bonkers73

Being an avid jet ski enthusiast, and going from an F-150 a few months ago, I did my research and decided to put a trailer hitch on my 2007. Before you gasp and wish me luck on a new set of seals next week ...the ski I tow is a stand up(not a bulky- three seater couch as we call them) , and with the small trailer I have the total weight is a hair under 500 lbs. I could barely feel it on acceleration and once I got up to highway speed I didn't even notice it was there. Completely impressed thus far that I transitioned from a truck to the 8(which is an amazingly fun car) and was equally impressed that my highway mileage from huntington beach to parker az was no noticeable difference... I have made two runs out there so far and all is well.... I will keep everyone posted if there are any issues..but in my experience so far...it CAN be done(within limits)
zoooooom!

NotAPreppie

It's not that uncommon. Many of the autocrossers and trackday enthusiasts do it to haul their competition tires.

04Green

iTrader: (1)

Race Track Here I Come..
Tires, chairs, cooler, tools, shade, beer, food, beer, water, beer,

Did I say beer?




Did you build or buy?

tonik

post some pictures

bonkers73

cool set up! I actually bought mine from U haul of all places. With the draw bar out you cant even see the receiver so I have to say I was pleased. I had to get a draw bar with a rise, but its ugly as hell(the draw bar). Yours looks clean!

yankeepicker

that's awesome! incidentally, where can you even get a stand up jet ski anymore? I've been wanting to rent one for about 15 years, but places only ever rent wave runners. regardless, I'm impressed, good for you!

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

Chrishoky

iTrader: (9)

Ive contemplated trailering a motorcylcle for track duty. Anybody ever attempt that? I would guess it would be less than 500lbs.

monchie

The rx8 is not really equipped to haul stuffs, specially hauling stuffs with a trailer in it. I wouldn't do it with my rx8 though...

04Green

iTrader: (1)

@ monchie,

You just need to not go crazy. If I had 4 adults in the car, and luggage, the adults would weigh in at around 400 pounds, with a few hundred pounds of luggage. My trailer weighs about 200, and the stuff on it is less than 400. And, the weight is now off the rear suspension (everything goes on the trailer. From the aero point of view, most everything is below the deck lid. It costs me just 2 mpg on the highway. Car seems to like it a lot better than being filled up with crap.

AthensSilver8

iTrader: (1)

I imagine you had to get rid of the rear rotary emblem on the back for the trailer hitch?

04Green

iTrader: (1)

mine comes through the hole, I just need to mod the piece I cut out to fill it back in. It is on the list....

@monchie, I do make a concession for towing. I keep the speed limited to where the car will run in closed loop mode. That way the computer takes nice care of the engine at all times.

monchie

Maybe if i have a turbo installed, then i could tow...lol

Stephen T

I'm a cycling nut and put one on too, I'll attach a photo for a laugh. I don't go massive distances with it but the car is actually rated for 1400kg which is a decent weight!
Besides, it's cheaper to chuck a new engine in every now and then than it is to run a 4th car!!!

supergoat

Did it attach to existing holes, or did you have to drill into the frame/floorpan?

Stephen T

There are existing holes designed for it. The UK has standard tow hitches but I had my one custom made.

pistonhater

If the weight of the trailer and cargo is the equivalent of 4 adults it should be OK.

The only issue I can think of is overheating an auto tranny if the cargo is REALLY heavy. But that would be true of any vehicle with an auto tranny hauling very heavy loads.

NotAPreppie

I got the Curt hitch and I had to enlarge one hole on each frame rail to fit the fasteners through. But aside from that, it was dead easy.