1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

towing a trailer

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Old 04-12-09, 11:47 AM
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Question towing a trailer

I have a 1st gen and also have a couple of wave runners. The trailer and watercraft weighs around 1300 lbs loaded. I find myself without a tow rig at the moment and was wondering if any of you have ever used your 1st gens to tow something? If so what was your experience?
Old 04-12-09, 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by mschehen
I have a 1st gen and also have a couple of wave runners. The trailer and watercraft weighs around 1300 lbs loaded. I find myself without a tow rig at the moment and was wondering if any of you have ever used your 1st gens to tow something? If so what was your experience?
personally i dont like the idea of it, but at the same time, the REPU is a perfect example that a rotary drivetrain CAN handle towing, so i would assume that it would pull it just fine. once again, i still dont like the idea of it.
Old 04-12-09, 02:56 PM
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the repu had completely different gearing that an rx7.
Old 04-12-09, 03:06 PM
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i was mainly referring to the drivetrains ability to pull the weight without breaking. i know the gearing was different, but regardless it would be just as strong.
Old 04-12-09, 03:49 PM
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Personal experience: I used my 82 GSL to tow a 13' Boston Whaler w/ 40HP Yamaha outboard all over Florida for several years starting in 1982. Reflecting on that decision now with a couple of degrees from the School Of Hard Knocks I think it probably wasn't the best idea. I had no trouble whatsoever but was probably just lucky... As always, YMMV and if you only have a short distance to go it's probably OK. I was towing my boat 350 miles round trip every third weekend for several years along with numerous side trips. I recall that I spent a lot of time at 60 mph in 4th to try and preserve the clutch. This was in the years where the national speed limit was 55. The clutch finally failed at about 130K.
Old 04-13-09, 03:54 AM
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I think it can be done. I found this pic and set it as my desktop because its just ****** awesome!
Attached Thumbnails towing a trailer-smdscf0029.jpg  
Old 04-13-09, 04:29 PM
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As long as you're careful with the brakes, or better yet have upgraded them, I don't see a problem with towing two jetskis. I've always thought the car would make a pretty god tow rig for jetskis and tire trailers. Getting or making a good receiver would be the toughest part, I'd think.
Old 04-13-09, 04:40 PM
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its a sports car not a pickup truck. i personally wouldnt even try to tow something..
Old 04-13-09, 04:54 PM
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I used to tow an aluminum rowboat with 6 horsepower motor on a steel trailer. The whole set up was not terribly heavy. The tow rig was a stock gsl se and it did fine. I did not do it often, and I did not race anybody. The hitch was store bought, made for the rx7. The car did not suffer any that I could tell, just did it on weekends, during the summer months in WI.
Old 04-17-09, 09:07 PM
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I tow a 12' sailboat with mine. The total weight of boat and trailer may be 500 lbs. I can tell its back there when I hit the brakes. I don't have any steep boat ramps to deal with, so the clutch has handled it fine. My trips are less than 10 miles. I always put a chock block behind a rear wheel when I park on the boat ramp to make sure I don't roll into the water. Trailer hitch was made for RX7, attaches to bumper and frame. I think its rated for 1000 lbs. I wouldn't try 2 jetskis myself.
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