Parts Needed to Tow a Motorcycle on a Trailer with a 2012 Fiat 500

Updated 07/23/2014 | Published 07/22/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(22)

$237.76

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2619)

$17.03

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs

(2619)

$16.43

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K

(2328)

$33.46

Question:

According to the owners manual, I can tow up to 500 lbs. For me, this capacity will include the trailer itself and a motorcycle. Because my dealership has limited experience installing hitches, Im wondering if Ill need to beef up my suspension or add shocks?...especially if my load should increase to 600 lbs. or more.

asked by: Christine

Expert Reply:

First, since the owner's manual says 500 pounds, you will want to keep it at or under 500 pounds. The Fiat 500 is a small vehicle not really used for towing. Every pound counts and you would not want to overload it and end up with frame, drive train, or transmission damage.

Since you will be towing I recommend Curt trailer hitch # C11363. The recommended ball is # 3593. If the trailer requires a 1-7/8 inch ball (it should sway on top of the trailer coupler) then use # 19256. For a 2 inch ball use # 19258. And for trailer wiring you can use # 118546.

It is not likely that the tongue weight of a gross trailer weight of 500 pounds would cause any problems with the rear suspension on your Fiat. Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight so you are looking at 50 to 75 pounds. This is likely well under the carrying capacity for the interior of the vehicle. It would be like carrying 50 to 75 pounds of stuff in the small cargo area at the very back.

expert reply by: Michael H