Need a second (or third, or fourth) opinion on towing with a Buick Lesabre.

[asennott]

I am moving from Mass. to Denver and wanted to put a hitch on my 98 Lesabre to tow a 5x8 Uhaul trailer. The Uhaul guy said there was too much rust and he couldn't install the hitch, and that it might damage the car. My own mechanic said that he could put the hitch on. I'm concerned about safety and not sure if I should try towing or not. Opinions? Thanks!

 

[Spriteman]

You could rent a small u-haul box truck with a flatbed trailer attached for your Lesabre.

I've towed a few vehicles on those trailers behind moving trucks and they work great and allow you to drive your stuff and vehicle in one rig.

And then you won't need to worry about damaging your car.

 

[asennott]

That would be out of my price range. Well, I'd rather put that money towards a down payment on a new car. It's probably more than my current car is worth.

 

[aaronfitzy]

I guess a picture of the underneath rear of your car would help.....

 

[Brian1234]

It doesn't seem like the best plan. If anything goes wrong with the car along the way you're in for $$$.

Alternate ideas:
- There are companies that will bring a box to you, about the size of that small trailer. You fill it then they ship it on a truck.
- Sell car, rent small box truck to move, buy upgraded used car.

 

[oldschool]

I guess it really depends how bad the rust is back there. I can't tell you if it's a good idea or not but can give a little insight.

I pull a 2k pound boat with my wife's LeSabre. With trailer and gas it's probably 2800lbs. I put the hitch on five years ago when there wasn't much rust but there is more now. I get under it twice a year with oil and try to cover all the rusty areas but it's a losing battle.

Every time I've priced a trailer hitch Uhaul was always a lot more money than some other places. The last hitch I bought for my Allure was from these guys, order online and wait for it to be delivered and cheaper than Uhaul.

http://hitchdepotusa.com/?gclid=Cj0...yYh0ESDGpcet25f23Ksuc7yS_FnjboHriIaAiMv8P8HAQ

I also put a trans cooler on my wife's car for towing, if your going long distance in the summer a trans cooler might be a good idea. They are cheap and somewhat easy to install.

 

[asennott]

Thanks for the info!

 

[donthekawguy]

I wouldn't trust the Uhaul guy. With the 15 minutes of training they get and how lazy they are your better off taking it to a couple of mechanics and a bodyshop to have it checked out.