Safe Towing Capacity

[pod]

Hi all,

Would like opinions from people that have or know someone that use a Honda Accord Euro 2009+ for Towing a boat with near max capacity limit of 1200kg, is it ok and totally safe?

Many thanks in advance,

Regards,
Pod

[Stevil]

I find nce you go past half the vehicles weight, things can get uncomfortable and a little dangerous, BTW I tow a 450kg boat n trialer behind my turbo Civic and an upgrade with rear springs is a must, around 10kg would be the starting point. anything less and towball weight will wreck good shock or coilovers, also back off rebound when towing as weight can wreck coilovers.

[pod]

thanks for your feedback Stevil, where did you get the upgrade to rear springs? I am checking Pedders as they have some towing solutions, if you can recommend another would be great.
And what is back off rebound? sorry for the noob question, it sounds like slamming the breaks too hard or something?

Cheers,

[Stevil]

I rub Gab SS coilovers and my springs can be swapped out just by jacking the car up, I guess if your on stock shocks and springs then you might want to rethink towing 1200kg as you'll almost guaranteed to bottom out ya rear suspension. An upgrade in brake pads is a most also due to the extra weight. Rebound adjustablilty is something youd have when you get decent coilovers.

1200kg is alot of boat and trailer, will place a lot of strain on the clutch if a manual.

[pod]

The trailer has breaks and its an automatic, but i'll make some calls to upgrade the parts you suggested or get a new car... but I don't really want to get a new car if you can tow yours on a Civic...

[Stevil]

...... my car has way more power and torque than your Euro !! lol

1200kgs is alot for your car, what sort of boat is it and do you plan on doing long highway trips because an oil coiler for your transmission might prevent premature gearbox failure.

[curtis265]

If the manufacturer says it can do it then you should be OK. Just be very careful when doing so and you'll be right.

Stevil's recommendations are valid, but i would only go down that path if you tow regularly

[pod]

The dealer just weighed the boat on a weighbridge and said he got the paper of the total boat, trailer, motor and electrical coming up with 1040kg. (without any fuel) so it will fall just under the limit with fuel.

I wouldn't travel far interstate or anywhere over 100km away from home while towing, mostly just to the local boat ramp.

Is it safely doable and easy? or should I look into getting a Challenger 4x4 or something similar?

[curtis265]

1200kg is the limit, you will come in under it. The specified limit has heaps of safety factors applied to it. You're not pushing any limits or boundaries.

why are you concerned?

[pod]

cause stevil made my car sound like a toy compare to his Civic and just wanted to know if its safe to tow just under the cars limits.
And I don't want my car to end up in the water like a boat lol
5.4m fibreglass half cabin - Baysport 545

[Jasemas]

Just make sure you get your slushbox serviced with genuine honda ATF before going anywhere