Tow with HHR 5-speed?

[gksmith]

I am contemplating purchasing a lightweight PUP designed to be towed by a motorcycle. It weighs 380#, so I suspect when loaded it might weigh close to 600#, maybe not quite. The catch is that the specs for HHR's state that the 5-speed HHRs should NOT be used for towing, but Automatics can tow 1,000#. Ironically, our ZX-2, an even smaller vehicle, states the opposite. This discrepancy seems strange to me. We are tempted to try it any way. I would appreciate your input and comments. Thanks in advance!

[Skip426]

Welcome to iRV2.
There are many cases where vehicles with automatics , have higher tow weight ratings that their standard transmission counterparts. Even some trucks are that way.
Things to consider are final drive ratio, first gear ratio, clutch capability and drivers skill, and if your willing to replace the clutch and/or transmission should the experiment fail.