What is the Towing Capacity of a 2009 Chevy Malibu

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Question:

What are the tow capabilities of my 2009 Malibu Ecotec 4 cyl. I want to pull a seadoo PWC, dry weight of 1010lbs +trailer. Can this be safely done? I have been told yes, but I should baby the car, and use the manual paddle shifters to keep the RPM up. Also that I should try to stay in 3rd gear to minimize shifting on the transmission. Thanks in advance.

asked by: Aaron

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Expert Reply:

I checked an online copy of the owners manual for the 2009 Chevy Malibu and the vehicle is rated for 1,000 pounds. I cannot recommend towing anything heavier than that. I would take what you have been told with a grain of salt. What you should do is follow the procedures specified in the owners manual.

Paddle shifters on an automatic rarely work like you would want them to. Often times they result in a hard shift or delayed shift which can negatively affect ride quality plus it is one more thing to think about while driving.

When towing a trailer you would not drive the vehicle the same way as if you weren't towing a trailer. I don't know if babying it is the right terminology but take off nice and easy, leave plenty of space between you and vehicles in front of you, and give yourself plenty of room to slow down and stop.

If your Malibu has a 4-speed transmission then 3rd gear would not be so bad but you are going to lose some fuel efficiency. If you have the 6-speed transmission then staying in third gear would be a bad idea. I have included a link with tips on towing a trailer for you.

For a trailer hitch I recommend Curt model # C12051. For the correct ball mount use # C45522 with a compatible Pin and Clip # F-4. For a 1-7/8 inch ball use # 19256 and for a 2 inch ball use # 19258. For trailer wiring you can use # 118450.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 4

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 6

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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Answer 9

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 10

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 11

As far as wiring for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we do have the Curt #C59236 available which is more of a universal hardwire harness. Unfortunately there are not any plug-and-play options that have been confirmed to fit as of yet (October 4,…

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Answer 12

For your 2024 Toyota RAV4, the best trailer hitch receiver that will fit is the following: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e23ZR The #e23ZR is the best because it has completely concealed crosstube so only the receiver is showing, allowing your…

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What is the Towing Capacity of a 2009 Chevy Malibu

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