Towing with a 2.2

[Okin DaVanh]

Read this post (that came up in my search) and can't really find anymore info here. I have a 97 BK wagon automatic with GT 2 pot upgrade as well as an OB rear sway.


My mission:


To tow a single motorcycle trailer (??? lbs.) with my 99 GSXR 750(??? lbs. I'll get that info soon) from South Shore Mass, to upstate New York (via I90). It will be 2 adults (320lbs) and 2 kids (about 160lbs) 2 bags (about 50lbs)

Is this a bad idea???

all fluids are up to par, and the braking system isn't even 3 months old.

tires have about 6k on them (15" 195/60's) I'm adding this in 'cause my OEM door sticker calculates the towing capaicity under 14" wheels with the factory braking system.

[Grafton]

personally I think that will e fine you'll be very sluggish bc of the 2.2 but I would check your owner manual to be sure it should have the towing info in it.

[Huffer]

It'll be tough going uphill, but you should be fine.
I towed the same amount with a 2.0l Impreza.

[Mikey97D]

You should be okay with a motorcycle trailer and the automatic. For extra insurance, I would add a transmission cooler for the trip and make sure the tranny oil is clean & up to level.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/07/Outbacknbiketrailer-1.jpg

[Okin DaVanh]

im headed downstairs to get the manual now... Oops ill post more info that find. :grin: :lol:
lets get it all out now for here.

Relyable/Reputable coolers?

Ob rear shocks?

Fluid recomendations?

[chuckthefuk]

A blown 2.2 brighton was able to pull 2 bodies (250+ lbs each..) 3x EJ motors w/o transmissions and 2 sets of GC 16" 6-spokes w/ tires. Uphill and through the corners. The revs were up a bit compared to the 2.5 motor.

I am fairly confident that a healthy 2.2 can pull what your asking without any worries. Although that trans cooler sounds like a great idea.

Cheapest and most effective method is to source out a nice sized trans/oil cooler from a pickup truck at the local junk yard. A cooler is a cooler.. regardless of the fluid flowing through it. You can cheap out on lines by using autozone rubber lines but custom made stainless steel lines are not to expensive and provide long life and durability to road debris. Or just get a cooler kit off ebay.

Good luck
-Chuck

[Reason]

Flex-a-lite is good, you don't need anything huge and crazy.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Flex-a-lite/400/3810/10002/-1

If you need help and a place to do it let me know.

[chaksq]

Let us know how it goes. My Outback has a tow receiver on it and I was wondering how much I could tow with it. Right now I only use it for a bike rack, although I'd like to be able to tow small something like a small camp trailer in the future.

[Mikey97D]

Chuck is right. A cooler is a cooler, doesn't matter where it comes from just measure the spot before hand to make sure it will fit. I bought my transmission cooler at Advanced Auto, the cheapest I could find, and mounted it diagonally on the front of the radiator.

I need to do some searching, but it makes a difference which line you put the cooler on (out or return). It should be in the instructions. On SubaruOutback.org, there's a good DIY for the cooler. http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5491

chaksq - It depends on what year car you have. '00-'04 are rated at 1000 lbs and up to 2000 lbs with trailer brakes. I will say that at highway speeds my car is begging at 1000 lbs........but I'm a mean person. :twisted:

[Huffer]

You also want to make sure your cooler is the right efficiency. Something that is designed for a big truck isn't going to allow the ATF to circulate enough to keep the components lubed (ie. the ATF won't become viscous enough).

Certain sizes are appropriate. For your application Okin, I would think a small 12"x8" would be more than adequate.

Remember to top up your fluids too, and brake early.

[Okin DaVanh]

sad to say, but due to no reciever, i wont be bringing the bike anymore :-( i have until Friday to come up with an affordable one (Uhaul is trying to rape us.) others have em up for sale and of the 2 i found, neither has gotten back to me in time.

I've about given up and have just about everything else inc. The trailer and my fluids.

[ouch1011]

i'd be concerned about engine oil temps as well, especially if you are climbing a mountain or anything and double especially if you use dino oil. i'd guess that oil temps on our cars are kind of high crusing at highway speeds for long distances even when unloaded simply because the engine rpm is high. if you are going over a mountain, you'll probably be spending plenty of time at higher rpm, and that is going to nuke the engine oil. that's why most vehicles designed for towing [or high performance for that matter] come with engine oil coolers

[Mikey97D]

I've seen a few in the local craigslist here.

I agree, it would be rushed at this point to get the car set-up for towing.

Curious, how much did u-haul want? Between my hitch, receiver, and wiring, I probably spent about $300 give or take.

[Okin DaVanh]

$326 + tax and a 10 day wait. I'd take a trip asap to CT. Even.


I would'nt be rushing it. I had the intensions of adding a hitch set up... Hence the brake upgrade? I usually quadruple check things at crunch time. Originally, the hitch i had lined up, fell through last minute due to theft or the trash.

[Mikey97D]

I'm not sure if this is the right one.
http://hartford.craigslist.org/pts/1252585337.html

I would check around other uhauls or possibly just a garage. It shouldn't take more than a day to get a draw tight hitch. How about some of the local Subaru rebuilders? There's a guy in Granby, CT and another here in Waterbury, CT (Montesi Auto Sales). I'm sure those guys could hook you up with a used one.

[Okin DaVanh]

thanks, ill try them too.

I found 1 for a BE. Wondering if it'll work also. Its about 90 miles north tho.