Towing a Chevy Cavalier January 28, 2017, 02:57:11 pm Has anyone had experience towing (4 on the ground) a Chevy Cavalier. We have a 2002 24' LD and a 2000 Cavalier with automatic drive. The owners manual indicates that it can be towed on a tow dolly because it is front wheel drive. But we are interested in knowing if there are modifications that can be made that will enable towing 4 on the ground. Any info will be appreciated.
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #1 – January 28, 2017, 09:22:37 pm This might helpAdapting an automatic transmission vehicle for towing four wheels downRemco : The Towing ExpertsEd
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #2 – January 29, 2017, 12:42:51 am On Remco's site, use the following link to find out what your Chevy needs to be towed.Store : RemcoYou may be in luck.It shows that most of the 2000 Chevy Cavaliers as having engine and transmission combinations that are flat-towable.If not, adding a transmission pump will add around $2000 extra to the $2500-3000 needed to outfit a car for towing.Outfitting includes a tow bar, base plate, electrical wiring , towing lights, a brake system and a few other little items.IMO, to consider spending $5000 to make a 2000 anything towable would require a car that is in extremely good shape, with low miles.You might want a newer car, one that will last longer, to justify that large an investment. If the Chevy dies, the only thing that will be salvageable is the tow bar and part of the braking system.If upgrading, a vehicle with higher ground clearance is useful if you want to venture down non-paved backroads.Much of the West requires, at a minimum, a high clearance vehicle to deeply explore. Larry
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #3 – February 13, 2017, 12:10:32 am Quote from: Larry Wade - January 29, 2017, 12:42:51 amOn Remco's site, use the following link to find out what your Chevy needs to be towed.Store : RemcoIMO, to consider spending $5000 to make a 2000 anything towable would require a car that is in extremely good shape, with low miles.LarryIs that the expense to flat tow a car? Is that pretty much standard?Mimi
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #4 – February 13, 2017, 01:14:06 am Quote from: Opuntia - February 13, 2017, 12:10:32 amIs that the expense to flat tow a car? Is that pretty much standard?Having a car set up with the tow bar, base plate, lights and a towing brake will cost $2500 to $3000+.The price will change according to the level of quality of the equipment and installation.Some vehicles have transmissions that can be flat towed without modifications. Some can be towed with the addition of a transmission pump. Other vehicles cannot be flat towed at all.Your Chevy Cavalier requires a transmission pump and all the associated gear that goes with it, adding about $2000 to the cost.Besides the cost, it adds another level of complexity to towing. A failure of the pump, for any reason, will result in a destroyed transmission, it you continue to drive. One of the reasons why a car, that can be flat towed without modifications, is recommended.$5000 is more than what the car is worth.Look around for a used toad, one that already has all of the gear. Larry
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #5 – February 13, 2017, 01:23:35 pm We just got the whole thing done in Quartzsite by Roadmaster factory techs while the big tent was underway. Price was in the range mentioned above.fu
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #6 – February 13, 2017, 10:46:51 pm Well, I had no idea it was that expensive if you don't flat tow. That's an eye-opener. Thanks.
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #7 – February 14, 2017, 01:22:46 am What about a tow dolly or trailer. I have a Toyota 4Runner I plan to tow with a dolly that takes the front wheel's off the ground.
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #8 – February 14, 2017, 06:41:05 am "What about a tow dolly or trailer. I have a Toyota 4Runner I plan to tow with a dolly that takes the front wheel's off the ground."Have you checked the weight of the 4Runner? Don't forget that you should add the weight of the tow dolly to the weight of your 4Runner. Most midsize SUVs are going to weigh more than the standard LD hitch is rated to tow.I don't know much about 4Runners, but is it even possible to tow that with the rear wheels on the ground? Have you researched towing this?Steve K.
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #9 – February 14, 2017, 09:06:22 am These two websites offer important towing information, not only which vehicles can be towed four-down, but also information on associated products needed for safe towing, e.g., tow bars, brake systems, etc.Remco : The Towing ExpertsDownloadable Dinghy Guides | MotorHome Magazine One can also check the websites of specific tow equipment manufacturers, e.g., Roadmaster, Blue Ox. Disclaimer: I don't tow, but, if I chose to, I would consult the experts and thoroughly research vehicles, weights, hitch "beefing" (even for a tiny toad), and tow products and accessories very carefully to make sure that I had the safest, most efficient and convenient set-up. JMHO, but learning what not to do can be critical to making a good decision.Joan
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #10 – February 14, 2017, 10:50:42 am "I have a Toyota 4Runner I plan to tow with a dolly that takes the front wheel's off the ground"That is a invitation to disaster. Impossible to do that safely. Plus, your LD's engine and transmission will be severely stressed. Plus forget about steep hills, both driving up or braking down. My 4Runner SR5 is close to 5000 pounds and a dolly adds at least 1200 pounds..
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #11 – February 14, 2017, 12:00:05 pm An additional tidbit for any still planning to tow with a heavy vehicle/combo. When pulling steep grades, be prepared to unhitch and drive separately. This is quite a chore if you are driving alone...Steve 1 Likes
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #12 – February 14, 2017, 12:06:52 pm "This is quite a chore if you are driving alone..."---- The dog still refuses to learn how to drive.... 2 Likes
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #13 – February 14, 2017, 12:15:27 pm Quote from: Bob Siegel - February 14, 2017, 10:50:42 am"I have a Toyota 4Runner I plan to tow with a dolly that takes the front wheel's off the ground"That is a invitation to disaster. Impossible to do that safely. Plus, your LD's engine and transmission will be severely stressed. Plus forget about steep hills, both driving up or braking down. My 4Runner SR5 is close to 5000 pounds and a dolly adds at least 1200 pounds..My LD has a F-450 engine are you saying this is not powerful enough to tow a 4Runner and dolly?
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #14 – February 14, 2017, 12:19:59 pm Quote from: NADAZE! - February 14, 2017, 01:22:46 amWhat about a tow dolly or trailer. I have a Toyota 4Runner I plan to tow with a dolly that takes the front wheel's off the ground.A 4Runner will need a flat bed trailer to tow, unless you are willing to remove and replace the driveshafts, each time you want to move it. None of Toyota's transfer cases allow flat towing or having just one axle off the ground.If it was practical to tow a 4Runner or 4X4 Tacoma, would have given up on our Jeep Cherokee a long time ago. I would really like a Toyota HiLux diesel pickup as a toad.......but.Larry
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #15 – February 14, 2017, 12:25:26 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - February 14, 2017, 12:19:59 pmA 4Runner will need a flat bed trailer to tow, unless you are willing to remove and replace the driveshafts, each time you want to move it. None of Toyota's transfer cases allow flat towing or having just one axle off the ground.If it was practical to tow a 4Runner or 4X4 Tacoma, would have given up on our Jeep Cherokee a long time ago. I would really like a Toyota HiLux diesel pickup as a toad.......but.LarryYou can tow a 4Runner or a Tacoma flat if you use a drive shaft coupling.Drive Shaft Coupling
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #16 – February 14, 2017, 12:27:16 pm Quote from: NADAZE! - February 14, 2017, 12:15:27 pmMy LD has a E450 engine are you saying this is not powerful enough to tow a 4Runner and dolly?Yup. Unless you own a very old 4Runner, they all weight over 4000-lbs empty. No body runs their vehicles empty .You do not see see Toyotas being towed behind any RVs, unless on a trailer.I pull a 4000-lbs Jeep and it is more than enough weight. I would not want anything heavier and yes, I have my wife drive it up long, steep grades, to speed up the process and to relieve the strain on the LD..Larry
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #17 – February 14, 2017, 12:31:17 pm "My LD has a F-450 engine are you saying this is not powerful enough to tow a 4Runner and dolly?"---Your LD is (probably) an E-450, not an F-450. The question is not whether the engine itself is "powerful enough", but that towing a too heavy load puts a lot of stress on the transmission, the brakes, the cooling system, the hitch (even if beefed up), and the suspension. And, previous posts have pointed out that hauling up and down hills will add even more "component stress", e.g., overheating and even possible loss of control from "smoked brakes".I'd consider towing a lighter-weight vehicle four down, but YMMV. Joan
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #18 – February 14, 2017, 12:32:43 pm Quote from: NADAZE! - February 14, 2017, 12:25:26 pmYou can tow a 4Runner or a Tacoma flat if you use a drive shaft coupling.Drive Shaft CouplingHave your 4Runner weighted, loaded and fueled, before continuing this quest.Good luck with a driveshaft coupler, not something I want on an off-road vehicle.Larry
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #19 – February 14, 2017, 12:43:18 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - February 14, 2017, 12:32:43 pmHave your 4Runner weighted, loaded and fueled, before continuing this quest.Good luck with a driveshaft coupler, not something I want on an off-road vehicle.LarryYou guys are the experts and I am heading your advise.The place I intend to travel with my LD it would be nice to have a RELIABLE 4x4 tow vehicle.I've own Toyota's for so long I am hesitant to purchase anything different.I have considered purchase a friends fully restored 71 VW beetle. It weighs under 2,000 lbs.
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #20 – February 14, 2017, 12:49:14 pm Quote from: NADAZE! - February 14, 2017, 12:43:18 pmI have considered purchase a friends fully restored 71 VW beetle. It weighs under 2,000 lbs.Thats what I wanted to do but the wife said NO!! LOL.I wanted to tow my Xterra but it is real heavy just like the 4runner.
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #21 – February 14, 2017, 01:38:07 pm Quote from: NADAZE! - February 14, 2017, 12:43:18 pmI have considered purchase a friends fully restored 71 VW beetle. It weighs under 2,000 lbs.As long as you accept the safety limitations of driving a VW, a Bug will make a great toad. You cannot beat its light weight.When equipped with a good set of traction tires, it's a decent off road performer, probably the best 2WD choice you could buy. In years past, I drove Bugs, in several variations, all over the deserts and mountains. They have amazing abilities and are hard to damage, with the flat bottom. Add a engine skid plate for best protection.A Bug would be cheap to set up, not needing a baseplate, only a specialized VW tow bar.3127 - VW Tow Bar, 2 Inch Ball Receiver, Includes Pins, Fits Beetle, Ghia &...A ReadyBrake will work too, saving on the cost.ReadyBrake™ Towed Vehicle Ball Style Supplemental Brake SystemAll of the above pertains to a regular VW Bug, not the Super Beetle. I have no experience with them. Larry
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #22 – February 14, 2017, 02:09:23 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - February 14, 2017, 01:38:07 pmAs long as you accept the safety limitations of driving a VW, a Bug will make a great toad. You cannot beat its light weight.When equipped with a good set of traction tires, it's a decent off road performer, probably the best 2WD choice you could buy. In years past, I drove Bugs, in several variations, all over the deserts and mountains. They have amazing abilities and are hard to damage, with the flat bottom. Add a engine skid plate for best protection.A Bug would be cheap to set up, not needing a baseplate, only a specialized VW tow bar.3127 - VW Tow Bar, 2 Inch Ball Receiver, Includes Pins, Fits Beetle, Ghia &...A ReadyBrake will work too, saving on the cost.ReadyBrake™ Towed Vehicle Ball Style Supplemental Brake SystemAll of the above pertains to a regular VW Bug, not the Super Beetle. I have no experience with them. LarryI love the old bugs. I owned and drove many of them in my younger days. Bugs are bare bones transportation, low maintenance and will run forever.
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #23 – February 14, 2017, 02:54:11 pm I love the old bugs.---I had a 1958 and a 1967 -- with mag wheels! The '58 was my college and grad school ride, and I tooled around in the '67 over much of northern and central México in the late 60s and early 70s. I wish I still had either, preferably both of those cars. The only problem I ever had with either was when one of my students who was in auto shop class offered to change the oil in the '67 and ended up draining the transmission and adding 4 quarts of oil to the crankcase. (Fortunately, the mistake was discovered before driving the car!) The kid, the shop teacher, and I had a post-"wrong dipstick" discussion! Joan
Re: Towing a Chevy Cavalier Reply #24 – February 14, 2017, 11:40:39 pm Hi Joan. Old bugs, this one is mostly 1968. A bit of a problem because of lack of doors, windows, heater, etc. It does have zip in windows, and the roof is removable, but takes two people. Roll bar good, three point belts. Noisy, no need for a radio. That's me in the driver seat, I think Butterfield Ranch in Anza Borrego about 10 years ago. I still have it. Easy to tow and street legal. RonB
Topic: Towing a Chevy Cavalier (Read 404 times)
previous topic - next topic
Topic: Towing a Chevy Cavalier (Read 404 times)
previous topic - next topic