with some Water and full propane tank.

Tows great, but I would definatly want trailer brakes through the mountains for anything heavier.

http://img51.echo.cx/img51/5664/picture0404uw.th.jpg (http://img51.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0404uw.jpg)

This was supposedly the lightest model that Fleetwood ever made. It still has 2 full size beds, a sink, propane stove, furnace, converter, and cabinents.

http://img26.echo.cx/img26/4570/picture0301zf.th.jpg (http://img26.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0301zf.jpg)

I forgot to ad...

if you go to that site within the next week or 2, you will see Bigfoots rig on the home page.

(Mine hasn't been purdy enuff to make the home page photo yet! :-P)Gina, all it takes is parking next to the Mississippi River!! I bet that ocean over your way would work almost as well. Would love to see your Burro on the front page.

That Burro camper is great. How much does one of those run? What year is yours?

Burro is no longer in business, as is the case with many of the companies in the 70s and 80s that made these fiberglass "eggs". Mine is a 1980, and it will live through the holocaust due to it's molded shell construction.

There are 2 US companies left that build them brand new, Scamp and Casita. Some are made in Canada too. New, they will run from 7k for a 13 footer and go up from there depending on size, amenities etc.

Finding these used is difficult, but it can be done. Go to the link I posted above. I paid 2600 for mine used, and I had to repair the frame, bringing it to 3k.

I would NOT tow anything bigger than a 13 with an Element tho, they push the wieght limits and abilities of the E somewhat. Mine is 1450 fully loaded, Bigfoots is heavier.

Thanks for the info :) I found a few on ebay last night. They seem to be in the 2500-3000 range like you said. They look like you could customize them alot which draws me to them.

I strongly suggest you go to http://www.fiberglassrv.com and snoop around for an education on these guys. They are a great buy, but as with any older "thing" there are some quirks to watch out for!

Have a snoop! We like company :-P

I would say that the Australian trailer towing limits would be fairly accurate. The poster is right that US regulations are not uniform as to the weight trailer brakes are required. It varies from state to state. Remember, tow ratings are based on one 150 lb driver, no passengers, and no cargo. Remember to weigh each axle to make sure neither is overloaded. To achieve a 10% tongue weight without overloading the rear axle, weight distribution may be required. If I were towing heavy, I would use synthetic everything, and change fluids often. Towing heavy with an automatic would be a risky proposition, without special precautions.

Hi All,
I've been looking at several replacements for my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Element has impressed me quite alot as I do a fair amount of overnighting, in the vehicle.
One of the others I've been looking into is the Toyota Tacoma (add a camper shell). Their new engine is right at 160 hp and the tow rating without added aux trans cooler, or trailer brakes is 3500 pounds. I found that to be a bit much and wrote Toyota. The responce was, I would be in great shape. Warranty would be okay and if I opted for an extended warranty, the rating would still stand. There is a difference in frames, in that Toy has a boxed steel frame while E has a moulded one. Could be that is a part of the concern.
I'd like to hear about some of the items towed with the E. Myself I have a Montgomery 15 sailboat, with trailer, and provisions, outboard, etc. The package weighs in at 1600 or so pounds. Driving will take me all over the West coast and inland to Lake Mead, Powell, etc. Some mountain passes and lots of freeway flying.
The concern on my part is not power. It is safety and confidence I wont breakdown. At work, I drive a painfully slow cement mixer truck. If you've ever gotten behind a loaded one, you'll understand the painfully slow statement. To have to crawl over a mountain pass at 40 mph is just fine. Not being able to stop or control the vehicle as I descent the other side... is a big issue!
So... What do you tow?
Thanks - Bill

The pickup has a longer wheelbase, and is designed to carry a load over the rear axles. It is also rear wheel drive. So if the trailer load has a tendency to press down on the back, and lift the front, the front wheel drive Element will have a tendency to loose traction and controlability.

paulj

I just recently put a roof on my two car garage and workshop. (like a 3 car garage) Which i used shingles. 2100 lbs of shingles, 850 lbs roughly for my landscaping trailer. No problems towing at all. Just need to distribute the weight so not to surpass the tongue weight. (never had to do that with my truck i traded in on the E) Anyway no problems at all.

Glad to see this Thread gather momentum again.

i've been towing a 1500lb tent trailer without a problem (just don't tell Honda Canada. hee hee)

As big Red points out, ensure that the tongue weight is appropriate.

http://www.tab-rv.com/specs/index.php

and i'm looking through the boards searching for towing advice, etc. these guys here at T@B claim you have to have a 2000-lb tow rating in order to run around with these guys, but on their website there's a VW New Beetle with one of these sweet teardrops behind it (and i don't believe for one minute the New Beetle would have a higher tow rating than the E...). i wonder if the E's 1500-lb tow rating can handle this guy with a properly-installed Class III hitch and trailer brakes. i'll keep searching the boards for more information....

will

You need to find the weight of the Tab, with options, then add about 15% for misc. to get to an approximation of the true weight. For example, my Scamp that was listed at 1,000# ended up at 1,850# once I had it loaded up.

I would not tow anything over 2,000# with an Element.

I think they are showing that Beetle for advertising only, and don't think such a short wheelbase car could tow anything like the Tab.

You need to find the weight of the Tab, with options, then add about 15% for misc. to get to an approximation of the true weight. For example, my Scamp that was listed at 1,000# ended up at 1,850# once I had it loaded up.

I would not tow anything over 2,000# with an Element.
cool. thanks, BigFoot! :)

off to do some homework on this....

I concur with BigFoot. I tow a 1500lb Starcraft, loaded it's approx. 1800lbs. I wouldn't tow anything greater than 2000lbs either.


Happy Camping!:)

i just checked out the site for more information. the T@B people list the GVWR at 1939 pounds, and an "unloaded vehicle weight" of 1453 pounds. i wonder what they mean by unloaded....

looks like i might have to trade the E in for a Ridgeline....

Willy based on what is on the site and the recommendations to not go over the 2,000# carry limit... then this trailer is just fine for you.

Here is a worksheet (http://www.rvsafety.com/gvwrworksheet.htm)to help you.

The 1,939 figure on the T@B site is the MAXIMUM that the trailer can carry, inclulding the weight of the trailer itself. The only issue that nobody in this thread is taking into account is what is INSIDE the Element itself. The 1,500# towing rating is supposed to include the weight of the passengers and the luggage... not just the trailer. Everyone always forgets that part though. lol

But I agree with the E being able to tow 2,000# by itself and then add passengers and luggage inside the E. But if you think about it... you can quite easily top 3,000# without thinking about it. Family of 4 could top 500-600# in an average family not even including the luggage behind the seats. Then if you put a roofrack with stuff up there things get even more complicated...

much thanks for the replies, everybody :)

The only issue that nobody in this thread is taking into account is what is INSIDE the Element itself. The 1,500# towing rating is supposed to include the weight of the passengers and the luggage... not just the trailer. Everyone always forgets that part though.I have to disagree with that. Only the tongue weight is counted against the 675# interior cargo capacity. The towing capacity is just that - what can be safely towed, which is added to the weight of the Element to arrive at the total allowed gross weight (GCWR). (looking it up - may not exist)

Found this at a good towing website: http://www.rvtowingtips.com/what-can-i-tow.htm

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

This can be found in several places: a label on the inside frame of the driver's door, in the engine compartment, or in the owner's manual or sales brochure. For trailers, you may find a label towards the front of the trailer on the left side. This is the maximum the tow vehicle can weigh. This is 4,450# on my Element.

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)

You may find this rating along with the GVWR as outlined above. If you cannot find it here, you may need to contact a dealer or the manufacturer to research what the GCWR is for the vehicle. This is the maximum the combination of tow vehicle and trailer can weigh.

If the vehicle does not have a GCWR (as many cars and mini-vans do not), this may be the only time that you can add the "tow rating" or "towing capacity" weight to the vehicle GVWR to get a GCWR. However, if you do this, you must also stay under the recommended "tow rating" or "towing capacity" number to avoid any other possible problems.

I have to disagree with that. Only the tongue weight is counted against the 675# interior cargo capacity. The towing capacity is just that - what can be safely towed which is added to the weight of the Element to arrive at the total allowed gross weight. (looking at up)

You are correct... my mistake... Here is some interesting info I found on GVWR (http://www.rvda-alberta.org/rvtips/gvwr.htm).

You are correct... my mistake... Here is some interesting info I found on GVWR (http://www.rvda-alberta.org/rvtips/gvwr.htm).

so, like... if the travel trailer's GVWR is 1939 pounds, and its "dry" or "unloaded" (i'm guessing they mean the same) weight is 1453 punds, and our Es' towing capacity is 1500 pounds, then i should be able to tow the "dry" trailer safely, provided that i only weigh 47 pounds. that sucks. :P yup. gonna have to look at the Ridgeline some more....

Good info on that link. It's also a good idea to have electric brakes on all trailers, especially if they're over 1,000#. I believe the Element rating of 1,500# assumes no brakes. Look at the sticky on the CR-V limits in Australia for Honda info on how much more towing capacity is allowed if the trailer has brakes.

It appears that Honda, and others, don't publish a GCWR rating for their vehicles. However here's a good source of tow ratings: http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?id=962029

From that chart I pulled the section below. The mid-column is the Tow Capacity (2WD/4WD) and the column on the right is the GCWR. You can see how Trailer Life estimated the GCWR of the Odessey and Pilot. It appears that the GCWR is probably the GVWR plus towing capacity, which would put the Element at 5,950#.

I have no problem towing my 1,850# Scamp (w/brakes), with 500# of cargo and getting 18mpg.

And here's the chart for the Ford Ranger. The 2.3L has 143hp/154torque, and the 3.0L 148hp/180t - as compared to the E's 160hp/161t.. So I conclude the tow rating calculations include a lot of guessing and cya activities on the part of Honda!

so, like... if the travel trailer's GVWR is 1939 pounds, and its "dry" or "unloaded" (i'm guessing they mean the same) weight is 1453 punds, and our Es' towing capacity is 1500 pounds, then i should be able to tow the "dry" trailer safely, provided that i only weigh 47 pounds. that sucks. :P yup. gonna have to look at the Ridgeline some more....

Willy, you misread the info.

The trailer has a capacity of 1,939 all by itself. That means basically you can tow the 2,000# that others say is fine.

The E itself has a supposed limit of 675# of carrying capacity. This would include the passengers, luggage and the 7-15% tongue weight hanging on the hitch.

The thing I don't understand about Honda and how they rated the Element is in every commercial you see or ad they put out for the Element it is being shown OVER the 675# carrying capacity. 4 guys of average weight puts your OVER the 675# limit... The way I look at the Elements carrying capacity is put in 4 people and whatever stuff they need. Then take your trip and don't worry about it. :)

Yes, I'm serious. I already know the Element is perfectly safe carrying the weight of 6 adults; which totaled over 1,000# and there were no ill handling or braking affects. Not going to go into the legality of the safety of only 4 being belted in place. lol

I see no reason to get a Ridgeline, unless that is what you want to get for other reasons.

Hey what coincidence!!! I just traded-in my Jeep Grand Cherokee 2001 for a new AWD E! I have had many Jeeps and I had concern also. With each day brings more rewards driving this E. I really like going from 14-16 MPG (Cherokee) to the new 21-24 MPG. I drive 'kinda' heavy on the pedal. I just checked-out the Valley hitch (class III) because I have equipment from the Jeep to use (also class III). I haven't made the purchase yet and hope everything work out.

Go with the E....

and speaking of tongue weights.. not the one in my mouth, the one on my trailer :-P

Bigfoot.. have you weighed your tongue? I did today, with minimal crap.. over 200 lbs !!!!!

I had the Burro weighed loaded, and it was 1450, but I never did the tongue.

Now, I am askeered. Your Scamp has got to be that and more!

And was that the result of your new and improved frame? (What a sad story that was!)

Anyway, I weighed it on our trip to Oregon and without locating my notebook I believe it came in at 165 with the trailer (incl hitch) at 1,850.

That was with 10 gallons of water behind the axle, and misc junk throughout the Scamp.

Do you have a spare on the back? I do. That helps.

Pat

the re-enforcements couldn't have added that much.

Yes, the spare is on the back. I never tow with water.

What happens when the tongue weight is exceeded?

I don't think it's a critical thing. Of course, I don't think the 1,500# towing limit is all that critical either, so take my comments with due consideration of the source.

The 150# appears to be the standard 10% of the towing limit number. When I stand on my hitch, my 240# barely make it go down, so I don't think it's a load limit kind of thing.

Of course hitch weight has an effect on sway, as I understand, but if that's not a problem then I think you're okay with the 200+. Afterall, it tows "like butta" doesn't it? (Okay, I know you used that on an earlier trailer but I liked it!)

> Afterall, it tows "like butta" doesn't it?

Har! Glad you like it, but yes, that was my 300lb Kamperoo pop up!

I will have to do some research. As much as I love the trailer, it is replacable. A new Element will take a little more doing.

I have towed like that for over a year tho. You would think if the Element were going to pull to bits it would have done so by now. (It's a STEEL frame LOL!)

can anyone tell me why the Element has such a low towing weight? (the hand-book mentions about 750Kilos maximum). With a 2.4 engine surely it can pull a more realistic trailer weight. In the UK the FR-V lists a maximum towing weight of 1500Kilos with a 1.7 engine!

Though having adequate power, it's the short wheelbase and light chassis weight that limits the tow capacity. It has been brought to our attention that the Australian E has double the rating, but is the same vehicle, so draw your own conclusions.

The Australian numbers were for the CRV, not the Element. The Element should have the same towing capabilities as the CRV, having the same engine and drivetrain.

paulj

Not to be a smarta$$ but if you need something to pull larger weighted trailers, buy a Pilot or the Ridgeline :-D BTW Nice, Nice Truck!!!! I think that will be my next Honda in addition to my E :twisted: The Ridgeline that is

The Australian numbers were for the CRV, not the Element. The Element should have the same towing capabilities as the CRV, having the same engine and drivetrain.
Ah. That discussion was a year ago. Duly noted.

Greetings all!

I'm a newb with a question about towing.

I just bought a Coleman Taos popup camper, which I plan on towing to Connecticutt next month. This camper weighs in at 975lbs (dry weight-unloaded) and roughly 1,080lbs with a full propane tank and water in it's reservoir. I don't plan on using the propane gas on this trip (it's a big "fest" with lots of food and drink) so I'll still be under 1,000lbs towing weight. I'm going to be towing this camper with two buddies in my "E", a few guitars, and minimal gear. Total weight shouldn't exceed 650lbs inside the vehicle. My question is... Should I consider putting an aftermarket trans cooler on my Element? I'm going to be travelling up and down through the mountains of Pennsylvania and New York on the way. I'm concerned about climbing hills and grades. Keep in mind that I'm approximately 500lbs *under* the maximum tow capacity. Would a trans cooler really be necessary?

Also, where is the best spot to mount the trans cooler if I need one?

I'd appreciate any input that anyone (especially those who have some Element towing experience) could offer.... Thanx!

Buck

I'm not exactly a well of knowledge here, but considering you have a manual transmission, you'll probably be just fine...

But a transmission fluid cooler would always help in a situation like that (can't hurt), and relatively speaking are not that much money. If not, I'd at least change the fluid after you got home.

Oops, sorry... I just edited the default setting to the actual "E" I have.

I got a 2003 AWD EX Element with an automatic transmission.

Anybody else got some advice?

Do you plan on using your E primarily as a tow vehicle? Or are you going to be towing your popup trailer on occasion? If you use your popup on occasion I wouldn't worry about it, but if you're the type who travels all around the country on a constant basis with a full load and trailer, then the tranny cooler would be a good idea.

Heat is the primary mode of death for an automatic transmission...overheat the fluid, burn clutch packs and so forth. An occasional trip here and there won't harm your transmission since it already has a cooler (which is actually part of the radiator) and they generally perform quite well, and it is these fluid lines that you would tap into should you decide to add an additional cooler.

Thanx for the response, Genom.

I won't be travelling too much with this trailer, as the summer is already half over. But this trip to Connecticutt is a long one (from Chicago) so I want to make sure I'm not pushing the limits of my trans when going uphill and downhill through Pennsylvania and New York. Any other trips I make will be short ones, since my kids (both boys) are only 4 and 2, and Illinois is a relatively flat state.

Where can you install the trans cooler in an Element, anyway?

I was looking around in the engine compartment and it's pretty darned tight. There's not much room for anything in there.

Where can you install the trans cooler in an Element, anyway?

I was looking around in the engine compartment and it's pretty darned tight. There's not much room for anything in there.

No kidding. I remember years ago people were installing auto tranny coolers under the car with a small gap between the cooler and floorboards.( just be sure it is not the lowest hanging item under the vehicle for obvious reasons ) As long as it has some air flow, it for the most part will help in cooling the fluid. A tranny cooler doesn't necessarily have to be facing flatly into oncoming air to work...there are some that have open tubes that allow air to flow through lengthwise so you can mount it like I mentioned under the vehicle.

With an automatic and such a long trip, if I were you I would definately get a transmission cooler. Was looking at H and A and very surprised I didn't see one at first glance... they have them for my other car, and are not that much money.

Add this to the list of things Honda is doing wrong with the Element, IMO. I love it, and if I were to trade it in it'd be for another one, but they are far from perfect even given the low price.

That said, I had little choice but to get an auto when I wanted manual. Autos scare me as they seem to be the biggest cause of problems in cars these days, and are so expensive to fix when something goes wrong. So, like I said, I wouldn't take any chances and I'd be apt to change the fluid when I got home anyway, with or without a cooler.

Any possibility that Honda took the AT cooling needs into consideration when setting the tow limit?

Tuscan (http://coastlineoftheworld.com/index.html) towed a Tentrax trailer for the better part of a year (36,000) miles without transmission problems. The trailer itself weights about 600 lb (http://www.tentrax.com/specs.html) but he also had a motor bike on trailer, extra water, etc, plus the load in the car.

http://coastlineoftheworld.com/images_mex_cc/mex_831_sm.jpg

I have towed a Coleman Taos with the E. It is the lightest camper that Coleman/Fleetood makes. At 1080 lbs with the propane tank/furnace combination you don't need a tranny cooler. A better investment would be trailer brakes as that is much more likely to be affected when towing. Its not like he'll be trying to get up mountains at 80mph.

I've just started towing a tent trailer with my E. Dry weight is 1460 with 180 of that being on the hitch.

3 adults + all of our gear + tent trailer + food and water for 6 days = no problems on the highway and moderate hills.

If I were going to be crossing the Rocky Mountains, I would be buying all my food, ice, water, etc on the other side.

I've got electric brakes and stopping is NOOOOO problem. Acceleration is more than acceptable and I still climb hills better than I did in my old S-10 with 2.8L V6 (empty).

Here's a pic:

Nice package! Watch out for really bumpy roads though. My wife and I recently went camping in Mt. Carleton Provincial Park in New Brunswick (which is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen). The raod in and out of the park was so bad that I ended up blowing a strut. Not sure if the trailer was at play in this or not, but be careful when travelling over rough terrain. Honda has replaced the strut under warranty (bonus), but I may not be so lucky next time.:-)

Anyway, a few pics of E's in Mt. Carleton.

The raod in and out of the park was so bad that I ended up blowing a strut. .

Was it a rear strut?

Nice package! Watch out for really bumpy roads though. My wife and I recently went camping in Mt. Carleton Provincial Park in New Brunswick (which is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen). The raod in and out of the park was so bad that I ended up blowing a strut. Not sure if the trailer was at play in this or not, but be careful when travelling over rough terrain. Honda has replaced the strut under warranty (bonus), but I may not be so lucky next time.:-)

Anyway, a few pics of E's in Mt. Carleton.


What model Starcraft is that? I was looking at the 1701 before settling on the Fleetwood Tuscon.

Paulj:
it was a rear strut. The Driver's side rear. I really don't think it had anything to do with the towing the trailer as I had the weight balanced really well. I should have taken a pic of the road to illustrate my point. Honda actually thinks that it was simply a bad strut. I'll post my results after the next camoing trip.

Elemen OP:

It's the Starcraft 1707. We chose this model as it was slightly larger in the dining area than the 1701 and it came with a few more frills. ie, outside barbecue (or RVQ as the call it:-)), awning, etc. We'd looked at the Flagstaff models, but the deal we got on the 1707 just couldn't be beat.
Enjoy your camping this summer.:-)

Mike

Well, I towed the Taos from Green Bay all the way to Chicago.... 230 miles.

It was an absolute breeze, and the Element towed the camper like it wasn't even there. I had uphills, downhills, curves, you name it. The Element handled it all quite well.

Can't wait 'til my trip to Connecticutt next month! :)

We have a 16.5ft boat that weighs 1640lbs empty(no gas)... last weekend we towed it up a 8% grade hill that is 15 km long (nicknamed the "tranny boiler")... and our Element pulled it without a hick-up. We were very impressed!! ... Going down was fine too. The Element is a towing machine!!
PS> We also had all our gear and dogs etc... it was packed.
PPS> 4x4 2005 Element

Thanks Mag, that's great to hear :grin: , Tim

i always wonderd how the E would do pulling a boat. the sales man told me that i had a 4000lbs. towing limit but failed to tell me that included the weight of the E. so if the E weights 3300lbs. that means i can tow 700 lbs. ? or is honda just not over loading the vehicle ?

Your salesman was an idiot or swindler, as usual. The Element is rated to tow 1,500# safely, and, as you can see from post #1, the reality may actually be something else.

We have a 16.5ft boat that weighs 1640lbs empty(no gas)... last weekend we towed it up a 8% grade hill that is 15 km long (nicknamed the "tranny boiler")... and our Element pulled it without a hick-up. We were very impressed!! ... Going down was fine too. The Element is a towing machine!!
PS> We also had all our gear and dogs etc... it was packed.
PPS> 4x4 2005 Element

Is your E auto trans or stick??

Ron

Auto or manual was the first thing that came to my mind too. I've driven up steep roads in the E--at least 10%--old dirt logging roads. Yes, loaded, but not more than 600 lbs ;). Yes, dirt, but fairly hardpacked. I finally turned back after only 3-4 miles when I could smell the tranny burning. I'd find it hard to imagine an E pulling a boat up an 8% grade for very long.

I've towed my 1,500#+ trailer over 14,000 miles all over the west, up long mountain grades (15-30 minutes at 55MPH) passing all the semi's and RVs, and steeper mountain side grades (10 minutes at 20MPH, don't know the %), and the temp gauge (radiator temp) never budges, and I've never smelled anything, but then I don't keep my windows open.

Most knowledgeable people recommend aux transmission coolers, although Honda doesn't require that on the Element. Probably a good idea, although I haven't done it yet.

I have added the 2006 model year numbers to the first post in this thread. The mysterious difference between the U.S. and Australia continues! Check it out.

What is the most weight anyone has towed with their Element?
I just purchased a 17 ft. 2400 lb boat, Can the Element get the job done? I will tow the boat mostly around to my towns boat ramps. I also have a few trips planned of 25 to 50 miles ( towing). Just so you know I towed my old 2000 lbs boat these same distances and never had a problem

That's really pushing it. That boat can get a lot heavier when retrieving, especially if :the bilge pump took a dump, the livewell pump takes a dump,the boat ramp is slippery and highly angled etc. I'd use a more capable tow vehicle.

Does your boat trailer have brakes? If not, you're taking a huge risk. Even if it has brakes you're taking a risk being that much over the official towing capacity.

The CRV example is just that, an interesting comparision. Too much is unknown in the comparison to risk life and limb assuming it applies to the U.S. Element.

Patrick

The trailer has no brakes. The boat I towed last year was a 16 ft. 2000 lb. The Element towed this no problem! In and out of the water not a problem. As far as brakeing, I took it slow and easy. I'm stealing someone elses line from the other forum. The Element is a towing machine. My other question, what is the most weight anyone has towed?????

I am looking to purchase a pop up triailer and I am confused about hitch weight. gross v weight, trailer weight etc. I do have a class 1 hitch installed on my Element. Do I need electric brakes, transmission cooler etc. Please help me.

Do a search...there are many opinions out there. I don't plan on towing anything, but one guy was recently asking about towing a car.

Honda's specs are pretty clear: 1500 lb total trailer weight, 150 lb tongue weight.

Experience, trailer brakes, cooler, etc may all allow you to safely tow more - but if you are beginner at this, stick with the specs.

paulj

Just to add to paulj, that means NO to trailer brakes. You bring them in when you're into much heavier situations, which are basically situations you should not get into. Use the Suburban for those situations.

You can pull most kinds of pop-up tent trailers, excepting some of the really big 'uns, within the parameters set by Honda. You should not even feel like you need trailer brakes...if you do, IMHO your trailer's too heavy for your E.

I am picking up my trailer on Monday Mar 6 It is a 2005 Viking 1204 dry gvw is 1070lbs. A bare bones camper.

Need some thoughts onwhat happened at Pep Boys. I located a trans cooler at my local Pep Boys. Made arrangements to have it installed by them. Easy well the Pep Boys mech and manager sort of refused to istall it not wanting to void my warrenty. My Honda dealer said they dont install trans coolers and to check with Aamco or other trans shops. They still didnot answer my question about after market istilation and voiding the warrenty. :confused:

Any swuggestions:?

Check out www.fleetwoodrv.com. We went to Boat/Sport/Travel Show today and saw a folding trailor. It has 3 different models (Neon, Cobalt, Graphite) and the line is called-----------Element!!!! Anywho, the weight fits our E specs, but dang--around $7,000 for a bed, futon, and heater. Guess I'll do the tent thing.

I'm considering buying a pop up tent trailer (Rockwood freedom 1980). It has a Dry weight of 1569, and a GVWR of 2319 (loaded with water). If i load the trailer, except for the water storage, this will be push the weight marginally beyond the stipulated 1500lb Max tow capacity by a couple hundred pounds. My question is, "although i'm over the tow capacity, isn't it still within the vehicle GVWR of 4450 lbs."

If we estimate that the Element weight is about 3400lbs + total occupants weight of 400lbs + 219lbs tongue weight, = approx gvwr of 4020lbs, which is lower that the 4450lb gvwr specified by honda. Can i tow this?

I acknowledge i more than likely void the warranty, due to exceeding the tow capacity and the tongue load capacity but if i use a class 3 hitch with elecetric brakes i'm below the hitch rating, lowering stress on the car brakes, i'm not really that far above the tow capacities and indeed below on the 4450lbs GVWR limitations.........does anyone have any experience towing anything in this range (2000-2500lbs)? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Richard

First thing, which Element do you have? Fwd or AWD? That would make a pretty big difference. At least with the AWD you'd had a chance of havign traction.

Some of the issues you would have would be potential to lose steering if the weight was too high. If the trailer single or double axle? If single you'd have a bigger chance of losing steering because of the teetering effect. Glad to read you are going with electric brakes, that will help tremendously.

Depending on the model and tranny Element they weigh between 3,371 and 3,578. Then you can put 650lbs onboard and tow 1,500

going with the low end of a Fwd MT of 3,371 + 400 = 3,771 + 219lb tongue weight = 3,990 For the AWD AT add another 200lbs to this.

Just curious, do you plan on taking anything with you? Luggage? Supplies? Anything else?

It sounds like your trailer will most likely be close to 2,000, plus the Element, passengers and cargo/supplies will easily put everything above 6,000... I think you are asking for trouble even with electric brakes. The suspension, tranny, chassis, etc might not be able to handle this, plus the tall profile of the Element could make this a jackknife waiting to happen.

it's an '05 Y package 2wd auto (in orange - okay not relevant but still cool).

The manual for GVWR states Max allowable weight of vehicle, all occupants, all cargo and the tongue is 4450.

I take the "Tongue" to be tongue weight is this a correct assumption?

So If the car is 3500 and the occupants 400, with the tongue weight of 10% of trailer weight (in this case sepcified at 219lbs dry).

Assuming all supplies we'd buy off the camp site the next day (so no transport) and the water capacity will be filled at the camp site ....we can apply the dry GVWR of the trailer specified at 1569lbs, plus the weight of 3 empty coolers, 4 sleeping bags and pillows, 1 dining shelter, and chairs etc....so not a huge weight but right on the limit for GVWR...does this make sense? I'm confident it would tow it but how safely is another question.

It is rather pushing the limitation specified, but we're only going 300kms,

Now, FWIW i called Honda canada and asked them to clarify the difference in towing capacity between the canadian CRV and Australian CRV (same power train as the element).....which was raised in another post, they really had no helpful answer over and above, "refer to the canadian manual".....not very helpful.

okay, the other way to go is to take 2 cars, 1 carrying the supplies, the other my element empty with me and the trailer. I'd pretty much max out at the tow capacity but be comfortably under the GVRW at about 3800lbs.....that should improve things right...?????

It''d be a P.i.t.a to take 2 cars but we'd have to do that without the trailer so it's sort of irrelevant i guess.......BTW other car is an 06 Civic Coupe (Black and loaded).

Something you have now repeated that I should have asked before. You keep saying 10% of the tongue weight of the trailer is 219lbs, but then you talk about the trailer weighing 1,569lbs. 10% would be 157lbs... You would be safer using 15% tongue weight by the weigh. 15% would be 235lbs. The 219lb figure could be 10% of the max capacity of the trailer?

Ok, so you have a Fwd AT which should weigh in at approximately 3,429-3,441 according to the Honda website.

You also need to take into account the hitch weight, which should be 50-75lbs depending on the hitch you installed.

You would probably be safe, but it is something you are taking a chance with. So long as you know all of the risks it is totally up to you.

Something you can do is take some measurements before attaching the trailer to see how much suspension sag you get. Drive around the neighborhood, in a large parking lot and see how it handles, accellerates, stops, etc.

A 200 mile trip is still 3 hours of driving. So better safe than sorry.

let me clarify the tongue weight numbers.

The trailer specifies a dry tongue weight of 219lbs.

Dry Trailer weight is 1569lbs

Gross weight is 2319lbs ( i don't anticipate reaching this number)

Not for nothing, but is it really worth taking the risk to tow something that weighs that much with a vehicle not rated to do so?

You could damage your "E" or hurt yourself or someone else if you end up in an accident. I know it is only 200 miles, but it "is" 200 miles. It's not like it is 2 miles.

I would bag it and either grab a tent or motel.

Ken

Not for nothing, but is it really worth taking the risk to tow something that weighs that much with a vehicle not rated to do so?

You could damage your "E" or hurt yourself or someone else if you end up in an accident. I know it is only 200 miles, but it "is" 200 miles. It's not like it is 2 miles.

I would bag it and either grab a tent or motel.

Ken

We've been tenting for years and promised ourselves that we'd trailer it soon.......we usually go for 2 weeks in july at killbear park. We were at the RV show on the weekend and found the trailer we wanted. Unfortunately the element is rather lacking in the towing capacity so if we're going to trailer it, we may have to trade up to the ridgeline...but before i do that i want to be sure this is beyond the limitations of the E.......

Have you considered any other camping trailers that weigh 4-500 ils. less?

Have you considered any other camping trailers that weigh 4-500 ils. less?

Yes, unfortunately there's very limited selection and the weight differences are minimal..........and that route still means going with a small space for a fairly high price (if you know of any please share).......just to be able to tow it......and the weight differences aren't that much. FWIW My wife and i are both almost 6ft, we have 2 active children (4 and 6) that will outgrow the smallest trailers in a few short years......

just as a counterpoint to all these skeptics:

you'll be fine. especiallly with the electric brakes, and driving a bit more cautiously than if not towing. and not driving through a storm.

i suspect the us/canuck numbers are cya low to please the lawyers. even the australia numbers probably have a decent margin of error built in.

just as a counterpoint to all these skeptics:

you'll be fine. especiallly with the electric brakes, and driving a bit more cautiously than if not towing. and not driving through a storm.

i suspect the us/canuck numbers are cya low to please the lawyers. even the australia numbers probably have a decent margin of error built in.
LOL i have to agree. especially if the car is more or less "empty" with exception to me, the trailer is unloaded, the weight limitations will be on the max end of the spec,but still within parameter. The hitch i'm looking at is a class II rated at 3500lbs, which should alleviate the tongue weight issue since honda only sells class I with a rating of 1500lbs and 10% @ TW.

There is a member here who spoke of trips with an Aliner trailer (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17310) which looks to be within the same weight range as the popup you're considering. I don't know if that member posts here much, but you may try and get an email or PM to him.

Thanks that was helpful and encouraging.

No problem...I also found a link to a 2006 Rockwood Freedom 1980 (http://www.bestrv.com/moredetails.html?70011056&sitecode=bestrv) so others can see what you're looking to tow.

I am picking up my trailer on Monday Mar 6 It is a 2005 Viking 1204 dry gvw is 1070lbs. A bare bones camper.

Need some thoughts onwhat happened at Pep Boys. I located a trans cooler at my local Pep Boys. Made arrangements to have it installed by them. Easy well the Pep Boys mech and manager sort of refused to istall it not wanting to void my warrenty. My Honda dealer said they dont install trans coolers and to check with Aamco or other trans shops. They still didnot answer my question about after market istilation and voiding the warrenty. :confused:

Any swuggestions:?

The trailer you've got is the same size and weight of my Coleman Taos. I bought a trans cooler from U-Haul and installed it myself, it's not too hard. But if you'd rather have somebody else do the work, then U-Haul will also install the trans cooler for you at a reasonable price. I see that you're in Chicago, like me. I went to the U-Haul at 47th & Kilpatrick (approximately 4700 W 47th street) where they're very knowledgeable and friendly.

Last year I towed my Taos to Connecticut and back (roughly 2,000 miles round trip) and went through the mountains of Pennsylvania and New York state with no problem in 90 degree heat in August. There's no way my trans would have survived some of the steep inclines I encountered without a cooler to keep the temperature down. Forget the "scare tactics" about voiding your warranty. A transmission cooler will add years to the life of your transmission. Hell, you already have a trans cooler inside your radiator, but it's too small to handle the extra stress and heat generated from towing a trailer. One other thing I suggest is that when the time comes to get new brakes, DEFINITELY spend a bit of extra money for the ceramic brake pads. The ceramic pads last a lot longer than standard pads, which is important because towing a camper will wear out your typical semi-metallic brake pads at a faster rate than if you never tow anything at all with your Element. It's not something that you necessarily have to do before you ever tow, but it's a good idea when the time comes that you DO need new brakes.

We ended up selling or pop-up after selling our full size van. At a 1500 lb tow limit, you are very limited. Remember, you are probably going to fill the pop-up with equipment.

I'm doing a long-term test of towing WITHOUT an extra transmission cooler. Honda doesn't require one for the Element. I'm currently at 14,000 miles of towing a 1,800# trailer with brakes over mostly mountains and mostly hot temperatures.

Although the vast majority of people insist on adding a cooler (which is not a big install deal), I'm not convinced it's always required as there is a cooler in the radiator which has electric fans. I suspect the insistence on the cooler when not required is in the same category as 'you must change your oil every 3,000 miles'. In other words, a holdover from ancient wisdom and memories now out of date.

I'll let everyone know when my transmiision fails and accept the abuse:shock:, or when I chicken-out and install one.:twisted:

Pat

Hi All! I have a 2004 Element and we put a trailer hitch on it last year and bought a pop up camper. The camper itself empty weight like 1200 pounds. I hate pulling it with the E because I cannot stand the jerky feeling when you pull it, plus we cannot over load the camper due to the weight limits so we have to pack all of the stuff into the car with us? I was wondering if anyone else pulls a pop up camper or a boat with theirs and how does the E handle for you?

Single axle trailers ar going to be jerky.They tend to pivot over the axle front to rear and vice versa.Tandem axle trailers are much smoother to tow. But a tandem axle trailer is 'gonna weigh too much. Sounds like you could use stiffer suspension. UHH.... that is your car could.:cool:

Which camper did you get?

Which camper did you get?

I got a 93 starcraft comet. Sleeps 6, has an icebox, water hook up & heat & electricity. Pretty nice, we bought it used for $1900.00:grin:

That's the lightest?

My Coleman Taos is rated at 990 lbs as it's "dry weight."

I weighed it dry and it came in at 997 pounds.

I'd venture to say that it's about as light as you can get for a 6-person popup camper.

A hitch is only as strong as the mounting location. If the structure (frame) cannot support the added weight then that is where the failure will occur. There is a built in safety factor most likely 3:1 to 5:1 but you should not rely on it for the obvious reasons. Like stated earlier in the reply, it's you brakes that are the major concern. If you over heat them you will warp them plus you stopping distance will suffer. Best to install a trailer axle with the brakes for a nominal cost.

I don't want to sound rude, but have some of you ever pulled a trailer (with a non-truck) before? I've been trailering for almost as long as i've been driving, (about 20 years)
Many of those miles with a series of Coleman pop-ups. My first tow motor was a '79 Pontiac Lemans V-8 wagon with a bumper hitch (show of hands if you remember those)
I also went cross-country and all over the Northeast and Maritimes with a 4cyl, short-wheelbase '87 Plymouth Voyager, which feels pretty close to the E in terms of size, weight, and power. (a 2wd E, that is) I hear lots of warnings about loosing traction and steering control, Which I guess is from the huge 160 lb tounge weight of the trailer in question. If the trailer's loaded right, the tounge weight can be in spec, and the trailer will track evenly and won't porpoise (sp?)

In all, be smart about it. Keep out of the overdrive untill you are cruising at a reasonable speed on flat highway; Keep your speed reasonable and prudent (don't try to go 90), leaving plenty of room to stop; Keep an eye on your engine / trans temps, don't run the A/C to keep the load of your drive train.

I'd be really upset to find out that my E is the most fragile vehicle I've owned when it comes to trailers, including my old Firebird (2000/200)

Was checking out the T@B 'Teardrop' trailers (www.tab-rv.com) With it's style, versatility, and cool custom colors, it seemed destined to be pulled by E's. But alas, at just under 1700 lbs, it is too heavy for the gentle, delicate Element,:oops: but according to the photos, it's no match for the tough, rugged VW New Beetle.

I bought the wrong damn car. :x

its only too heavy if you never drive 66mph in the 65mph zone.

several E owners tow the T@B.

Can the Element be modified to be able to handle a slightly larger tongue weight given the right hitch?

Can the Element be modified to be able to handle a slightly larger tongue weight given the right hitch?

There are several factors involved with increasing tongue weight capacity.

Aside from how the receiver is mounted to the frame (my opinion being that the center "hook" mount is the weakest link), the rear suspension would at least need to have higher rate springs to keep from sagging terribly.

Maybe we can get away with the short wheelbase and limited horsepower, if all you're really looking for is increased tongue weight capacity, given the right hitch, as you stated.

Have you considered any other camping trailers that weigh 4-500 ils. less?

That's a good idea.

My Coleman Taos weighs in at just under 1,000 lbs dry and sleeps up to 6 people. The tongue weight is only 160 lbs. I towed it over 2,000 miles round trip last summer with no problems at all, even through the mountains with some steep grades. The relatively light weight of the trailer allowed me to tow with no trailer brakes. I'm going on a trip in late May which will be around 900 miles round trip. Towing a light pop-up camper is no problem with the Element... IF you choose the right one!

check this out (www.flickr.com/photos/51412670@N00/134662397/)



Was checking out the T@B 'Teardrop' trailers (www.tab-rv.com) With it's style, versatility, and cool custom colors, it seemed destined to be pulled by E's. But alas, at just under 1700 lbs, it is too heavy for the gentle, delicate Element,:oops: but according to the photos, it's no match for the tough, rugged VW New Beetle.

I bought the wrong damn car. :x

There are several factors involved with increasing tongue weight capacity.

Aside from how the receiver is mounted to the frame (my opinion being that the center "hook" mount is the weakest link), the rear suspension would at least need to have higher rate springs to keep from sagging terribly.

Maybe we can get away with the short wheelbase and limited horsepower, if all you're really looking for is increased tongue weight capacity, given the right hitch, as you stated.
Hmm...I'm used to such heavy duty trucks with class IV trailers I almost forget about the little guys. The thing is, if I want to haul something just beyond (or maybe more than?) the stated maximum are there modifications (i.e. performance parts and air helper springs in the back) that can be done to allow for slightly higher towing capacity? After all the Element is just too damn perfect for what I want for me to give up on it because of stock towing limitations.

There's also the tranny to consider. I bought a Chevy Monte Carlo that a guy did exactly what you want to do. Towed a trailer just over the vehicle capacity (motorcycle trailer carrying full dresser Harley) from FL to MD and burned up the tranny in one trip. He was the original owner of the car. I bought it with 50k miles on it from the dealer he traded it in to. The tranny had to be replaced (under 90 day used vehicle power train warranty thank goodness) the week after I bought it.

I'm not a mechanic nor a cry baby. Just passing on info.

Yes, unfortunately there's very limited selection and the weight differences are minimal..........and that route still means going with a small space for a fairly high price (if you know of any please share).......just to be able to tow it......and the weight differences aren't that much. FWIW My wife and i are both almost 6ft, we have 2 active children (4 and 6) that will outgrow the smallest trailers in a few short years......

Hi everyone, I consulted this board a lot when thinking about purchasing a camper to tow with my 2003 manual trans 4 wheel drive Element.

Ultimately I purchased a NEW Fleetwood Element Cobalt (coincidence that it is also named Element). I would have preferred to get something used, but could find nothing in the area that was within the 1500 lbs weight spec.

The cobalt comes in at 1245 lbs dry. It has a five gallon water tank, which I leave empty while towing. So far we have not gone anywhere that does not have water. At 6'3" and 280 lbs myself, I found it very comfy for me to sleep in, and even more so for my wife and son. We also had our two mid sized dogs with us. Sure it is not luxurious, like the rolling hotel rooms we see driving down the interstates, but it is much nicer than sleeping on the ground. When we bring my nephew with us, it will be more full, but even then, it will be fine. We will probably just get an extra tent for the kids. That will be more fun for everyone!

This particular camper comes with a breaking system, and after driving it around, I believe that towing it does not put a lot of extra stress on the E's breaks. The breaks on the trailer seem really pretty good. I have not had to stop going down any big hills yet though, so we will see!

The trailer carries a lot of stuff when folded down that we can just leave in side for camping. Things like sleeping bags, towels, blankets, pots and pans, dishes etc. Plus I got one of those car top carriers which works very nicely! I got one from sears for way less than some of the other brands and it fits perfectly on my E.

Here is a link for the Sears roof top carrier:
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?vertical=AUTO&bidsite=&pid=02872000000&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

Here is a link for the Element Cobalt:
http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/element/

I hope this helps! I am not an expert, but if others have questions about this combination of equipment, I am glad to answer what I can.

I Know The Specs Say 1500lbs Towing Capacity Max, But Is That Payload (total Weight In The Vehicle and In Your Trailer), Or Just The Trailer?

I'm Lookijng For The Gross Payload Weight...i.e...(tow plus Interior Cabin) Weight Threshhold. Anyone Know The Actual Numbers Or Have Some Experience With This??)

1st Question: I Know The Specs Say 1500lbs Towing Capacity Max, But Is That Payload (total Weight In The Vehicle and In Your Trailer), Or Just The Trailer?

I'm Looking For The Gross Weight Hauling Capacity...i.e...(tow plus Interior Cabin) Weight Threshhold. Does Anyone Know The Actual Numbers Or Have Some Experience With This??

2nd Question: I Want To Be Able To Tow A Small Trailer With About 850lbs Of Equipment. I've Been Trying To Find A Trailer That Would Be Reliable/sturdy And Which Would Weigh 500-650 Lbs (putting Me Right Unde Ror At That 1500lb Tow Capacity). I'm Also Figuring Additional Weight Of 3 People Plus A Few Back-packs In The Vehicle Adding About 700 Lbs To The Vehicle Weight. Is This Do-able With An Element?? (i Realize The 1st Question Answered May Invariably Solve Question 2)

...what If I Add An External Transmission Cooler??

We've now completely many trips and 16,000 miles towing our 13' Scamp trailer with our Element. The Scamp has been weighed at 1,850# wet including hitch. We carry gear inside the Element including a generator, a bird, and two people totaling about 450#.

Conclusion: The Element is an excellent towing vehicle for light trailers. Lots of power. Good stopping with brakes on the trailer. A couple of time got front wheel spin in uphill gravel with the 2WD.

I Know The Specs Say 1500lbs Towing Capacity Max, But Is That Payload (total Weight In The Vehicle and In Your Trailer), Or Just The Trailer?

I'm Lookijng For The Gross Payload Weight...i.e...(tow plus Interior Cabin) Weight Threshhold. Anyone Know The Actual Numbers Or Have Some Experience With This??)
Total towing capacity is exactly that. The max recommended weight that can be towed.
The total max payload would be the max recommend capacity of the vehicle (875 lbs), plus the max towed capacity (1500 lbs) equalling 2375 lbs.
Give it a try, and let us know how it goes....

Total towing capacity is exactly that. The max recommended weight that can be towed.
The total max payload would be the max recommend capacity of the vehicle (875 lbs), plus the max towed capacity (1500 lbs) equalling 2375 lbs.
Give it a try, and let us know how it goes....
The max recommended weight capacity is 675 lbs.

The max recommended weight capacity is 675 lbs.

875 = Canadian lbs
675 = USA lbs

:)

The Element has no problem lugging 1,500# + 675# based on my experience. Or even 1,850# + 425#.

Thanks for the catch there Larry - I thought my eyes were going there...
must be due to the metric conversion - we gain 30% (that's why our gas is so much more...)

(actually there is a difference between US and imperial lbs...)

So 675 for the cabin and 1500 for the tow. thanks for clearing that up for me.

Can I put MORE in the cabin (say 3 people weighing about 560lbs) and say 500lbs of gear (music gear) if I don't haul a trailer? (or is this too tough on my suspension?)

So 675 for the cabin and 1500 for the tow. thanks for clearing that up for me.

Can I put MORE in the cabin (say 3 people weighing about 560lbs) and say 500lbs of gear (music gear) if I don't haul a trailer? (or is this too tough on my suspension?)

i have had twice the cabin weight in my E for a very short time like a 2 mile drive and also had like 850 to 900 pounds several other times. It appeared to be ok and nothing has gone wrong but you do have to be E-Cautious! LOL

675# - The conclusion debated many times in this site is that this is a very conservative, probably unreasonable, limit, but one that Honda likes. So far we haven't heard of any bent frames from loading 1,000#.

So 675 for the cabin and 1500 for the tow. thanks for clearing that up for me.

Can I put MORE in the cabin (say 3 people weighing about 560lbs) and say 500lbs of gear (music gear) if I don't haul a trailer? (or is this too tough on my suspension?)
My wife, son and I weigh approx 700 lbs and have carried another 200 lbs. on a 650 mile trip with no problem. If you will fill in your profile and LOCATION it will help with responses (metric vs. standard) to future questions.:)

Unless you are planning on towing a small, lightweight trailer filled with ping pong balls, buy a vehicle better suited for towing. I hauled a modest amount of office equipment and furniture in a mid weight trailer from So. Cal. to my partner's new office in Kalispell Montana. Even on the drive home with an empty trailer, the transmission overheated several times basically rendering it junk. The brakes also took a beating and the rotors were warped by the time I got back. I know Fords are junk but this kind of thing happens all the time with small vehicles used to tow loads they were supposed to be designed for.

I had a nice Ranger Bass boat in the 80's that weighed 2300# with trailer, well within towing limits of the S 10 Blazer. Didn't wast my time with the baby Blazer and bought the full sized GMC version and it was marginal at best. My 1 ton Dodge Power Wagon was the hot tip.

The bottom line is, if you plan to tow trailers, ignore the E and get a real truck for the job. Maybe a Ridgline could be the hot tip and you will be happier in the long run.

I love my E and have no intentions getting rid of it until it starts wearing out in about 300,000 miles or so. If I need to haul something, I'll use my 1964 Jeep Willys Gladiator that has late model 1 ton Chevy drive train with disk brakes. Besides, our E's are cars and not trucks.

Just my 2 cents

I've had 900 lbs in the cabin. Yea, there were 5 people inside. Road like a dream, although the people in the back suffered from heat stroke from the moon roof.

As far as the above post goes...I think the E was designed with a very small trailer in mind...like a wave runner, a motorcycle, garden stuff. But with a transmission cooler and careful driving, I think you can really maximize your E experience without resorting to using a separate vehicle. There are lots of threads of people towing a lot of stuff for long distances. With careful planning, careful driving on well thought out trips you should be fine. :)

Fantasic reference thread here:

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24258&highlight=towing+trip

the transmission overheated several times basically rendering it junk. The brakes also took a beating and the rotors were warped by the time I got back.After 16,000 miles of towing, much of it in the mountains, I've had no overheating, and the brakes are fine. Other Element owners towing trailers also find them to tow and perform just fine. cfbales results are an anomaly.

After 16,000 miles of towing, much of it in the mountains, I've had no overheating, and the brakes are fine. Other Element owners towing trailers also find them to tow and perform just fine. cfbales results are an anomaly.
Hard to say, I think cfbales results would be accurate for a GM vehicle. GM, Grossly Manufactured. Hey I can say that I lived in Pontiac, MI and Detroit. No need to flame, there are some great GM cars out there :)

Having just returned from a "towing trip", I'd offer the following:

Using an '05 M/T AWD to tow exactly 1499.999999999 pounds (in case anyone is taking notes) from Annapolis, MD to Adams WI, all went well. However the mountains--Western Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennysylvania--were tough with lots of downshifting & use of the truck lanes required. I tend to baby the E, but this trip had to be made.

No overheating, no scary moments, but I probably would not repeat the trip. After dropping the trailer, the remainder of the trip to South Dakota was terrific. Great weather, scenery, & Mrs. G.J.(aka The Jammeress) made for a perfect 4500 mile road trip.
G.J.

SO the recommended cab capacity is only 675 lbs? News to me, guess I don't know as much as I thought I did! LOL...

This is conservative? If we were to put 4 people and our dogs in it we would be OVER, by at least a hundred pounds... if we did this routinely would it cause drastic problems?

The evidence to date is that it would not.

Just picked up a new Fleetwood Cobalt popup camper. Gross weight of 2300 lbs, empty weight of 1300. tongue weight of 135 lbs. Seems to tow great on way home, plenty of power for our auto 05 element. Dealer says he has done 5 elements with this popup and if it was his element, he would not put on a transmission cooler. What do you think? Pictures to follow.

I'm just a big fan of coolers for towing in general, but it seems safe enough. But $150 dollars of cooler parts could save $2000 worth of transmission parts plus installation costs.
How far are you driving with it hooked up is probally the real ice breaker for me. Or if your climbing mountains for many of those miles!
I really like those popup campers. One day real soon I might spring for one myself. :)

Thanks for the information. Lots of mountains here. Cascades and Olympics, hope to see all of them. Will be out this week getting a cooler. best wishes, Bill

Take pictures please. Have fun! :D

I tug 1500#s of Fiberglass Trailer (A Burro)

I spent the 140 or so on the cooler. Cheap insurance.

Uhm, pay no attention to that Jeep behind the curtain.. I SWEAR I don't know how it got there..

It's, ah, not mine..

Gulp.. (busted)

I'm mixed on this issue.
Threads here discuss the likelyhood that the E can safely tow more than 1500 lbs. From an engineering standpoint I agree.
Add to this that many trailers advertise dry weights below 1500 lbs but as soon as you outfit it for a trip there is no way the trailer is under 1500 lbs.

So I was ok with all this and thinking that trailers with 'wet' weights in the 2000 lb range would be ok. Get a better hitch. Get trailer brakes. Get an additional tranny cooler... and I'd be fine.

Then I read the liability statement on the Trillium (California) site. They point out that lawyers are very aware of the stated towing capacity of vehicles and the fact that folks routinely exceed that capacity. They made it clear that if you cause an accident or are even in an accident that is not your fault, you will end up with at least some liability.

So I gotta decide. If I limit choices to trailers with 'wet' weights below 1500lbs there isn't much to choose from. A $100 tent has more useful space than most. Or do I buy one of the 1500lb trailers and tow it empty, carrying everything in the E, food, water, gear, everything? Or do I takes my chances?

Opinions?

Was there anything written about overloading your vehile? You start packing for a trip and you will find that you are overloaded on the vehicle itself. What happens then? If you drive too fast and are in an accident, what then? Lawyers what a PITA. Then, so is negligence.

it is all personal preference, and how you feel about rules and the law. one spot of bad judgement will follow you for a long time.


we tow a small 4' X 8' utility trailer, and we tent camp. i can have the trailer come in at well under a 1000lbs.

i looked at the popups, and teardrops. nice stuff, but not our bag.

towing is never the problem... stopping is a BIT^&. even with trailer brakes i don't want to be in front of 2000 lbs of kinetic energy. i bass fish, and i can't count the number of times brakes have not functioned properly on trailers.

I agree.
It's sad when I have to take a risk when making decisions like this all because some other yahoo can't be rational about towing weights.

I recently saw this idiot in the mountains of WV driving a full size pick up. He had a big construction trailer with a Bobcat and a full size hot tub on it. He got the wobbles driving about 70 down hill. The fishtailing got worse as he tried to slow down. In the end he put it in the ditch. The trailer rolled but amazingly the truck did not. You should have seen the truck chassis. The entire thing was bent to one side. The whole shebang was totaled. I estimated the trailer and gear at a minimum of 10k lbs.

Luckily, no one was too close. I tried to imagine if that guy has any hope of getting car insurance again.

Anyone here of any accidents with Es while towing?

I agree with Rob. My intention is to outfit my E with a class II hitch, and buy a small utility trailer. Trouble is, I have not found a good source for small trailers other than the rows lined up outside of LOWES and Home Depot. Any ideas? Used U-Haul? :confused:

- Theodore

Anyone here of any accidents with Es while towing?
There were pics of an E that had rolled while towing a camper. Do not remember what the circumstances were. IIRC.

check out the trailers at Harbor Freight.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18337&highlight=harbor+freight

redtrailers.com

my reasoning for picking redtrailers over others....
spelled out well here (http://www.redtrailers.com/WhyRedTrailers.asp)

Was there anything written about overloading your vehile? You start packing for a trip and you will find that you are overloaded on the vehicle itself. What happens then? If you drive too fast and are in an accident, what then? Lawyers what a PITA. Then, so is negligence.
Yeah, this is a "duelling lawyers" situation if there ever was one.

The problem we're dealing with - as reasonable people making rational choices - is that corporate America is now in "defensive lawyering" mode. In the case of the Honda towing limit, they publish highly exaggerated limitations to give them plenty of elbow room to thump should somebody go after them for damages after doing something stupid.

It's the same thing as "defensive medicine" - doctors dragging you and your insurance company through a hugely expensive battery of tests over "nothing" just so they have something firm to lean on if something goes wrong and you or your family sues for malpractice.

Someday some lawyer is going to be able to make the case that defensive spec'ing is unreasonable and restrictive, but until somebody bankrolls that effort, we're sort of stuck.

So we should all have our passengers weigh in at the door of our E's to make sure we won't be liable in the event of an accident. Better make sure they are under 150 lbs, because otherwise we are dead in the water?

I'm sorry...when a manufacturer installs 4 adult size seats in a vehicle and you seat 4 adults in it, I think they better be prepared for maybe one or two of those folks weight 200 lbs, before they call me liable.

I have to agree with Cyclist_306.
I have been looking at the Harbor Freight trailers for weight and costs! :D

The basic Scamp 13' fiberglass trailer weighs 1,000#, so it is possible to have a basic travel trailer and stay under the Element limit. http://www.scamptrailers.com/index.cfm?PageID=21

I bought a Fleetwood Element Neon at a RV show in Hershey Pa last week. It's small, has one large pull out bunk, two awnings and a furness for $4,000. The trailer comes with electric brakes and I wired the E so I could use them. I also installed the Valley class III hitch. This trailer pulls great and I could run in overdrive from Hershey to New Jersey without the engine bogging down or down shifting. We have plans to go camping this weekend. I'll try and take some pictures. The camper dry weight is 950 lbs and the tongue weight is 90 lbs.

My two cents are that there is a weight restriction for a reason. There are plenty of campers that are within the safety recommendations for the E. Maybe in the major redesign, Honda will up the towing capacity for campers, since the E is such a popular vehicle for the outdoorsy type.

My two cents are that there is a weight restriction for a reason. There are plenty of campers that are within the safety recommendations for the E. Maybe in the major redesign, Honda will up the towing capacity for campers, since the E is such a popular vehicle for the outdoorsy type.

Honda thinks the Element is the camper, see the tent attachment! :D
Just pulling your leg! :D

Safety limits are there to set the max safety requirements. This is ussually a fraction of what it could be, (a calculation of Factor of Safety) but breaking it is something I wouldn't recomend. Its just not because of static weight of the trailer is too much for the motor or tranny. It has more to due with the weight ratio compaired to the Element for braking, turning, and control. Things like bigger wheels on the trailer, transmission coolers, and electric brakes may help with safer operation, but should not be used in order to violate the max weight load as normal operation. If you have to violate this limit do things like slow down (a lot), allow more room between you and the car in front of you (at least twice as much), and stop once in a while to check tires, wheel components, and the enigine. (more weight can over heat tires (adjust pressure), tranmission oil, and bearings, ect) :neutral:

Sorry for the soapbox. I've just seen to many tailer problems/damage! :???: And transmissions don't take long to burn up! :???: Many of you already know this and practice it, sorry for the re-cap! :neutral:

I got a 93 starcraft comet. Sleeps 6, has an icebox, water hook up & heat & electricity. Pretty nice, we bought it used for $1900.00:grin:

You have the wrong vehicle for pulling that trailer. I think your expectations are a little unrealistic. The small compact tent trailers are really all the E can handle. I am looking at the Fleetwood Neon. It is VERY small, but I won't have to worry going over the mountain passes.

Hi All! I have a 2004 Element and we put a trailer hitch on it last year and bought a pop up camper. The camper itself empty weight like 1200 pounds. I hate pulling it with the E because I cannot stand the jerky feeling when you pull it, plus we cannot over load the camper due to the weight limits so we have to pack all of the stuff into the car with us? I was wondering if anyone else pulls a pop up camper or a boat with theirs and how does the E handle for you?
That pop up should be fine. You should also be able to put more weight into it. If it is jerky maybe you have play in the tow bar or ball. You can also try some of the 2 inch tow bars that have rubber in them to absorb shock. I think I saw them at Northern Tool. I pull a pop up and it weighs about the same as yours and I stuff as much stuff into it as I can. Mine does have trailer brakes for quick stops but that wouldn't affect smooth towing.

Might check the balance of the trailer and tongue weight ;-)

Tongue weight? Geeze can't be more than a few ounces? Maybe a pound?

23065

I tow a 1450 lb hardsided fiberglass camping trailer. I have brakes and cooler. The only jerk I know about is the one behind the wheel :-P

Loose draw bar can do that for sure. Thats the first place I would look.

An unbalanced load can cause it as well, too heavy in the nose, or heavy behind the trailer axle. It would tug up and down.

Work with the way you pack the camper. It took a lot of trail and error for me to find the sweet combo for mine.

This is what I tow. It's not much, but it is well under the towing limit. I'm very pleased with this setup. It handles very well.

This is what I tow. It's not much, but it is well under the towing limit. I'm very pleased with this setup. It handles very well.

Looks nice! :) What racks do you use for your cannoe?

I'm using the Honda rack. The dealer gave me the price I wanted for my trade, I asked for the rack no charge and to my surprise they said yes. The canoe weighs 55 Lbs. and the rack limit is 75 Lbs. I had to modify the crossbar set screws, they were starting to strip out. It's not a bad rack design.

is the Element capable of hauling something like this?
http://www.uhaul.com/guide/index.aspx?equipment=trailer-5x10
im looking to pick up an Element for my fiance (to get her out of her little civic) with enough room for the kids and cats (moving cross country) and we'd like to just take the few household items we are bringing in a small trailer.

im crossing my fingers that the E could handle something like this!

oh and on another note, one of the items being hauled would be my 51" rear projection HDTV (id sell it if i had to but im hoping it wont come to that). the rest of the stuff is just a few packing boxes with clothes and other misc items, a crib with mattress and a computer.
that is about the extent of the heavier items.

I wouldn't try that. Some people have towed 2,000 Lbs + with an E. In my opinion that's not safe even if the trailer has brakes.

how about without the TV?
im guessing that thing weighs a good 200-250lbs on its own.

otherwise it looks like, unfortunately, the element is ruled out of the choices :(

without the TV we could probably get along just fine with this trailer:
http://www.uhaul.com/guide/index.aspx?equipment=trailer-5x8

The 5x8 trailer weighs 900 Lbs. The E can tow 1500 Lbs. So you have 600 Lbs. worth of payload in the trailer. If the trailer doesn't have brakes I would drive very cautiously and give yourself plenty of braking room. Stay out of overdrive if you're driving through hilly terrain. Also the payload of the E itself is only 650 Lbs. and that includes the hitch weight and the occupants. If you follow these rules you should be OK. Remember to take it easy and exercise caution.

Towing is deff. understated. I tow a 2,100lb. boat all around my area, and up 35 degree inclined boat ramps. Not a problem to accelerate or brake, I mean towing anything in any car takes a little bit longer to accelerate and slow down, but the E pulls like a champ.

Today I towed a 96 Nissan Sentra (approx. 2500 lbs) on a car/tow dolly 350 miles from Newport News Virginia to North Wilkesboro North Carolina. I was a little concerned that the Element (03 EX 4WD Auto) may have a hard time but I'm happy to say it made the trip without a hitch. I was even passing cars going uphill running 70-75 miles per hour. I don't have an exact weight but I would guess around 3300 lbs for the car and dolly together. The dolly didn't have brakes so I was careful not to follow too closely to other cars. I haven't towed my boat with the E yet but it only weighs about 1500 lbs. so towing it should be a piece of cake. :)

Today I towed a 96 Nissan Sentra (approx. 2500 lbs) on a car/tow dolly 350 miles from Newport News Virginia to North Wilkesboro North Carolina. I was a little concerned that the Element (03 EX 4WD Auto) may have a hard time but I'm happy to say it made the trip without a hitch. I was even passing cars going uphill running 70-75 miles per hour. I don't have an exact weight but I would guess around 3300 lbs for the car and dolly together. The dolly didn't have brakes so I was careful not to follow too closely to other cars. I haven't towed my boat with the E yet but it only weighs about 1500 lbs. so towing it should be a piece of cake. :)

You posted this so I presume you are inviting opinions? I agree that towing your boat (1500 lbs) should be straightforward.

Towing the Nissan was an unsafe thing to do. That said, I'm glad for you and those around you on the road that it went without a hitch (no pun intended). :)

You posted this so I presume you are inviting opinions?
No, just stating what I was able to accomplish.

Towing the Nissan was an unsafe thing to do. That said, I'm glad for you and those around you on the road that it went without a hitch (no pun intended).
I never felt unsafe at any time during the trip. Towing capacities are always underrated from the manufacturers.

Gotta side with RD on this one. If you had been forced to make a panic manouver, even one not due to you, you would have caused a much worse accident than otherwise. The weight of the tow relative to the vehicle is a huge issue. Way over any rational limit. If you were in an accident, even one you didn't cause, you would have found out what liability is really about. Insurance company lawyers would have owned your hinney.

Even if all you managed to do was destroy your own vehicle you would have discovered that your insurance did not cover you. Beyond that your insurance company would have dropped you at the first opportunity.

Gotta side with RD on this one.

I don't remember asking for your opinion either :rolleyes:
I'm not recommending that anyone duplicate what I did and I sure don't need driving instructions from someone who's probably younger than most of my children. I've driven over 2 million miles in my life, most of that in an 18-wheeler so I know a little about towing.

Igneouss is actually old. Very old. :rolleyes: (Just like me)

OK seriously, ease up. I wasn't trying to dog you about it (pun intended). Let's agree to disagree on this one.

I don't remember asking for your opinion either .

You maybe inviting opinions by posting on a public forum.

So I guess even at a whopping 17 feet above sea level and on flat terrain, an Airstream Bambi (19' UBW 3575 lbs, GVWR 4300 lbs,with trailer brakes) is out of the question for an Element? I mostly need to get it to school about 70 miles away or to run from a hurricane. Katrina proved that you really should take a place to live along when you evacuate. I'm a very conservative driver, and I don't like pop-up trailers. I'd welcome any opinions... sane, cynical, or otherwise. I don't have much expertise in this area.
2006 auto AWD (4WD??? now that I've read all of these posts, I'm not really sure what I bought:-?, but it's still awesome:)

I would not tow a Bambi with an Element, except maybe in an emergency at 20 MPH. Too much risk to the Element towing that weight, and yourself and others in an out of control situation. For example, a weight distributing hitch is required for towing more than 1,800# with the Honda Odyssey that has a 3,500# limit. No mention of a WDH or tranny cooler or power steering cooler is mentioned for the Element with its reasonable 1,500# limit.

The CR-V analysis in this thread is just an interesting intellectual exercise and should not be applied to real world U.S. usage, especially not with an Element, which is similar, but not the same as the CR-V.

I'd rent a truck to delivery the trailer to school.

Nice trailer though!

The towing weight of the E is an absolute issue. We searched long and hard to find a camper that we could tow with our E. We purchased a Rockwood Freedom 1640 LTD. We used it for a season to follow our son around on the cycling season. Now, we are selling it, just because we no longer have a need to travel and camp -- we just backpack. If you are interested in our camper, send us an email: desuess@cox.net

2006 Rockwood Freedom 1640 Pop-up: PERFECT Condition! Camp in comfort – loaded with: dishes, utensils, cookware, grill, coffee maker, etc… Light weight (1353 lbs.) and easy to pull. We pull with a 4 cylinder Honda Element. A/C, heater, power-lift, stove, sink, 3-way refrigerator, awning, sleeps 6, and owned by non-smokers. Will email photos. NADA $5220 (camper alone). Total package $4600 OBO. Ocala, FL

Sorry, a pound is a pound, unless your are talking units of currency. :D If you go to the AUS website you will see it is listed in kilograms, bigfoot has thoughtfully :wink: converted the figures to pounds for us, ie. manual w/trailer brakes is 1500kg x 2.2 = 3300lbs (1kg=2.2lbs)

Hmmm...not quite. There's something called a pound (troy). The 1 regular pound is equal 1.215278 pounds (troy). Not saying necessarily that is the reason for the mismatch just that there are different pounds (and ounces too).

No, that's not it, as the Australian amounts were in kilograms, which I converted to U.S. pounds.