[snowdave]

Just thought I’d share some towing experience in case it could be helpful to others. My 2015 Sport came with the hitch installed so I added the trailer lighting converter, which was a real pain to install. Running the power up to battery required plenty of swearing. We hooked up my lightweight steel 3-rail motorcycle trailer and other than a horrible clatter from the receiver tube slop, it worked great. We only hauled a go-kart this time and made sure the weight loaded the tongue but had no issues with 4 passengers and trailer going 70 miles including highway speed. I was worried the low weight and short wheelbase would make it sketchy but a little common sense was good enough. We may even use this rig for hare scramble racing next year. Still got 30mpg plus. Didn’t track it too accurately. I suspect this will be the first tow of many. Will add more examples as I have them.


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[aelfwyne]

Supposedly the hitches are for bicycle carriers and nothing more. I think in europe they rate them for 1000 pounds max towing, but I'd be very careful with that.

 

[Jesper Hedegaard]

In Europe, it's rated at 800 kg braked and 400 kg unbraked weight (all models with the possible exception of the E which have not been imported here in Denmark yet, so very rare here).
And the twinair 80 has no issues hauling our caravan at close to 800 kg - caravan is 750 kg's empty, so it takes some re-packing.
Have a brake-shoe anti fish-tail thing on the caravan, so no issue doing 100 Kph - and morewhen overtaking.

But remember - the euro models are said to be different !

 

[snowdave]

One thing I was concerned about was rear spring rate and sag with a full load, but the rear barely lowers while loaded. Perhaps the spring rate on the sport is relatively high. I used to tow this trailer with a 2008 Ford Taurus and the rear dropped a significant amount. I also towed it with a Mercedes C200 while in the UK and that was likely my favorite with its hidden fold away hitch.


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[smark]

This carrier, and a bike rake is about all you should use the hitch for.

 

[map]

I see that Mopar got around to amending their parts page. The owner's manual says not to tow, but the Mopar site gave towing capacity (on the hitch) along with safe towing instructions.

 

[Jesper Hedegaard]

As I read above - it's the receiver mount that is "Not designed for towing" - not the car.
Which seems reasonable if the receiver was only designed to carry the weight of a bikecarrier and a coupple of bikes.
Even if the tongue weight of a caravan could be isgnificant less than above load - the receiver still needs to stand pulling the trailer - and perhaps more important: pushing it when You want to stop your little road train ;o)

 

[map]

As I read above - it's the receiver mount that is "Not designed for towing" - not the car.

The hitch is rated as a Class 1. The owner's manual has a section on towing, short and simple, which may be why they don't sell a trailer wiring kit, as for other FCA vehicles.

That's the entire section. Since it has safety chain mounts, FCA knows owners will ignore those warnings. The UK owner's manual is more lenient. Top speed 62 mph. Max tow is 880 pounds unbraked, double for a trailer with brakes. (The 1.4L doesn't list unbraked trailers, but has 1760 lbs with a braked trailer.)

TOWING TRAILERS IMPORTANT NOTES For towing caravans or trailers the car must be fitted with a certified tow hook and an adequate electric system. Installation should be carried out by specialised personnel who will issue the required papers for travelling on roads. Install any specific and/or additional rear view mirrors as specified by the Highway Code. Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to climb, braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer depending on the overall weight. Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than constantly using the brake. The weight the trailer exerts on the car tow hook reduces the car's loading capacity by the same amount. To make sure that the maximum towable weight is not exceeded (given in the car registration document) account should be taken of the fully laden trailer, including accessories and luggage. Do not exceed the speed limits specific for each country you are driving in, in the case of vehicles towing trailers. In any case, the top speed must not exceed 100 km/h.

 

[smark]

I’ve seen folks tow small motor cycle trailers, with there 500’s. Even people who own smart cars. No one ever pays attention to what the manufacture recommends, or not. “Never tear that Warning sticker off the bottom of furniture,”

Just tow safe, if that what you decide to.

 

[map]