Hyudai Veloster

[jimraab]

Hyundai Veloster

Do you see any issue with towing a single Seadoo GTX with a Hyundai Veloster? It is their new hatchback for 2012. I don't pull the ski long distances as I stay fairly local. The engine is 138 HP. Specs are listed in the attached link.

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/veloster/specifications.aspx

I am looking to get a more fuel efficient vehical although realize that that doesn't always match with towing.

 

[LouDoo]

I guess you checked the internet, I did and couldn't find anything. I would call the dealer and ask, the minimum rating should be 1500lbs. Also ask about a trailer hitch and a wiring, you can no longer just attach the trailer lights to be rear tail lights of the car. Also be sure to ask how towing effects the warranty. And it you decide to purchase the car get this all in writing. Also ask about how much the hitch and wiring harness cost, OEM can sometimes be pretty expensive. You're probably not going to find aftermarket on a new model vehicle.

Off hand at 138hp I would think it would be O.K., but there are other things, such as braking, transmission and the dynamics of the vehicle that come into play.

Lou

 

[Dr Honda]

When towing... Hp has almost nothing to do with it. Wheel base, brakes, and transmission are the real factors. There are many of the smaller vehicles that allow light weight towing... but you have to turn off the overdrive, or you will roast the trans.

At one time, I would say, "Yes, you will be fine with a single ski"... but a new 3 passenger 4-stroke ski, with fuel, gear, and a steel trailer will weigh as much as a small boat. A new GTX LTD weighs 980lbs dry... so ready to go it will be an easy 1500Lbs. (FYI, that's about the wet weight of the boat in my avatar)

As Lou said... ask the dealer, if it can tow, and how much.




*****EDIT*****

I just saw a commercial on the Veloster, and they are pimping it as one of their 40mpg cars. THat alone will make me say "No... you can't tow with it." The reason is... to make it get good mileage, they have to make things light.

 

[jimraab]

I think that Dr Honda has a good point. It makes me think that perhaps I will retain my Ford Taurus that has a V6 and that I have been using to tow my ski for years with no problems.

I appreciate you feedback!

This site is excellent for learning!

 

[RFoster130]

I would for sure check with the dealer. Only tow with a vehicle that is designed by the manufacturer as being able to tow. You dont wanna void any warranty.

 

[Sink]

I think a lot of us want to tow with smaller vehicles... It doesn't seem to be a good idea. If the trailer/load can overpower the tow vehicle in an emergency, it's not a good idea. The question isn't if it can pull it but more can it stop and control it. You need some weight and good brakes to do this.

 

[BMANN06]

The question isn't if it can pull it but more can it stop and control it. You need some weight and good brakes to do this.

+1 Couln't agree more!! I had to make this point to my boss, who went and bought a small cargo trailer to tow with his canyon which is a base model. It can tow like 2000lbs max. After me bitching about it for a year, him ripping through brake pads and rotors and a close call. My avy has turned into a company truck. Also with just over 40K kms (24K miles) on this canyon his tranny is already slipping. I wouldn't take the advice of the hitch installer here either, i would put this question to the service manager at your dealership.

My $0.02

 

[John in Valley Forge]

It might do OK on a flat road, but what about hills?
Could it pull a loaded trailer out of a river with a steep slick ramp?
I would want something a little beefier.

Also, I think that the fact that a tow package is not available even as an option says a lot to me.

 

[biffdotorg]

This biggest issue I saw in the Gallery for this car stopped me from looking at any further specifications. The photo of the rear of the car shows two exhaust pipes coming out the middle. I'm sure someone could rig something, but that pretty much kills any idea of putting on a receiver hitch of any sort.

It's sort of like the Jeep SRT models of the Grand Cherokee. Tons of HP, but central exhaust kills your plans of putting on a hitch. Keep your taurus.

 

[BMANN06]

Ummm yah ... That's a pretty good point biff ...

That will pretty much kill this thought.

 

[biffdotorg]

Maybe that was only one of the "performance models shown" maybe they all don't have a central exhaust?