Is 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Rated to Tow Trailer
Updated 03/26/2018 | Published 03/23/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
So I have installed the hitch, and I feel well informed on towing capabilities...however, my boyfriend insists that in order to tow 1200 pound trailer, I will need to put different oil in my car 2008 Eclipse spyder. Is this true? And, if so, do I drain existing oil first? I will be towing the trailer approximately 35 miles.
asked by: DIANNE R
Expert Reply:
I reviewed an online edition of the owner's manual for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse and no towing capacity is indicated.
This is not surprising since this small car is intended as a sporty passenger vehicle; it is not intended to tow any trailer of any weight. I suggest you check your own owner's manual index under the heading 'towing' to see if it contains different information that indicates it is safe to use the car to tow a 1200-lb trailer.
We do offer several hitches for the car, all shown on the linked page, and the hitches themselves can handle the load of a trailer but on this car they are really made to allow use of a bike rack or other lightweight accessory.
Generally a vehicle will need to use the same weight of motor oil whether or not it is towing. If it is ever appropriate to use a different weight oil your manual will tell you this.
If you do still intend to tow the 1200-lb trailer just once for the 35-mile distance I recommend making sure the oil and transmission fluids both are filled to the correct level and that both are clean.
Towing a trailer with lights requires a wiring harness like # C59236, a ball mount like # 3592 and a hitch ball such as # 19256 (a 1-7/8-inch size) or # 19258 (a 2-inch size).
