ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: ryan christensen on June 19, 2009, 07:46:52 AM
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Hello,
I have been a samurai fan for years but haven't had the resources or time to build one. Now that I have time and money I am looking at buying either a sidekick or a samurai. I would prefer a samurai, but If we cant tow it behind our element, then I may get a sidekick.
Does anyone have any idea how an Element would pull a built samurai? Also is it difficult to do?
We have the 2.4l vtec
thanks,
Ry
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SURE WOULD BE COOL TO SEE A SAMMY PULLIN A HONDA HOWEVER!!!! SORRY I COULDNT HELP 8)
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The Element isn't actually rated for towing, which is kind of annoying. I found a forum where they posted the max tow weight is around 1500 pounds for a trailer, so you might be able to get away with a bit more flat towing.
But you only weight 3500 pounds, with a built Sammy you will be pulling over half that. That is a lot of extra weight to try stopping. It could be done, but I would just build the Sammy up to be driven to the trails instead of towing it with that small of a vehicle. Hopefully one of the people that pull the Sammy's with their Trackers will chime in.
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According to this reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Element/
the Honda Element has a 1500 LB towing rating. Most Samurais are over 2200 lbs., which would put you about 50% over the legal rating. It's a shame really, 'cause I'd like to tow my Samurai (on rare occasions) with my Honda CR-V (same tow rating as Element). I'm just not prepared to accept the risk.
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I've towed my samurai with another samurai on the float. You need brakes on the float and if it's built right and balanced it will not cause any issues. DOT pulled me over more than once but when I showed the system I got they always walked away. Good balance and brakes.
Around here is you flat tow, the vehicle towed needs to have reg and insurance and safety so it's not worth the effort. IF you need all that then just drive it. IF you can get away with this then I'd look at putting some electric brakes on the back of the zuke and wiring it so when you hit the brakes that the zuke will brake on its own.
Last summer I was coming back home and lost a brake line on my 2002 ford F150. I towed all the way home, very carefully using the trailor brakes. It wouldn't have stopped me on a dime but it worked pretty good.
Make sure to service the trailor brakes and bearings more than once a year. It's very important that it works if you are towing with a small vehicle.
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Lame,
totally not what I wanted to hear, but what I expected. Well thanks for the info. That will help me with some decisions I need to make.
-Ry