People sometimes forget that all travel trailers were pulled with automobiles. We just didn't have SUVs and etc. The A-Liner is a VERY light trailer. Just be sure you get a good hitch and have someone "in the know" make your electrical connections. Have fun!
For those reading this theread. The A-Liner 400 has a dry weight of 452 pounds and a hitch weight of 50 pounds! Gee . . . you should be able to pull that with a Whizzer motorbike - remember those?
Last month while camping we saw a Toyota Camry in the campground with a regular sized Aliner. I think you'd be fine with the 400.
Chuck D.
'03 Jayco Kiwi 17a, '03 Chevy Trailblazer EXT, Garmin Nuvi 200 GPS
Photography is my obsession: http://coldwater.smugmug.com/
“Adventure is just bad planning.” - Roald Amundsen
Camry V6 has a 2,000# tow rating, believe it or not.
The A400 is a tiny camper, but should be an easy tow for you. If the Century has the 3.4 engine in it, be sure to regularly check the oil and the coolant tank. If the oil ever looks milky colored or the tank level drops below minimum, get to the nearest mechanic. These engines have a common problem with an intake manifold gasket leaking coolant into the oil. If fixed immediately, it is several hundred bucks (irritating, but common repair price for ANYTHING these days). If you don't notice it, the contaminated oil will ruin the engine over time. Be vigilant!
Guest wrote: If the Century has the 3.4 engine in it, be sure to regularly check the oil and the coolant tank. If the oil ever looks milky colored or the tank level drops below minimum, get to the nearest mechanic. These engines have a common problem with an intake manifold gasket leaking coolant into the oil.
The Century came exclusively with the 3.1 V6 for 1997-2005. The 3.4 was not offered in the Century. The similar Buick Regal used the 3.8 V6.
I have a 98 Chevy Lumina, 3.1 V6, that is very similar to the Buick Century. Mine has 110,000 miles and is rock solid dependable. I just towed our 2700 lb Jayco popup about 100 miles last weekend with it. It is not my primary tow vehicle, but it does a fine job. It might be short on power for the mountains, but it is very stable and comfortable. The only bad part is that a class II hitch is the only type offered (3500 lb max). That is not really a problem, but I would prefer to have a heavier class III hitch even for a light trailer.
The independent suspension and low center of gravity make for a stable combination when towing. And, the fuel economy is great, as you already know.
There is someone else who posts sometimes who tows a similar size trailer (I think) with a Pontiac Grand Prix, which is also similar to your Buick.
* This post was
edited 10/12/07 12:33pm by Fast Mopar *
2004 Ford Freestar 4.2 liter
2003 Jayco Qwest 12A
preserve the Second Amendment
I have a '91 Corisca with about 100,000 miles on it. I have towed my utility trailer with about 900 lbs of camp gear and didn't have any problems. It has a 3.1 V6.
DW, 2 girls, and me
07 Freestar
76 Parklane Tent Trailer
08 Minn Kota 30 lb Troller
56 Featherlite 10' Cartopper
Nights camped in 2007: 14
Nights camped in 2008: 10
17 years Professional Driving accident free all over North America
I have a 2006 Chevy Malibu & I've been pulling my pup for a year with no problems. I asked at the dealer first & they gave me the weight limits and such. I had my hitch put on by another autobody place, it was cheaper by half for the same hitch. We bought a flagstaff about a month later. We're looking for a slightly bigger TV in the future, but for now we're doing fine and having fun on the Olympic Peninsula.
My wife and I have enjoyed the last 3 summers towing our 1995 Coleman Cedar (8ft.) popup all over Eastern Canada with our 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT (similar to your Buick). Our popup - much like the Aliner you're looking at - is very light and very manouverable.
That Alite 400 looks like a very good choice, and is much lighter than even our unit. You will have no trouble hauling it with your car. If it's going to be your first towing experience, a few practice runs in an empty parking lot backing up and turning is time well spent. You will quickly see how easy towing a small unit like that can be.
We had a Class 2 hitch installed on our Grand Prix, although a Class 1 would have been just fine. Hidden Hitch makes either class of hitch for your vehicle. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy your purchase!
Dave and Nancy(and 1 camping pooch)
1995 Coleman Cedar 8'
2002 VW Jetta 1.8T
2002 Grand Prix GT
Thank you all so much for your replys....gee, I thought I was in the wrong place before...I really appreciate your feedback since you all clearly have more experience than I do in this matter. I am so looking forward to this purchase and being able to have my home away from home!!! Gee, this is just soooo exciting.
In friendship
Rosa
Offline
