I just went to the Pontiac Torrent website. In going through all the specs and features, the only thing mentioning towing at all is that you can get a 1 1/4" hitch installed, along with wiring (it didn't specify whether 4-pin or 7-pin, but I suspect the former.) The picture going with that feature showed a Torrent with a bicycle carrier rack mounted on the hitch. There was no mention whatsoever of towing capacity.
This is a FWD/AWD, 112" wheelbase vehicle offering a 3.6L V6 engine at the largest. IMO, it is totally unsuited to towing a full-height trailer of any kind, hybrid or otherwise.
A Pontiac Torrent is based on the Chevrolet Equinox, which has a 3500 lb towing capacity. I would assume it would be the same for the Torrent. Realistically, you could probably get by with a 17 foot Hybrid if you were going on short trips. The Torrent would have plenty of power to pull a hybrid, but its the FWD transmission and the unibody chassis that could be stressed if you tried to pull such a load.
As a general recommendation I'd not tow more than 2500 pounds with a 3500 pound maximum towing capacity vehicle as that weight is based on a empty truck. No passengers, no cargo.
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland Our Photo pages
Dave and Debby. Wecome to the world of camping with ...any kind of trailer.! It beats the daylights outa using a tent..but read on.
Quote: This is a FWD/AWD, 112" wheelbase vehicle offering a 3.6L V6 engine at the largest. IMO, it is totally unsuited to towing a full-height trailer of any kind, hybrid or otherwise.
Absolutely.!! emphasis on "Full Height" here.
Quote: As a general recommendation I'd not tow more than 2500 pounds with a 3500 pound maximum towing capacity vehicle as that weight is based on a empty truck. No passengers, no cargo.
I totally agree with Chuck.
To do so with a family is a recipe for potential disaster IMHO. Want to camp with an HTT..?, get your TV first, then look for a suitable HTT. A Torrent or for that matter (and I'm going to get some flack on this), any MiniVan type of vehicle is in my opinion, completely unsuitable for towing an HTT. And please don't talk to me about a single axle 17 footer either. Those that have towed will tell you: single axle & high wall trailer = mega sway that a MiniVan type of TV simply cannot handle. So try to get yourself something that can EASILY (4500lb HTT, 7500lb tow cap TV - that's my ratio), handle the HTT you wish to use. Not only is that the logical solution to keep you and your family safe, it also keeps the rest of us safe too.
Or if the Torrent is the vehicle you wish to use to tow/camp with, then I would highly recommend that you stick with a tent trailer for now. One thing to keep in mind is that most of these types of vehicles use Front Wheel drive. Anything hanging off the back end is going to raise the front axle and reduce your traction and subsequent steering control. So even with a tent trailer-in particular the 12' types that can get up to 2500+ lbs loaded, look at the REESE Mini 350 WD.
Kudo's to you to come to a website for info...many don't and unfortunately, we sometimes see them rolled over on the side of the road.
Once you do get a larger Tow Vehicle (TV), that can handle an HTT - make sure your tow hitch is up to the challenge. Again I would suggest a Weight Distributing type with integrated Anti Sway...period....for the extra 5-600 bucks - cheap insurance.!
I camp in BC through the mountains and as such drive through them too. Not quite as mountainous in NB, but plenty of hills and curves on 2 lane roads...been there and it's really beautifull...might even retire there...St. John river..??
Cheers / regards,
stk
* This post was
last
edited 01/05/08 10:36pm by Steak2k1 *
View edit history
Teresa-Meagan-Kaylee '06 GMC DMax CCSB w/a lil 'Xtra Jam 2006KZ KY-Yachty CT22 done comfy.!
Reese 750WD w/DualCam Sway: 50W Solar
Hi, If you want to almost quickly know the torque of a vechile check the Carmax website. Torque on this vechile is 210, that stinks for any Hybrid.. I don't think I even tow the mini-lite/fun finder 13' with that. Sorry you'll hate towing a hybrid with this unless you want to go around the corner.
Ask a dealer....hey, thats me. Peronally, it would have to be a very small hybrid. I can grab anything off the lot, and the smallest i would go is a trailblazer. Lets face it, the torrent/Equinox is no more than a car underneath. If you have the Torrent, you may wanna stick to a pop-up.
Offline
('71), DW 
('70), DD 
('01), DD 
('04). 
