Tom And Ray Magliozzi Talks About Cars
Date: Oct 17th, 2007 5:09:27 am - Subscribe
Mood: ghetto
I was browsing for some car parts like the Honda Accord strut tower brace on the net when I saw this particular question and answer session with Tom and Ray Magliozzi who were talking about “Engine may blow if old car has to tow.” The Charlotte newsguide has the question and answer at their official website.
Here is how the interview went:
Q. I own a 1992 Toyota Camry Wagon V6 automatic with 150,000 miles on it. Recently, I installed a trailer hitch so I could mount a bike rack. As I was standing there admiring the way the bikes easily went on and off the rack, I began wondering if I could use this car to pull a very light pop-up trailer. My brother says doing so would be the equivalent of transmission suicide, but several trailer-hitch Web sites say that my wagon is good for up to 2,000 pounds. What do you think? Should I go for the light trailer or stick with my damp and humid tent? - Mark
TOM: I think you're headed down a slippery slope. First it's the bike rack, then it's the pop-up trailer. Next time you write, you'll be wanting to tow the Exxon Valdez. I'd quit while you're ahead.
RAY: Towing puts a lot of stress on any vehicle.
TOM: When you tow something, you're asking the engine, the transmission and the suspension to carry - in some cases - several thousands of extra pounds. Not to mention the added aerodynamic drag of the refrigerator box you're suddenly dragging around. That's stressful enough on a new car, but here you're talking about a car that's 15 years old.
RAY: So unless you're eager to drive this old Camry into the ground so you can buy something new, I'd limit the amount of towing you do. Stick with your old tent. Splurge instead on brand-new mosquito netting.
TOM: And when you do buy a new car, that's the time to think about whether you'll be towing stuff on a regular basis. Then you can order it with a big enough engine, a transmission cooler and, most importantly, an extended warranty.
If you wish to see the detailed story, click this link.
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