This seemed as good a place as any to post this.

I have just got back from a week at Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. Apollo Bay is a great little seaside village and the Great Ocean Road is truly on of the great drives in the world.

My wife thinks I am certifiable, but I got to taking a few shots of Commodores towing caravans and it got a bit out of control. It got to the point I think she would prefer I was photographing women sunbaking...

Anyway, Aussies generally tow with 2 classes of vehicles - Japanese 4wds (Landcruisers, Patrols) or Commodores & Falcons. The Commodore is rated to 2100kg (~4500lbs) and does it comfortably.

Here's my 'rig'
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/07012008002.jpg

Commodore SV6 towing an older pop-top van
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/09012008001.jpg

Commodore Omega and jetski
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/10012008.jpg

Adventra & camping trailer
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/11012008002.jpg

BA Ford Falcon wagon and van
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/11012008006.jpg

This is a typical 'grey nomad' rig - Toyota Prado & Jayco pop-top.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/11012008007.jpg

Adventra & old van
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/11012008015.jpg

Commodore wagon & boat
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/12012008005.jpg

Commodore Omega & Jayco camper trailer
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/12012008018.jpg

Serious towing is usually done by 200 series Lancruisers (in the background, not the Camry...)
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/isszy/12012008009.jpg

I only want to haul @ss down the road.

It's good to know that you can pull the occasional trailer if needed.

I only want to haul @ss down the road.

It's good to know that you can pull the occasional trailer if needed.

That's the key word, occasional. I don't expect construction workers to buy an ST for hauling concrete mix & other heavy objects. I am surprised that the Commodore is rated to 4500 lbs.

Stock is 1200kg
next upgrade is 1600kg
it can then be rated to 2100kg with the addition of an equaliser hitch
Isszy..........i notice your first stop is at Hungry Jacks...........stocking up the van?

I could have had a shot of Bunnings in the background, but Hungrys seemed more appropriate. Lunch in Geelong.

I'm really glad that you posted this information. I really hadn't considered using a G8, once I get one, for towing purposes but now I am reconsidering. My wife and I bought an '04 Trailblazer and then traded it in for an '06, so that we would have a vehicle capable of towing a small boat, but more importantly my Sunbird (or GTP) on a wheel dolly to the track. I use the cars pretty hard and if you break at the track without towing 100 miles from home it really sucks!

The Sunbird/wheel dolly combo probably only weighs about 3200 lbs, so a G8 GT (or better yet GXP) should be able to handle that weight without any problem, correct?

The Sunbird/wheel dolly combo probably only weighs about 3200 lbs, so a G8 GT (or better yet GXP) should be able to handle that weight without any problem, correct?


Can do, almost definitely. The Aussie version of the GTO had a ClassII hitch option (350# tongue, 3500 gross as maximums), but the stateside Holden GTO manual said no, no towing ever.

Quite a few folks imported trailer hitches from Oz to the US, mostly jet skis and bike racks, 1.25 inch receiver if memory servers. Enough volume that Curt started making them stateside.

Clearly the VE can take a trailer hitch and tow some pounds. There are several Holden dealerships in Australia who will be happy to sell and ship Holden parts to you in the US, so you will be _able_ to get a hitch.

The issues I see:

How soft is the G8 version of the VE suspension gonna be? Pontiac went, I think, way overboard trying to make the 04/05/06 GTO ride down the highway like a dream. If they do it again the G8 manual is likely to say "no towing ever", but with some upgraded suspension components it would not be unreasonable to tow.

Total braking capacity should be considered as well. And I am a towing n00b, so I am probably overlooking some stuff too.

I want to be able to tow 2 bikes to Deals Gap...:yumyum:

I can't see the pics... Must be our filter here.:sneaky:

.i notice your first stop is at Hungry Jacks...........stocking up the van?

I thought the sign looked oddly familiar to what we have in the states in Burger King. And after checking their website, they are the same Whopper

Ok....since this is a towing thread and the question has been asked.......
Basic towing hitch has a rating of 1200kg (2,645.5 pounds). This would be suitable for a box trailer, small boat etc.
Next level towing hitch has a rating of 1600kg (3,527.4 pounds) .
Highest level hitch has a rating of 2100kg (4,629.7 pounds.....thats it.
The 2100 kg hitch is the 1600kg hitch with the addition of a load equaliser hitch. Search http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/ownerinfoaccessories?modelid=4005 for more info
Also, none of the hitches require any additionals (ie shocks etc) to tow their rated capacities

Those numbers are good enough for me. I have access to plenty of larger trucks if I want to haul anything bigger than that.

Pontiac's specs say only 2000 lbs, but that is without any additions other than a bolt on receiver. I would assume that it could be upgraded, if not from GM then from a hitch specialist.

Pontiac's specs say only 2000 lbs, but that is without any additions other than a bolt on receiver. I would assume that it could be upgraded, if not from GM then from a hitch specialist.

My Vue Redline is rated at 3500 pounds. The problem you have is you don't want the tail wagging the dog. You could put a class III hitch on a G8 and air shocks with a thicker sway bar but that doesn't mean it can pull 8600 pounds...:eek2: I have a 5.4 liter 4x4 but the gas mileage kicks my ass. About 14 on the highway with a small trailer. I would love to get a hidden hitch on the G to pull some small stuff. Just a thought.

Towing? With a G8?!? AHHHHHHHH!!!!!:nono:

Pontiac's specs say only 2000 lbs, but that is without any additions other than a bolt on receiver. I would assume that it could be upgraded, if not from GM then from a hitch specialist.
Can you send me a link to where the G8 hitch upgrade/specs are?

I can't really imagine a hitch on the rear of the car in any fashionable look, unless you can remove a significant portion of it. :sneaky:

This was a good question. I like the possibility of buying a trailer to haul around a ton of crap without having to bug someone with a truck.

I do say.. the hitch kind of kills the rear bumper (although I would like to see it without the removable part).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ej99N9JGv4&feature=related

This has a hitch receiver (1600 or 2100 kg)
http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/dealer/carsales/9156821.jpg

This has 1200 kg tow bar
http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/dealer/carsales/9330621.jpg

Tow bar with tongue removed
http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/dealer/carsales/9222737.jpg

Another hitch receiver
http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/dealer/carsales/9334279.jpg

My Vue Redline is rated at 3500 pounds. The problem you have is you don't want the tail wagging the dog. You could put a class III hitch on a G8 and air shocks with a thicker sway bar but that doesn't mean it can pull 8600 pounds...:eek2: I have a 5.4 liter 4x4 but the gas mileage kicks my ass. About 14 on the highway with a small trailer. I would love to get a hidden hitch on the G to pull some small stuff. Just a thought.
A decent rope should do the trick.

:gr_jest::gr_jest::gr_jest::gr_jest:

Thanks isszy and olly, good to know you can pull some stuff, unhook and have a nice ride. I had forgotten we use to pull a small boat with my 69-72 goats. People up this way now think you need a F250-D to pull 2,000 lbs...We use to do it your way...thanks for the reminder

Yep, had some comments like this on another forum where they say that in the US the GM cars don't/can't tow more than 1,000lbs! If you want to tow you buy a truck to go with your car.
Which floored me.

Anyway, in Oz you tow with your sedan or wagon, at least up to a decent size boat, caravan or trailer.

Thanks Isszy, I live about 1 k from a road that leads to the South Coast (NSW) you should see the boats being towed every weekend. I had thought of waiting by the roadabout to take some shots, don't need to now!

My wife thinks I'm nuts...

But so does Mikmak's...

er ... she thinks he's nuts, not me (although she's never met me...)

Yep, had some comments like this on another forum where they say that in the US the GM cars don't/can't tow more than 1,000lbs! If you want to tow you buy a truck to go with your car.
Which floored me.

GM will definately discourage people from towing with their cars. That's why there are more truck & SUVs choices than Aussie have choices in cars (almost the truth). That's one of the problems here. Trucks are so overpriced & gas thirsty that it's looked upon as a sign of stature. "You can afford a $40K truck. At 12 mpg, that'll cost you." People have been brainwashed into thinking they need to go deep into debt. A bigger than necessary truck is a great way to do that. Plus, they think it will be safer in a crash. Here's a better idea: Get a properly sized car so that it reacts faster than an SUV & you can avoid a crash.

GM will definately discourage people from towing with their cars.
Yeah. I remember my parents traveling with a family that towed a trailer with a Grand Marquis (while we towed with a family-sized E150 conversion van). Now-a-days, you don't see any cars with hitches because the auto makers make the cars more effeminate and don't want to mess up the rear bumper. It's good to know the G8 will have some balls available (albeit for a few more bucks).

Three weeks later: thanks for the tongueless hitch photos, isszy

Now-a-days, you don't see any cars with hitches because the auto makers make the cars more effeminate and don't want to mess up the rear bumper.

And how many Accords, Camrys, etc. do you see that have small hitches for pulling a U-Haul trailer back & forth to college? :sneaky:

And how many Accords, Camrys, etc. do you see that have small hitches for pulling a U-Haul trailer back & forth to college? :sneaky:
I haven't seen any of that, at least I haven't noticed it.

I think I would get something like this (and perhaps put 19" G8 wheels and tires on it). http://www.bigtextrailers.com/trailers/single_axle/19SV.html

I haven't seen any of that, at least I haven't noticed it.

You would be surprised how many are out there.

The only time you see standard cars with receivers anymore seems to be for mounting a bike racks to (or a VERY light trailer).

The only time you see standard cars with receivers anymore seems to be for mounting a bike racks to (or a VERY light trailer).

I've seen a lot of bike rack that strap around the trunk lid. I'll admit, I don't see many, but when I see them, they are on the weakest cars on the road.

In the majority of occasions in Australia, the "weight-on-the-ball-joint" is not much more than say 75-100kg. The trick is to have a set up on the trailer where the majority of the trailer load is carried on the trailer axles with a slight loading bias to the front to "load the ball". Thus you do not need to "beef up" the rear suspension to carry/pull weight in the trailer.

The ball joint is generally 50mm in diameter.

Mike

The ball weight on my VY wagon is 160kg (~300lbs). My old Subaru was only 90kg (160lbs), which meant that my van was too heavy at 100kg (200lbs). It is pretty easy to measure, get a set of bathroom scales, put a board on it to distribute the weight and a block of wood a foot or so tall, tare the scales then put it under the hitch on the trailer. Then lower the jockey wheel until all of the weight is on the scales. This is your ball weight.

If you can lift the drawbar by hand, your ball weight is probably under 200lbs unless you are The Rock.

The maximum ball weight is determined by the design of the car, rather than the hitch.

The last model Honda CRV had a maximum ball weight of 45kg, which meant that a bike rack and 2 or three bikes would in most cases be over it's limit.

I used to tow around a 3-rail motorcycle trailer and 2 dirtbikes with a 108 hp Honda CRX once upon a time. Looking to do the same 20 years later...anyone know of a link for a G8 hitch in the States yet? Pickups and SUVs are no fun to drive.

In the older days 1980's people used to tow with Cadillacs and Corvettes. It does not surprise me one tiny bit that you can tow with a G8. Only problem is, how can we get the tow kits? We're going to have to make contact with a friendly Holden dealer and do group buys.

Has anybody noticed that the rear lower valance is scored for a trailer hitch cutout? I like the fact that you can tow with a G8, but I doubt I'd ever use mine that way. I have a Pathfinder at home that we use to tow a 27' travel trailer.

However, I have gotten into biking recently and it would be convenient to put one of those hitch-mounted bike carriers on the G8, but I just don't know if I'd like a hitch receiver poking out of that beautiful rear valance.

My wife thinks I am certifiable
On this point we do not disagree. :)

Great pictures, though - thanks!

I'm also interested in putting a hitch on a GT for a bike rack and pulling a very light trailer. And also noticed the lower rear bodywork is scored where the receiver would stick out (as in Holden pics above). The only problem is I can't find a hitch anywhere... anyone know if Pontiac plans to offer one, the Holden part #, or where to get another brand?

Towing package - 1600kg - $ 706.10*
Holden provides a full range of towing equipment to suit your needs. The 1600kg towing kit is available with a range of accessories to suit every requirement. Only Holden approved tow bars are designed specifically for your vehicle, and are covered by Holden's warranty. Price quoted includes Towbar, tounge, and wiring harness. Mandated brake equipment requirements apply when trailer loads exceed 750kg, please refer to Owner's Handbook for further information. http://www.holden.com.au///images/trans.gif http://www.holden.com.au///images/trans.gif http://www.holden.com.au///images/trans.gif http://www.holden.com.au///images/trans.gif http://www.holden.com.au///images/trans.gif * The recommended retail price (RRP) for accessories and options includes GST, fitting and labour costs. http://www.holden.com.au///images/trans.gif http://www.holden.com.au///images/trans.gif http://www.holden.com.au///images/trans.gif

Thanks Heli411!

Found more info here as well:
http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/ownerinfoaccessories?modelid=4006

But dang, $700 is kind of steep for a hitch.

Received this response today from Uhaul after inquiring about a hitch for the G8, for whatever its worth:

A hitch search for vehicle: 2008 Pontiac G8 RWD. Please contact this customer with hitch availablity options and pricing.

--

Thank you for contacting U-Haul, the Towing Experts, and the Worlds #1 hitch installer.

Not one of the major hitch manufacturers anywhere have an aftermarket hitch for your Vehicle . As none is available, we can actually have one custom made for you at our Phoenix facility .

If you want to pursue this avenue further, please call our Phoenix home line for a custom installation.
1-800-234-8869 then #2 for custom hitch.
$350.00 for hitch and installation
Other aftermarket manufacturers are also looking at that model for possible design and hitch engineering.
Please call any or all of the following to determine the options for your design and application.
Thule/Valley 1-800-344-3230x3x127
Curt 1-800-738-7213
Reese/Drawtite 1-888-521-0510

I will keep your email in reserve that I may offer an Rsvp as one becomes available to us.

Thank you again, for looking to U-Haul for your Hitch.
Bob Krisher
U-Haul Regional Hitch Specialist
Hitch Super Center
Portland, Oregon 97005
503-626-4030
U-Haul Hitch Home1-800-234-8869
********

We can get a group order together and receive discounted pricing. If we had a central shipping location it would be perfect. If anybody on the board owns a warehouse or a large garage and wants to make a few bucks... they can help us out. If we order 50 of those bad boys, I'm sure the price would come down.

I'm talking about Holden product, screw "fabricated"

We can get a group order together and receive discounted pricing. If we had a central shipping location it would be perfect. If anybody on the board owns a warehouse or a large garage and wants to make a few bucks... they can help us out. If we order 50 of those bad boys, I'm sure the price would come down.

I'm talking about Holden product, screw "fabricated"If it'll defintiely work on the G8, let me know. I have some access to storage -- don't know exactly how much space needed. I would be willing to store 50 of them and ship them out though. I'm in Michigan.

Also noticed the price includes "GST, fitting and labour costs", so maybe less expensive for just the part?

Also noticed the price includes "GST, fitting and labour costs", so maybe less expensive for just the part?


I believe GST = Sales Tax ... so, the short answer would be yes... I believe so.

"My wife thinks I am certifiable," Isszy, many weeks ago we got together, voted, and
unanimously determined to concur with your wife on this point.

Not that it's a bad thing, as most of us are always on watch for the men with nets and "happy jackets". Damn, they're everywhere! :p

I thought the sign looked oddly familiar to what we have in the states in Burger King. And after checking their website, they are the same Whopper

Yep. Owned by Burger King. I learn something new every day! :aus_flag:

http://www.hungryjacks.com.au/

I just want to know what's on the Aussie Burger. 'Roo meat? :laugh:

Here is your cost straight from OZ on the 1600KG tow kit. Prices are in AUD and do not include shipping. I have also included the price of the factory Holden Spoiler.


Towing Package 1600KG $352.00 + Harness $108.90
SS-V Boot Spoiler $385.00 + plus mounting gaskets $12.00 x 2

Here is your cost straight from OZ on the 1600KG tow kit. Prices are in AUD and do not include shipping. I have also included the price of the factory Holden Spoiler.Awesome, but how do we go about ordering this hitch? Would you have a link or contact number?
Thanks

Awesome, but how do we go about ordering this hitch? Would you have a link or contact number?
Thanks


http://www.barloworldholden.com.au/parts.htm

They want you to arrange your own shipping, they will prepare parts and you need to contact DHL for pickup.

Thanks will check it out this evening and report back if I hear anything from them. this could get interesting...:)

Thanks will check it out this evening and report back if I hear anything from them. this could get interesting...:)

I already spoke with them, how do you think I got the prices minus installation? Go get your tow kits (and other goodies from OZ) guys...

Thanks again Heli411!

Yes, thanks Heli411. They told me they had 3 hitches to fit SS Commodore, a 1200kg, 1600kg and a 2100kg hitch, plus lighting harnesses.

You're all very welcome... I'll be placing my order from OZ soon. I just want to remind everyone, this car has been in existence for some time. Until the USA market catches up with accessories, there's only one other place to go. It may take a while... considering the limited number of GT's in the USA.

I'm defintely interested. Questions:

1) Is the receiver the same size as here in the states (1 1/4 or 2")?
2) What is the plug type on the trailer side of the harness?

I've been meaning to email them. Anyone know offhand?

And Heli411, any idea what shipping will be?

I'm defintely interested. Questions:

1) Is the receiver the same size as here in the states (1 1/4 or 2")?
2) What is the plug type on the trailer side of the harness?

I've been meaning to email them. Anyone know offhand?

And Heli411, any idea what shipping will be?



Email the dealer for info and shipping weight followed by phone call to DHL and all will be known... says the wise old Heli411

BTW: Remember to post the info for the others to follow...

I could have had a shot of Bunnings in the background, but Hungrys seemed more appropriate. Lunch in Geelong.

I just live up the road from there knew the place as soon as i saw the pic

I'm defintely interested. Questions:

1) Is the receiver the same size as here in the states (1 1/4 or 2")?
2) What is the plug type on the trailer side of the harness?

I've been meaning to email them. Anyone know offhand?

And Heli411, any idea what shipping will be?

The tow ball is 50mm and is not included in the kit.
I can take pics of the full tow bar and wiring if anyone wants me to post them but that wont happen until next week.

olly, pictures would be great!

Also, seems we have different terminology here in the States. See attached picture for what we call the parts.

One concern is the size of the receiver opening. Here is either 2" or 1 1/4".

FYI: so it looks like Curt is the first USA player for G8 hitches:

http://www.curtmfg.com

Looks like it exits below the rear fascia, and install instructions are available online (requires drilling and dropping the exhaust).

FYI: so it looks like Curt is the first USA player for G8 hitches:

http://www.curtmfg.com

Looks like it exits below the rear fascia, and install instructions are available online (requires drilling and dropping the exhaust).

They even come in colors to match. I doubt I'll ever own a truck again unless they start getting 35mpg.

Well at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it! :laugh:

Cheers!

Does CurtMfg only sell to installers or re-sellers? I could not see where one could order from the site?

Thanks

Does CurtMfg only sell to installers or re-sellers? I could not see where one could order from the site?

Thanks

Don't know, but as mentioned in another thread there is one on eBay:
http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4447

And googling "curt hitch" brought up a bunch of online stores.

I to would love to get a trailer hitch for my G8, I have a 2 bike open trailer and when I go to motorcycle rallys I would love to be able to pull my own bike. I had to get rid of my Trailblazer SS cause the gas was killing me, I was spending $170.00 a week in gas for a 27 mile drive each way just to get back and forth to work. I drove from Detroit MI to Myrtle Beach SC and it too me 4.5 tanks of gas at $85.00 to $95.00 a fill up on 93 fuel. So as soon as I get the cad I will get a hitch put on my car, hate depending on someone when you need to haul something and a SUV is out of the question.

I am so glad that a tow thread was posted. I have already been to my local hitch store here in sw Florida and they had no clue about installing a hitch on a G8.

When it comes time, I will buy one in Aus and ship it over. My old man used to tow boats and trailers all the time with his VK Commodore without any troubles. I have a 3500 lb boat and a dirtbike that I will buy a special bike rack for.

The lease on my Dodge 1500 is up in October with a new G8 coming soon after. I can't wait to get rid of my truck.

I look forward to reading more posts and updates here.

Looks like a medium hard install on that curt hitch... used to work for uhaul and would do up to 4 or 5 a day...

One potential problem with the Auzzie hitch is it's for a 50mm receiver. I just took some calipers to my bike rack mount and it's 50.8mm (2"). So if the tolerances are tight then there might be some machining necessary. Ack.

Also, Heli411’s quote of $461 (hitch + harness) plus at least $200 shipping, we’re looking at $700. I contacted JHP since they will handle shipping and was quoted $700 shipped to their CA warehouse + shipping to me. Either way, ouch!

So we’re talking about some serious cash for a hitch that might not fit US 2” receiver bars.

The Curt hitch on eBay was $120 + $27 shipping. Much better price, and guaranteed compatibility. Down side for me is
1) it’s a 1 ¼” receiver and all my stuff is 2”.
2) it hangs below the rear fascia. I’d rather it come through the scored area of the fascia like the Holden hitch would.
3) no wiring harness.

wiring harness is really easy to set up...

wiring harness is really easy to set up...

True, and even better from section 9-88 of the manual:

Trailer Wiring Harness
All of the electrical circuits required for your trailer lighting system can be accessed at the driver’s side rear lamp connector. This connector is located under the carpet on the rear corner of the trunk compartment.

I haven't looked for the connector, but it's nice knowing it is there. Problem is getting the compatible connector. Although I've done it a million times, I really, really don't like spicing into the factory wiring.

Don't waste ur time with these guys...

From: Wayne Sargent <wsargent@heartland.com.au>
To: xxx
Subject: tow bar
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:18:22 +1000 (Thu, 19:18 EDT)

Hi your price $2000.00 dollars

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How has the progress and results been for you guys wanting hitches on your G8s?

What's the most anyone is towing successfully?

I know tow capacity on a '95 Caprice is rated differently depending on what wheels are on the rear: cast rims up to 3000lb, stamped steel up to 5000lb, or something like that...

I'm interested in the G8's towing abilities as well. I have a 19ft Stingray 190 boat that I tow about 2 miles to the launch ramp often during the summer. On occasion I'll take a few longer trips, 600 or so miles round trip. Right now I tow with my SRX and Class II hitch and it does OK. I used to tow with my RWD TBSS and it did much better (obviously). But I'd be curious if the G8 GT would be better than all of those being that the 6 liter would be teamed up with a 6spd auto. I always worry about towing with just a RWD vehicle and wonder if the g8 would be up to the task of launching the boat on a regular basis. Like I said I don't have a long haul at all and would only take a few long trips a year. I'd love to hear from some of the Aussie guys about their towing experiences.

I have a 96 Impala SS and I have towed extensively with it. So, I have a fun car to drive and it tows very well.

The car was rated for 1000 pounds by the GM. Since the drive line is certainly up to towing. I spent a lot of time on the phone with Chevy headquarters discussing towing. My conclusion is that they have no clue. I doubt if you are surprised.

My boat and trailer weigh about 3000 fully loaded and I have towed it thousands of miles with an outside temp as high as 104 degrees. The tongue weight is about 150 pounds which is about as light as you can go and even then takes a well designed trailer. I have trailer brakes and I think they are necessary with a car.

The Impala needed airbags in the rear to deal with even 4 passengers and baggage without the trailer.

The 4L60E has known issues and mine has been modified to replace the known weak parts. I do not tow in overdrive, but there are mods that will allow that now.

The Pontiac will no doubt need some sort of leveling to maintain headlight aim and I don't know if any is available. But if you can solve that issue you would have a tow vehicle that is fun to drive. I bought the Impala specifically for that purpose. It now has 110k miles and going strong.

jim

Couple things here:

Towing is 2000 pounds

There is another thread that is more active: http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6375&page=3

why is towing only 2000 lbs.?

The Holden hitches seem to go up to 2100kgs (ie. 4629 lbs)

the other trailer thread only suggests a 1.25" receiver

has anyone found a good 2.00" receiver?

why is towing only 2000 lbs.?

The Holden hitches seem to go up to 2100kgs (ie. 4629 lbs)

the other trailer thread only suggests a 1.25" receiver

has anyone found a good 2.00" receiver?

read the manual
"Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
2,000 lbs (907 kg). But even
that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use
your rig. For example, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your
vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. It can also depend on
any special equipment that you have
on your vehicle, and the amount
of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” later in this section for
more information."

To me, this issue is no different than handling and transmission issues. This site promotes solutions to those issues in the form of various modifications including ECM/TCM reprogramming, and a myriad of suspension modifications.

Since the Australian limits are higher than the Pontiac limits, the 2000 pound limitation looks pretty arbitrary to me. As I posted earlier, Chevy headquarters had no clue what the limiting factor was for towing with my Impala. I found the weakness by experimentation and corrected it.

The same could be done with the G8 I would think. It has been my experience that any sedan needs some sort of load leveling even without towing. It does not take a rocket scientist to see that the rear height will be lower with 4 aboard and baggage than it will be solo.

jim

Since the Australian limits are higher than the Pontiac limits, the 2000 pound limitation looks pretty arbitrary to me.


I have heard on another forum posting (not sure if it was here), that the trans on our cars, as well as the DOD might be weak spots, prompting a lower tow limit.


As I posted earlier, Chevy headquarters had no clue what the limiting factor was for towing with my Impala.


The reduced weight limit on the 94-96 Impala SS was due to the factory wheels. If you want to tow heavier on the SS, you should get steel wheels.

Well,

I have about 30k miles of towing a 3000 lb trailer with the factory Impala wheels and the stock 255/50/17 tires. The wheel theory came from Chevy and I think I have proven that it is not true. Plenty of SUV's run alloy wheels. The wimpy rear springs are the problem and it was easily fixed.

I have read that the 6L80/90 is very stout. I doubt that the engine would cut back to 4 cylinders while towing, and if it does, so what, Chevy pickups do that too. Some one will try it and then we will know.

jim

The original Impala SS wheel design from ROH, as well as the production version, had a rated capacity of around 1500 lbs or so. Multiply by 4, subtract the vehicle weight, and you are at 2k lbs!

Exceeding the rated towing capacity by 50% for 30k miles does not prove that the wheels are completely safe for towing larger weights. The fact that an alloy wheel can be made with a higher weight capacity is not proof either. In fact, you may be totally safe towing another 100k miles. The wheels are probably much more prone to warpage from pot holes, etc when the capacity is exceeded.

Gee, you could go without insurance for that long, and not prove you don't need insurance.

I too have towed 3000 lbs behind my SS. I did add 9c1 springs, and usually had my steelie winter wheels in place while towing.

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As far as towing behind the G8, I agree that the chassis would be fine. Just add heavier springs. As far as the engine and trans, there may be modifications that would keep them reliable. An ecm/tcm reprogram with towing in mind could be a good safety measure. A trans cooler wouldn't hurt.

The bigger challenge will be to find a local supplier to sell a higher capacity hitch. I suspect there could be liability for a seller, knowing Pontiac says not to go higher.

If you do find one, I would be interested in it too!

I don't care to litigate Impala issues on a g8 site, but there have been Impalas in this area towing twice what I tow with the alloy wheels.

I used Air Lift airbags inside the rear springs with a schrader valve mounted under the license plate. After loading the car I just pump it up level. There are on-board compressors available too.

This is not possible on the Pontiac because the shock is inside the spring.

There are 2 inch receivers available for the Impala and it is rated at 2000 pounds towing by Chevy as you know.

jim

Class III hitches are available for the Caprice, not the Impala. The fitment guides I've seen do not list the Impala. Fortunately they are identical cars, with some important exceptions.

I wish there was a sister car for the G8 that had a higher tow capacity.

Hidden Hitch makes one and so does Draw Tite. I did not check any more.

The Draw Tite part number is 75146 according to their web site. They call it a class 4.

Both are listed for the 96 Impala SS.

jim

Does anyone know if there are aftermarket hitches in Australia that might be less expensive than the Holden ones?

Go here and click on catalog:

http://www.haymanreese.com.au/index.htm

You have to search for the holden commodore sedan.

There is also e-bay in Australia.

jim

Thanks for the info.

Bumping this one back up to the top, what would I need to tow my GTO with the G8?

- Trans cooler
- Class 4 hitch
- Airbags in rear springs

just recently traded in my gto for a g8 gt. i am interested in a trailer hitch and a wiring hookup for our 2009 model. any suggestions?

i have an 09 g8 gt. im looking for a link to find a class 2 hitch and electric connector for our new car. any help would be greatly appreciated, jim tucson

I went to etrailer.com and used

Wiring:
119176 and 118151
http://www.etrailer.com/p-119176.htm?search=1

Hitch: Class I, 2000 lbs...you can't find a class 2 hitch for the g8 here in the states
60208
http://www.etrailer.com/p-60208.htm (http://www.etrailer.com/p-60208.htm)

The hitch took about an hour to do (i have a hydraulic car lift though), and the wiring took about 30 min. The wiring was really simple and easy to hook up since the battery is in the trunk.

That's the key word, occasional. I don't expect construction workers to buy an ST for hauling concrete mix & other heavy objects. I am surprised that the Commodore is rated to 4500 lbs.

You'd be surprised how many tradesman use the ute for work vehicles. I think the nicest looking utes I've seen have been on jobsites hauling or towing something!

i am getting a hitch this week for my g8, ill be towing a bike rack with 2 bikes! and maybe a small trailer once a while so my wife can go and get some garden soil/cedar rip.

http://www.g8board.com/forums/showpost.php?p=318028&postcount=28

thanks for the photos. was the wiring pretty usual? probe till you determine what is what?

Let us know how it looks once installed.

I have a GXP and I had the hitch receiver come out of the little cutout. I just cut around the cutout then got a little piece of wood and screwed the cutout into it and reinforced it. The hitch is custom from a local welding shop.
Would love to post pics but can't for some reason.