towing a trailer

Tom Davis · #1 05-08-2012, 02:29 PM

Hello- I have a 2008 civic hybrid and want to tow a light trailer and boat, total weight about 300 lbs--the manual and Honda service say no because of light torque from the power train. I can't beleive that a load that light is a real problem. Does anyone have experience towing with a civic hybrid? I am also planning a lomg trip to the Rocky Mts this summer- if the car won't pull a 300 lb load will it handle mountain driving? Thanks for any help. Tom

PaleMelanesian · #2 05-08-2012, 02:44 PM

Will it handle to 150-lb adults sitting in the back seat? I think the answer is related.

Bennett · #3 05-08-2012, 03:14 PM

I have some pretty steep grades (8% or more ) around my way and my 08 HCH handles them fine with or without assist (some of the long inclines have drained my pack...).

It'll rip your MPG to shreds, but it'll get up the hill. The "S" mode is great for that. Oddly enough I have found that using cruise control up the hills is kinder to the pack than my foot is, and quite good at the mpg. It does something clever with the CVT and battery pack than I can't mimick with conventional driving.

Bennett