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Scion tC 1G Suspension & Handling Coilovers, Shocks, Airbags, Swaybars...

I know its been discussed but, Towing with a tC?

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Old Apr 29, 2008 | 05:50 PM
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Default I know its been discussed but, Towing with a tC?

I'm not saying I am doing this but Ive read a few posts about people wanting to tow with their tC. I dont really see a problem with it as long as its not over 865 lbs.
The weight allowed to be in the car is rated at that so why would it make it any different if you towed it behind you? I may be wrong but just seeing what you all think.

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Old Apr 29, 2008 | 05:53 PM
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the manual says not to, and Im inclined to listen to it.
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 06:33 PM
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the difference is that the weight when there are people in the car is distributed over the axles, when you are towing it is not.

Since the tC is a FWD car, the extra weight at the rear will make the front lighter in a sense and you can possibly have traction problems.

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Old Apr 29, 2008 | 06:39 PM
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There might also be extreme stress on the frame. we don't have a full frame car.. every point on are cars helps support another so if one area is weekend, you are now in an unsafe car..
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 06:41 PM
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I wouldn't even tow my little brothers bike with my tC....
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by 2_much_tc
I wouldn't even tow my little brothers bike with my tC....
Such a bad brother
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 07:28 PM
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If you INSIST on towing, get a trailer hitch, and do it right.

Tying a rope to the rear axles, frame, or any part of the rear suspension WILL lead to an uneven distribution of weight, and likely bending of parts.

You're MUCH better off renting a truck, or finding a friend with a truck. Please don't screw up your car.
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 07:32 PM
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They sell a class 1 hitch for the tC. I was thinking about getting one myself.

http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/hitc...#result-anchor

Just take it off before taking to the dealer if you are concerned about warranty issues.
Just don't go towing a 25' Sea Ray boat.

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Old Apr 29, 2008 | 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by 05FMtC
the difference is that the weight when there are people in the car is distributed over the axels, when you are towing it is not. since the tc is a fwd car, the extra weight at the rear will make the front lighter in a sense and you can possibly have traction problems.
I'm not necessarily saying I am going to tow but I'm just saying that I don't think it would be a big deal. Especially if you're going to tow light. I don't see how towing a 200lb trailer and a 400 lb bike or something like that could tear up a tC.
That's true but the door said that "weight not exceed 865 lbs for cargo and passengers." I mean you could have 800lbs of concrete in your trunk and it wouldn't be evenly distributed, or you could have a 800 lb man in your passenger seat.. lol

Not trying to start a fight just stating what I think.

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Old Apr 29, 2008 | 09:27 PM
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Well since this isn't obvious enough i'll say it.

1. that hitch is not an OEM piece. they make hitches for everything.

2. the 800 pounds was designed to be inside the cabin.The frame itself wasn't meant to have stress being put on it.

The suspension absorbs most of the weight as to when you tow its put directly on the frame. you could possibly snap welds on your frame after a while.

Toyota didn't intend to have this car tow anything. they say don't tow with it. and a warranty auditor would know if they looked and damage was caused from it.

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Old Sep 30, 2009 | 07:39 PM
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I have seen so many small cars tow small boats, do you guys think I can tow a Seadoo Speedster 150 with my Scion tC? All together I think it weight like 1600 pounds it's a 15 foot boat.
I only have to tow it like 3 blocks from my house, I think its doable I don't know why Scion doesn't recommend it but I'm guessing its to cover there own ___ case something happens.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx.

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Old Sep 30, 2009 | 08:42 PM
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You could probably technically tow it... but I would expect your drivetrain to last too long.

Scion doesn't recommend it because the car is not designed for it. Period I could put a tow hitch on my *****, but that doesn't mean I should.
Old Sep 30, 2009 | 08:55 PM
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towing = deathhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh emphasis on the th
Old Sep 30, 2009 | 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by djpeaty
Just take it off before taking to the dealer if you are concerned about warranty issues.
Just don't go towing a 25' sea ray boat.
And people wonder why its so difficult to get a dealer to cover legit warranty repairs. The car is not designed to tow period. Do it at your own risk but dont go commiting warranty fraud because you didnt listen to what your owners manual says.
Old Jul 13, 2010 | 02:19 AM
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what about adding that tow hitch for the purpose of a bike rack? 2 bikes no more than 70lbs?
Old Jul 13, 2010 | 04:09 AM
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^I did this...no ill effects. I have had hitches on my '95 Corolla wagon (loved that car) and now the tC. For $120 total you can get a hitch & bike rack. It beats the wind noise and having to load bikes on top of your car with a roof rack.
I highly recommend etrailers.com for the receiver. it weighs 10-15lbs tops. Install was about 30mins after finding the right hole saw to widen a pre-existing hole in the "frame".

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Old Jul 13, 2010 | 08:14 AM
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Originally Posted by JahJosef
^I did this...no ill effects. I have had hitches on my '95 Corolla wagon(loved that car) and now the tc. For $120 total you can get a hitch & bike rack. It beats the wind noise and having to load bikes on top of your car with a roof rack. I highly recommend etrailers.com for the receiver. it weighs 10-15lbs tops. Install was about 30mins after finding the right hole saw to widen a pre-existing hole in the "frame".
awesome! exactly what i wanted to see! i didn't want the hassle of loading it on my roof or the uncertainty of those ones you strap to your trunk!

thanks man!
Old Jul 13, 2010 | 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Byta27
I have seen so many small cars tow small boats, do you guys think i can tow a seadoo speedster 150 with my scion tc ? all together i think it weight like 1600 pounds its a 15 foot boat, i only have to tow it like 3 blocks from my house, i think its doable i dont know why scion dosent recommend it but im guessing its to cover there own ___ case something happens. Any input would be greatly appreciated thanx.

You should have bought a truck or suv if you want to haul a boat around...
Old Jul 14, 2010 | 07:55 AM
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Exactly. and Byta27 the right post above you has a list on why you shouldn't tow with your tC. why risk towing with it? they say not to for a reason. Im sure everyone knows someone with a truck or an suv. just ask to borrow it or if you dont know anyone, rent one.
Old Aug 17, 2010 | 04:39 PM
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Why are people soo touchy about 'towing' and 'tC' being in the same sentence. Ain't it possible to atleast tow a jet ski? We have good torque, OK horsepower, we can make it up a non-steep boat ramp.
I can roll a jet ski trailer in the water with my own hands. They are very balanced.



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