Full boat tail on a Matrix

[Weather Spotter]

lets cut the great car= get woman discussion out of this thread. In most cases girl liking a guy for his car is a bad motivator for a Godly relationship.

[Weather Spotter]

I did test drive a Prius and a Leaf this week....

A volt is on the list to try next....

update when I have driven all three so I can compare.

[Daox]

Woo, that sounds like a nice comparison.

[Weather Spotter]

I did the volt last week, it was a fun all electric car but seemed to have too many buttons and "extras" data overload and hard to find things like the park-drive indications. tying to hypermile it gave no indication of KW used just a 250MPG+ that did not change till the gas came on, then the car was a typical GM car......

If I only needed 50 miles in the winter (MI here it gets cold) then the leaf is a great car D) summer I could get 100 miles out of it no problem, it actively helps you hyper mile and eak out range.

the Prius is a good common hypermiler's car, its hard not to in that car but 50 MPG is just low for what i am use too, to justify a different car would require more then 65 MPG..... the Elio looks like a good car if it ever comes out..... and keep the matrix for trailer use. to trailer i would have to remove the tail or modify it for an extended hitch or to have it not come down as far as it does now...

Right now I am no rush to change cars.... unless someone makes me a great offer.

To help make the car more useable now until i can get an elio i want to have a trailer option.
So any ideas on how to make the trailer hitch useable and keep the tail?
what i have considered:
1. remove tail (has some issues)
2. add a hitch extension option that moves the ball 4' back (long turning)
3. modify to accommodate trailer
4. some combo?

[arcosine]

I want to see the Matrix aero trailer! How much longer does the trailer need to be than the tail? How much weight will it haul? Maybe just and add on tail extension, could be segmented, allowing up and down motion, but not side to side pivot, with a single caster wheel at the back.

[Weather Spotter]

I want the ability to tow a 5 by 8 foot trailer and up to 2000 lb.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by Weather Spotter

I want the ability to tow a 5 by 8 foot trailer and up to 2000 lb.

This is the beefiest pivot wheel based trailer I could find that comes close to yer requirements except the weight capacity is only up to 1600 lbs. It does have dual wheels on the pivot point fer added load capacity compared to the other single wheel trailers.

The Toy-Tote Ultra XXL. Standard pull model. 65″ w x 100″ long. Capacity 1600lbs.
Ultra XXL - Toy Tote


Just be advised...the price may be well above what yer willing to pay fer a pivot wheel based trailer but it will at least point you in the right direction to head towards. I noticed that this trailer uses the rubber valve stems instead of the metal ones. If yer gonna have up to 1600lbs on yer trailer wheels, you definitely want the wheels to match that capability. Yes, they do make trailer wheels with metal stems.

[arcosine]

Matrix can handle a 1500 lbs trailer max weight.

[Weather Spotter]

Originally Posted by arcosine

Matrix can handle a 1500 lbs trailer max weight.

sure it can, but thats not the limit........ on flat ground it can do way more........

I am thinking that for trailer needs I will use an open grate type that most home centers sell.

I might have to set up a hook up meet, I have to go to AL in a few weeks and am planning on driving. Not sure yet if the tail will come off first or not. if it does I might a strap on tail for the trip, similar to the one my old neighbor built for his Prius. That will solve many issues. when I need a car that looks good I could fold up the tail. when on long drives I can put it out. I would loose storage space but no more leaking when it rains or pulling in exhaust fumes.

Ideas on making a foldable tail?

[freebeard]

You asked.