[morty]

Hi Everyone.

Has anyone had any experience towing a tent trailer with their Malibu? Camping season is coming and I am going to have to get a hitch put on the Malibu to tow our small tent trailer.
I was wondering if anyone has gotten a hitch installed on their Malibu or done it themselves? Was it difficult? Did you have to splice into the factory wiring harness or was there a clip already built in from the factory to accept the trailer wiring harness? I previously installed a hitch on my 2005 Venture van myself and was surprised to see that GM had already installed a clip to receive the trailer wiring harness.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Morty

 

[cavalier2000]

you know beater trucks can be had for like $500-$750. But I think you need to splice into the wires. most of the hitches are pretty easy to install (assuming there is one for this car)

 

[TMoneyR523]

They mention towing capabilities for the V6 version.. I would think they might have it set for you to just plug in

 

[slhaas]

I wouldn't tow with this car. If you do, be sure it's not more, in weight, than that of 4-5 average sized adults, and then subtract from that weight, the weight of the number of people in the car. So lets say 1000 lbs, and if you have you and 1 passenger in the car, tow no more than 600lbs. The transmission is not designed for towing, will get hot, and will wear out. As such I wouldn't do it, but if you do, make sure it's keeping the load similar to what is expected carting people around.

 

[Slide81]

I always recommend a trans cooler. On the 03 Malibus, I know you could get a plug in harness for the hitch, don't know about the newer bu's though. The limit for my 03 is 1000lbs, but personally my biggest concern isn't towing it, it's stopping it.

 

[slhaas]

I always recommend a trans cooler. On the 03 Malibus, I know you could get a plug in harness for the hitch, don't know about the newer bu's though. The limit for my 03 is 1000lbs, but personally my biggest concern isn't towing it, it's stopping it.

Very true, and with a cooler you'd be a lot better off towing, but then you have the concern of your brakes with a ton of weight behind them.

 

[Speedster]

I looked into towing a tent trailer with the ‘Bu. It’s not allowed. The trailer is limited to 1,000 pounds LESS the weight of your passengers and cargo. So let’s say you’ve got 300 pounds of passengers and cargo, your towing limit is 700 pounds. I think the lightest tent trailer is about 1,500 pounds. So if you have an accident or damage the car in some way, you will be negligent.

 

[Slide81]

I looked into towing a tent trailer with the ‘Bu. It’s not allowed. The trailer is limited to 1,000 pounds LESS the weight of your passengers and cargo. So let’s say you’ve got 300 pounds of passengers and cargo, your towing limit is 700 pounds. I think the lightest tent trailer is about 1,500 pounds. So if you have an accident or damage the car in some way, you will be negligent.

That's why I'm looking into the "Lil' Guy" tear drop campers. They can weigh as little as 400lbs and sleep 2.

 

[Speedster]

That's why I'm looking into the "Lil' Guy" tear drop campers. They can weigh as little as 400lbs and sleep 2.

Cool! Please post a pic of your 'Bu and trailer if you decide to do it!!

 

[Slide81]

Cool! Please post a pic of your 'Bu and trailer if you decide to do it!!

Oh, I plan to do it, but it's just that whole....figuring out how to pay for it...thing..

Mom and Dad are my bad influence for that. They purchased a pretty large Tear Drop, if I remember right theirs is 11' long and 6' wide and weighs around 1000-1100 lbs. Mind you, they also have an 08 Honda Civic EX 5spd and the 03 Ram. The civic will pull, it but again as we stated before...braking can be pretty scary, since the trailer they have doesn't have a brake system. But generally speaking they use the Ram or their 86 GMC Caballero [needs an engine now, any donors? ]. I told Dad my thoughts on a tear drop and apparently you can get brake systems installed on them, even the small ones. Some are actually built light enough to be towed by motorcycles.

http://www.nfdc.net/home/cbdb/Other Teardrops.htm Lots of pics here if anyone is curious about them. Many people are actually building them instead of buying....I'm thinking the costs involved can be pretty cheap if you have a source for materials.

 

[sciaccatani]

Please keep us posted if you do install a hitch! I have been looking to do so also to pull my motorcycle trailer... weight shouldn't be a problem... no long hauls either...

Thanks!

 

[slhaas]

My gf's uncle has an Impala. I think it's a 2007. Similar engine and transmission I beleive. He launches and pulls his fishing boat with it all the time. I still wouldnt think this would be a good car for long tows, heavy tows or regular towing, but I suppose for something very light or irregular tows, it can work.

 

[Lordlindsey]

I have the 4-cylinder and was thinking of getting a very small trailer to tow my 600lb. ATV. Might be pushing it a bit huh?

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

I have the 4-cylinder and was thinking of getting a very small trailer to tow my 600lb. ATV. Might be pushing it a bit huh?

If you would like to send me a private message providing me with the VIN of your Malibu, I would be happy to research your towing request.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Dalecon]

Owners manual for my 11, says that the 4 and the 6 can tow 1000lbs. I was looking into tent trailers and found some lvin light quick silvers that were less thatn 1000 lbs, but figure its best not too. I got my hitch and for some small stuff I'll use the little 6ft utility trailer and for my bike rack.

 

[CMal11]

I thought about installing a hitch as well to tote around bicycles. You know U-Haul will install the hitch and light wiring all for about 390.00, and if you decide to skip on the wiring it's like 260.00 installed.
http://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Trailer-Hitches

 

[Dalecon]

Avoid Avoid Avoid UHAUL at all costs.

I say this because it cost me about $400 to get the thing installed with labour and they managed to do $600 in estimated damages without any remourse. If you want to see the quality look here:

http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9877&highlight=called

 

[CMal11]

Avoid Avoid Avoid UHAUL at all costs.

I say this because it cost me about $400 to get the thing installed with labour and they managed to do $600 in estimated damages without any remourse. If you want to see the quality look here:

http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9877&highlight=called

Thanks for looking out! That may have just been a single incident, but still that looks like a horrible job the person did with yours. I would have been upset. Did you sit in a waiting room while they did that? I usually watch people who work on my vehicles to make sure they are not doing a half-a job. Plus it's a good learning opportunity if you're not sure how it's done.

 

[Dalecon]

They didn't have a waiting room. I was watching from outside the garage but they had the car backed up on ramps and I could not see anything. I went into the garage and they wanted me out right away. I followed up with U-Haul corporate and they did all but flip me the bird.

 

[Cherman]

Please keep us posted if you do install a hitch! I have been looking to do so also to pull my motorcycle trailer... weight shouldn't be a problem... no long hauls either...

Thanks!

Did you decide to get a trailer? I have a 2016 chevy malibu and want a small light trailer for my 300 pound moped. Any suggestions?