So I'm wanting to get a small pop up to pull with my '04 Tracker (probably something around 900-1000lb dry weight so maybe 1300-1400 when loaded?) I'm getting a lot of mixed reviews on whether it's possible for my vehicle. It's a 2004 - V6 - 4wd - Automatic - Base and my manual says 1500lbs towing capacity. I've seen 4cyl Chevy Cavaliers and Malibus pulling pop ups so I find it hard to believe my Tracker couldn't handle it. Any advice?

Thanks!

Forgive me for asking, but, where's the problem?

You have the manual, and the manual gives you a 1500lb limit, and your estimate of the loaded weight is below that limit, so, it would appear to be within the capability of your vehicle.

Having said that - the problem as I see it is not the Tracker's ability to pull the pop-up, but, more it's ability to stop, the pop-up - did you notice the manual says a trailer over 1000lbs needs to have trailer brakes?

The other thing I want to mention, specifically with regards to your having seen Cavaliers & Malibus pulling pop-ups, is that not everything you see being done is legal or safe - I've had folks blow past me on the freeway with trailer attached - I'm at around 10 over the limit, so I know they are well over it; I've had folks blow past me on the freeway with passengers in the tray of the pickup - would I personally do either of those - no -  I have a little more regard for personal safety than that.  I will take a bet with you, that if you were to look at the owner's manuals for the Cavalier & Malibu you would either not find anything on towing or a statement to the effect that the vehicles weren't meant to be used for towing.

Based on manufacturers' recommendations I'd say your proposal is sound, it's up to you to do it safely, and judging from the fact that you took the trouble to ask, I'm sure you'll be fine.

A couple more points - it might be a good idea to consider an "add-on" transmission cooler, especially if you're going to be towing that pop-up uphill, and I think the manual also mentions a limit on gross combined weight.

Thank you for all the details! I guess my problem is people just keep saying, "Well it's not about the weight - even though it says that you're really not supposed to go up to that." Which leaves me wondering: "Than why the hell would they say that" haha.

I didn't see the part in the manual about brakes but I'm guessing most pop-ups do not have brakes - so that would be a problem wouldn't it if the pop-up was 1300lbs all loaded up? I'm also concerned about having the pop up loaded up, plus the hitch, plus 2 adults in the car. That seems like it might be pushing it.

The manual I'm looking at is actually for a 2000 Vitara/Grand Vitara, so it's slightly different, but we're essentially discussing the same vehicle, with a few differences, one of which is actually the brakes - the GV actually has larger brakes than the Tracker.

Gross combined weight for the GV is 5600 lbs, curb weight is 3197, so you have an allowance of roughly 2400 lbs, take away 1400 lbs for the loaded trailer that leaves you with a thousand pounds - should be enough for two adults.

See what you can do about getting the trailer fitted with brakes - better safe than sorry.

Something I neglected to mention earlier on - you should have an OD Disable switch on the transmission shifter, and also an P/N AT switch just in front of the shifter - the P/N switch (Power/Normal) changes` the transmission shift points - in the P position it holds the lower gears longer, which is advantageous when towing, and the OD Disable switch will disable the "over drive" top gear which is again advantageous when towing - perhaps more importantly, it allows the torque converter to lock in third gear, and that can reduce the transmission fluid temperature significantly.

Okay that makes sense! For some reason I wasn't thinking we had that much extra to work with. So that would be plenty for my husband, me, our dog, etc. I was thinking for some reason that everything total had to be under 1500lbs and I was thinking that sounded impossible.

I towed my 1974 Glaston ski boat from Wisconsin to Arkansas and back with my 2001 Tracker only problem was my two new trailer tires both blew out. Glad I had the old ones. Trial weight was about 1200lbs. The wife and 6 year old kid, with a weeks worth of clothes. It actually did a great job, even on the long inclines. Never had a problem maintaining speed. Adding brakes to the camper would always be a good idea though.

I used to tow a small Starcraft popup with my 97 Sidekick and had no problems. I think using common sense when towing anything with any vehicle is needed. You cannot start, stop, turn, change lanes, etc. as fast as normal.