Towing a new popup with auto 05 Honda Element??

[outofd]

New member and new popup this week. Just picked up a new Fleetwood Cobalt popup camper. Gross weight of 2300 lbs, empty weight of 1300. tongue weight of 135 lbs. Electric brakes. Seems to tow great on way home, plenty of power for our auto 05 element. Dealer says he has done 5 elements with this popup and if it was his element, he would not put on a transmission cooler. There are lots of hills in Western Washington, but so far not even the steepest hill slows us below 60mph. What do you think? Thanks for any advice and for great site. Bill, Snoqualmie WA

[edwardr132]

Just curious which engine do you have on your Honda Element and what is the rated tow capacity?  IF it were me, I would put the transcooler on.  The lightweight isn't the important weight number, but the weight after you put all your stuff in it, any coolers/food you carry, the weight of you and any passengers you carry in your Element.  Add all that up and see if you come in under the tow capacity of what a Honda Element can carry.  If towing in the mountains, subtract 20% from that number.

[Tim5055]

I think you need to look hard at your owners manual and think about a new tow vehicle.  You are overweight!

Here are some things I was able to find on the web:

"Built on Honda's Global Compact Platform, Element is structurally similar to the CR-V and utilizes a rugged chassis that supports a wide suspension and a low flat floor." (depending on the model, I found that the CRV eithr has a 1,000 or 1,500 lb tow capacity)

"Wheelbase: 101.4"; overall length: 169.3"; width: 71.5"; height: 70.4" Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 160 hp at 5,500 and 161 lbs.-ft. torque at 4,500 rpm. Transmissions: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic Fuel economy: 21-22 city/24-26 highway (depending on transmission and drivetrain) Cargo capacity: 77.1 cubic feet Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs"

"Towing/Payload Capacity: Element towing capacity is 1500 lb regardless of drive system."

From the Honda web site (for the 2007 model year)

"Towing Capacity (lbs.) 1500*

*Towing requires addition of the Honda accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball. Refer to owner's manual for additional towing information."


As often happens, a pop up salesman is always happy to say he has sold X number of this same pop ups to folks using your tow vehicle.  At the very least, get a trans cooler and make sure the pop up brakes are working all the time.  Get a good brake controller and keep the speed down.  Pack light!

Remember both your safety and the safety of the folks are on the line.

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT and congratulations on buying a PU.
 
http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2001?mid=2004091352190&mime=asc
 
Here is a link to Honda's website with the tow capacities of 2005 Hondas.  Your vehicle is overloaded pulling your PU.  Sorry the news isn't any better.

[outofd]

Thank you all for your honest feedback.  Will be installing trans cooler, and transmission temp gauge.  Just me and my two small puppies and we will pack very light.  Have brake controller installed and will keep speeds low.  Might have to upgrade tv if they are any problems.  
Again thanks for your time and ideas for a newcomer!!! Best wishes, Bill

[JimQPublic]

Good luck and let us know how it works out.  Take it easy on the hills, both up and down.  Take special care going uphill in hot weather- meaning you don't have to be running full throttle.

As Tim pointed out the Element is based on the "Global Compact Platform".  The wheelbase of the Element is about 2" shorter (bad for towing) than the CRV but the rear overhang is about 7" shorter (short rear overhang is very good for towing).  CRV with the same powertrain (auto trans) is rated to tow 2640 pounds in Australia.  Tongue weight in Australia is listed as 264 pounds for the AT or 330 pounds for the higher rated MT version.  

We towed our 2400 pound (fully loaded) Chalet with a 130 horsepower Subaru Outback for two years.  The Subaru had a 5" longer wheelbase but probably double the rear overhang of your Element and it was very stable.

Personally I think it should make a good tow platform presuming your trailer has good basic stability.  I suggest a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller and a friction sway control bar.   Use a bathroom scale to check your tongue weight and keep cargo load low and to the center.

Jim