[sosmerc]

Anyone doing any light-duty towing with their Bolt?
I tow a small trailer with my Volt and it does fine (2 kayaks and 2 paddleboards on a Triton Aluminum 4 boat model)
I figure about a 15 % mileage drop on the highway @65 mph due to aero drag and maybe some extra weight. Car seems to handle it fine. Also have a utility trailer and haul my garbage and recycle to the dump (about 25 miles round trip)

 

[Fourdoor]

I installed a DrawTite receiver hitch with a 2000 / 200 rating on my Bolt to haul a utility trailer with. I don't have a pickup truck at the moment, so the hitch and trailer allow me to get plywood and similar supplies without having to rent a truck.

Keith

 

[sosmerc]

Thanks Keith, that's good to know. The ability to tow a small trailer for hauling stuff is VERY handy....and it's especially nice that we don't have to run a gas gulping truck to do the job. And one of these days there will be some great EV trucks available that can do some serious work for those that need it.

 

[!arry4pyro]

Thanks for the info, I've been wondering if I could tow a 1500 pound teardrop trailer behind my Volt. If anyone is interested in an exquisitely built teardrop, here's what I want.

https://vistabule.com/features-1/

 

[sosmerc]

That is a very cool trailer. BUT, I think it might be quite a lot to ask from the Volt to handle.

 

[KenC]

Nice, I like it! I towed my 800+ pound Waverunner behind my Volt. I suppose adding in the trailer, must be over 1000lbs. The Volt tows well, given its low CoG, and weight. Not sure how well 1500lbs will tow. I'd definitely add the electric brakes.

Thanks for the info, I've been wondering if I could tow a 1500 pound teardrop trailer behind my Volt. If anyone is interested in an exquisitely built teardrop, here's what I want.

https://vistabule.com/features-1/

 

[Fourdoor]

Thanks for the info, I've been wondering if I could tow a 1500 pound teardrop trailer behind my Volt. If anyone is interested in an exquisitely built teardrop, here's what I want.

https://vistabule.com/features-1/

Not sure if I would want to haul something that heavy on long distance runs. How much does something like that cost?

Keith

 

[billnoroville]

Here is my 2 cents on it.

I added a DrawTite hitch and a light kit to my 2016 Volt. The sticker on the door says limit is 855 pounds maximum luggage and passengers. So if I do the math for a Motorcycle= me 200 trailer 300 Motorcyle 400 hitch/drawbar/ball 30 pounds, riding gear 25 pounds, 2 ramps 30 pounds =985pounds. 130 pounds over he 855. But you say the trailer carries the 400 pound bike with only 110 pounds tongue weight (rated 200). But the car still has to PULL all the weight. You might not exceed the tire or axle rating on the Volt but you do exceed the door sticker stated limit. Also the manual clearly states it is neither designed or intended to pull a trailer. All of the drive parts pulling and stopping the car see the entire weight. Only at rest does it not.


Now this gives Chevy an out should your Volt need warranty service. Since Chevy is dropping the Volt maybe this is no longer a concern or maybe it should be.

Since I have a truck and a trailer that can both carry my bike I do not choose to use the Volt but I could as I have done a 60 mile test run. What I save in gas over the truck does not cover the idea of no warranty. For now the hitch can support a bicycle rack and my bicycle which just so happens a bike rack is shown on Chevy's Volt accessory page on their internet site. I would assume they expect a hitch mount bike rack to have a hitch mounted on the Volt for it to hook into. Maybe a bad assumption...I don't think so.


I am not saying don't do it, I am just stating some facts and possible problems. I think a 1500 pound trailer loaded with more weight in bedding and camping gear/clothes may be just a little much for a bolt especially in mountainous areas with steep up and down twisty roads. Coming down hill with a trailer is far more exciting than going up hill if drive system/brakes get hot and fail.