Towing The Elio / Towing With The Elio

[Ty]

Unless the designers of the vehicle say definitively that it won't be safe to tow with. As if this moment this is the word we have. Second hand word yes but that's pretty much how we get everything.

I agree. If the engineers say it isn't safe to tow and specifically advise against it, I wouldn't do it. I don't see how it could be less safe than towing behind a much lighter motorcycle though. Maybe the geometry of the wheels... I know if you put much weight any length behind that back tire, you'll raise the front - perhaps even dangerously. I wonder if an axle-type of hitch like some motorcycles use would put the weight directly over the rear wheel and wouldn't lift the front much if any. The weight of the trailer would still cause slower stops and if loaded wrong, would still try to whip you back and forth...

 

[zelio]

Paul is saying the Elio will not be able to tow because of issues with the stability system. What's left to interpret?

You know, KN16, it does not matter what anyone says here. You are absolutely convinced that you are the only one right. So beit. Nobody is going to be able to change your mind. I leave you to your own company. Enjoy! :-) Z

 

[KN16]

I agree. If the engineers say it isn't safe to tow and specifically advise against it, I wouldn't do it. I don't see how it could be less safe than towing behind a much lighter motorcycle though. Maybe the geometry of the wheels... I know if you put much weight any length behind that back tire, you'll raise the front - perhaps even dangerously. I wonder if an axle-type of hitch like some motorcycles use would put the weight directly over the rear wheel and wouldn't lift the front much if any. The weight of the trailer would still cause slower stops and if loaded wrong, would still try to whip you back and forth...

The single rear wheel configuration is what other that were in on the call are saying. It's not about weight or distribution it's about the ability of the single rear wheel to remain stable.

These people who listened to Paul could have it wrong. All I know is what they are saying.

 

[KN16]

You know, KN16, it does not matter what anyone says here. You are absolutely convinced that you are the only one right. So beit. Nobody is going to be able to change your mind. I leave you to your own company. Enjoy! Z

It's not me saying this it's people who were in on the conversation with Paul. It could be they are wrong. It's odd that their story is consistent though.

You said you trusted Paul. Did he pick the wrong people to talk to?

 

[KN16]

Is it possible to Like her post multiple times??

OK fine Goofyone was wrong when he convinced me that Michale was a stand up guy.

 

[3 Card]

Motorcycles are rear whell drive, most are close to even front /back wheel weight ratio..Bikes are about 8 ft long..Elio is close to 15 ft.. Rear wheel drive is great for towing, front ain't nuttin to write home about.. The rear tire sits back 4 to 5 feet back on Elio than a bike..Hardly any weight back there since it has no drive train compenents.. Hit a bump with or pot hole with the rear tire, humm, the ass end is going to bouce on the bump and possibly sink with a pot hole.. Either way, pulling a trailer could tongue bottom out hitting the hole or the trailer could jerk the car in any direction after hitting a bump..I'm sure Elio must have done some testing before announcing not hitch will be offered.. I don't plan on a rear passenger or towing something on the expressway.. A receiver for a bikecycle mount or suit case rack would be great..What the hell could you put in a trailer anyway? The smallest trailer weighs about 300 lb, with hitch and ball mount you'd be close to 400... You'll have 50 hp .. Na not a good thing..I will experiment by putting one on for curiosity and another excuse to complain about something..

 

[Brian1362]

One of the other threads someone who was apparently on a conference call with Paul says it was put out that the programing in the electronic stability control won't allow for it.

PS it was the bike rack thread

I love this. This information is so real!!! "Someone who was 'apparently' on a conference call with Paul." Yes, that is so reliable!! Name the person!

 

[Brian1362]

It's not me saying this it's people who were in on the conversation with Paul. It could be they are wrong. It's odd that their story is consistent though.

You said you trusted Paul. Did he pick the wrong people to talk to?

Said enough when you said "it's not me saying it." Here-say/speculation.

 

[Ty]

Motorcycles are rear whell drive, most are close to even front /back wheel weight ratio..Bikes are about 8 ft long..Elio is close to 15 ft.. Rear wheel drive is great for towing, front ain't nuttin to write home about.. The rear tire sits back 4 to 5 feet back on Elio than a bike..Hardly any weight back there since it has no drive train compenents.. Hit a bump with or pot hole with the rear tire, humm, the ass end is going to bouce on the bump and possibly sink with a pot hole.. Either way, pulling a trailer could tongue bottom out hitting the hole or the trailer could jerk the car in any direction after hitting a bump..I'm sure Elio must have done some testing before announcing not hitch will be offered.. I don't plan on a rear passenger or towing something on the expressway.. A receiver for a bikecycle mount or suit case rack would be great..What the hell could you put in a trailer anyway? The smallest trailer weighs about 300 lb, with hitch and ball mount you'd be close to 400... You'll have 50 hp .. Na not a good thing..I will experiment by putting one on for curiosity and another excuse to complain about something..

True. I just can't see the Elio being much of a long-haul car anyway. I think you are right about that rear tire. They had a video of the Elio (the silver one) that was really short but I noticed that the rear end became airborn on a bump. I don't think that would be good for hauling although my truck rides a lot smoother when pulling a trailer. Of course, I have nearly 10 times the horsepower and at least that many times the torque... not to mention, I outweigh it by around 6,000 pounds! I'll be using my Elio to offset 45 or so miles of diesel fuel at 14-15 MPG per day. (I tend to go through about 3-4 gallons a day)

 

[Brian1362]

Funny, as my Harbor Freight trailer is 129# dry, with the plywood deck and car top carrier, add another 20-30#. Yeah, I REALLY see 300 plus pounds. It's called math. add it up.