what is the maximum weight a 2001 Chevy lumina could tow?

Question

I need to get a travel trailor. I would need aluminum siding(at least not canvous) I need more protection from the weather. A shower,sink,and toliet and bed. my dad says I would not be able to tow with my car. but would 1800 pounds be possible. What about towing with a van?

Answer 1

Kelly Blue Book tech. specs. say it only has a 1000 pound towing capacity. For about twice the cost of the 2001 Lumina, say in the $10K-$13K price range, you can go from a 2005 Dodge Caravan with a towing rating of 1800 pounds to a 2005 Chevrolet Astro van with a 5800 pound towing capacity or the 2003 Ford Econoline Passenger van with 6800 pound towing capacity. The differences are car frames versus truck frames with truck engine power and transmissions. Of course fuel economy and ride comfort suffers.

Answer 2

Your owners manula should tell you this answer and it will be based on the engine size and how much other junk you load inside the van or vehicle.

If you max out the vehicles "tonnage" or maximum load capacity with people and luggage and other junk, then you will not be able to safely tow a trailer since the capacity of the brakes and gross weight of the vehicle has already been reached.

You can change this capacity by adding to the rear suspension with heavier springs and air shocks but you still have to take into consideration the brakes and engine size.

I've seen brand new 8 cylinder big block gasoline engines fail on their maiden voyage when they didn't keep track of the trailer weight and tried to tow it up a hill that was so steep they had to keep it in first gear just to keep some forward momentum and the engine locked up.

There's always down hill to consider too and this can be the last and fastest ride you've ever been on in your life.

Be careful and good luck!

Answer 3

Dont do it. That car is a unibody.....no frame....not safe