8_is_enuf

Well, I found a trailer hitch. Haven't looked for one in a while -- then decided it was time to see what was out there and the first page I went to had it. But now I am a little skeptical about puilling my jetski with it since it is rear wheel drive. (No it doesn't weight too much -- the ski weighs less than a car full of people would.)

JM1FE

Did you search the forums here? No need to be skeptical. It tows great. RWD is BETTER for towing - how could you possibly think otherwise?!??

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/custom-hitch-30917/

Pics and info are from post 85 onward.

8_is_enuf

I am not worried about the power, pulling or stopping. I am worried about the first 5 feet on the launch ramp where it is slick and I am relying on the back wheels of a light car to get out.

Anyone pull a boat or jetski?

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

not sure i'd want to be lugging around anything in an RX8 where the torque is so low.

8_is_enuf

Mugatu and those like him.

What I tow weighs less than a car load of people. Do you drive by yourself to aviod having the extra weight?

tasteslikechicken

Whenever possible.

JM1FE

I pulled a SeaDoo GTX (3-place jetski) with my old '87 BMW 528e. RWD, 120HP (the car, not the SeaDoo - but the SeaDoo was definitely faster ), and it pulled out of every ramp easily.

With a FWD car you'd be lightening the load on the front wheels, even more so on an incline like a boat ramp, and reducing traction. With a RWD car the weight is bearing down on the drive wheels increasing traction.

Some people have no perspective and throw around terms like 'low HP' and 'low torque' forgetting that cars have done just fine for years without 500HP/500lbs-ft.

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

I'm sorry. I guess it's just that I find it odd when people buy a sports car and then throw a hitch on it and use it to tow things.

But I guess if you have a jetski you have to get it to the water somehow.

joseight

i still dont understand why anyone would buy an rx-8 if they need to tow anything.

and yes, i drive alone about 90% of the time.

NoCones

how about towing a tire trailer to autocrosses?

Morgan

blah, put the tires in your car..lol!

and yes, i'd rather drive around alone to avoid extra weight too.

zoom44

why didnt you just get the hitch made for the 8 by Mazda?

well damn i cant find the pic of it right now and its not in the uk accessory brochure now.....

Aseras

AFAIK it's only available in the EU and japan. No us model.

beachdog

Very true. Long ago I towed a pop up camper with a VW bus. Couldn't have had more than 50-60 lb ft of torque.

Microdot

I once towed a ski-boat behind a Suzuki Sidekick. That sucked, especially going over hills. I couldn't accelerate for ****, and had a hard time maintaining the speed limit heading uphill.

Before anyone asks, it wasn't mine ...I was driving it for a friend, so she could ride with her boyfriend.

Morgan

wtf...she made you her bitch..

Microdot

I knew someone would take it that way.

No, I volunteered so I wouldn't have to ride in a van with 6 other people, or in an SUV with 2 couples.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

Unless you have a Base car without traction control how would that be a problem?

Roaddemon

Here's a hitch for the RX8 for $187. Tow wieght 2000lbs.

http://www.etrailer.com/productdetai...rfrom=2004&h=e

I used to tow my 1100cc motorcycle (600lbs) 900 mi with my 91 integra. The car had 130lbs torque and about the same HP. Had no problems towing 1100lbs trailer weight included. Went up and down the mountain highways and interstates at 80mph no problem. Car weight was around 2800lbs.

the RX8 would have no problem towing lighter loads under 1500lbs.

JM1FE

Yeah, that's the same Da'Lan/Curt hitch that I have pictured in the thread I linked to below. Apparently you can get it from uHaul completely installed for a good price.

I did a really slick wiring job on my g/f's RX-8 for trailer wiring, but didn't document it . If/when I do another one, I'll make a howto, or I may make a mini-howto with less detail (I'm not going to take it apart again to show the wire routing.)

8_is_enuf

I was just worried about the slime on the ramp.

SilverEIGHT

"legokcin" does that. All four of his road racing slicks in his back seet when he goes racing. I saw them myself at Road Atlanta. Perfect fit.

TheDosDog

Hauling around a car load of people can't be equated to pulling a trailer from a dead stop up a steep incline (boat ramp) especially if you're starting with the back tires in the water. I think you'll be OK but your clutch is gonna take a beating. Also the 8 was not designed for dunks in the lake. Getting the brakes wet could cause problems as well as potentially getting water in the diff through the breather. Just my .02

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

the OM specifically states not to tow, potentially a warranty buster if the dealership decides to play hardball

fwiw, I know people who tow all those things behind their Miata