Protege52003

I was wondering if anyone tows anything with their 3'rd generation protege. I am going to pick up a small boat or some jet skies that should not weigh more than 800 lbs.

The manual says no towing but I was wondering if they meant towing big heavy objects, not small personal watercraft?

I have seen a couple threads w/people having a tow hitch attached and just was wondering of you guys tow small traliers?

Thanks.

-R

Maxx Mazda

I think it'd be ok, just watch that you don't overheat the tranny. With an engine as underpowered as the FS already, I think you may have some problems with steep hills or whatever, but to anbswer your original question, I think it's entirely possible.

shackmgr6073

Yeah, see what happens when you back it down a boat ramp. (Don't really do that unless you want to have a underwater Protege, or Submarinetege) As far as hauling something like that with our cars????? I don't think I would try it, but let me know how it goes

00117064

The 2.0L have enought torque and HP to tow a small boat. Dont drive to fast and keep a safe distance in front of you and you wont have any problem.

thewrench

I tow a small trailer with as much as a canoe and four bikes at a time(about 500lbs), and I haven't had any problems so far. I only go from Atlanta down to Fla. so there's not too many big hills. I have an auto in a P5 and it can run on flat ground on the cruise at 70mph with no problem. The brakes seem to have no troubles. You might have to do a lot of shfting with a 5-speed, though. I would like to get a trans. temp gauge and maybe a cooler, but I don't know where or if there's provision for that on the tranny. Anyone out there know about that?

James

Protege52003

Thanks everyone,

These were the responses I expected. I figure I will not use it that much since I live on a lake, but sometimes I will want to take it to other places. Will just have to be careful. I went to a place that installed tow hitches today. They have a class I (2000lbs total and 200 lb on the hitch). I would not want to pull that much with my car. They want $240 US for everything including installation and wire harness(not including ball ). I will get in touch with other places for prices. Does not seem bad though. Will just take it easy when pulling it.

Thanks again.....

-R

JJB

someone else on this board posted their "hidden hitch" that was a simple bolt on for the P5 (not parts to cut, no holes to drill), might be worth looking into... hopefully someone else will chime in with who makes the thing.

another thread that might be of interest:
http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...=&threadid=765

thewrench

I've got the Hidden Hitch, got it from etrailer.com(no plug intended, but they did give good service). The hitch is a 30 minute install, quite easy. The wiring was more complicated. I used the universal kit etrailer recommended. I mounted the converter under some trim below the hatch, and, luckily, Mazda provided a large drain hole under the spare with a plug. When I use the wire I just run it through that hole, but I can store it hidden away inside so it's not obvious. That way I can hopefully avoid any dealer whining about towing because I can tell them I just use the hitch for a bike rack, and unless they pull the spare, there's no way to tell the wiring's there. Oh yeah, check for clearance if you have an aftermarket exhaust. I've got the Masdaspeed and it rattles a little until the exhaust warms up, and that's after some bracket bending. Hope that helps.

James