Dolly towing a Chevy HHR

[rodgerhome]

Asked this on another forum, but was wondering if anyone knew the specific reason Chevy states in their manual that an HHR can not be dolly towed. I am aware the HHR is able to be pulled 4 down, but I can't find anyone who knows why Chevy has the dolly restriction. Doesn't seem to be a rear clearance issue as some have said. I can't even get Chevy to provide an answer. Their email response to this question was:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Our resources confirm that the 2007 Chevrolet HHR cannot be towed with a dolly. While we will not be able to advise you regarding specifically which parts of the HHR dolly towing would damage, we can let you know that the vehicle can be dinghy towed (with all four wheels on the ground). Instructions for the correct procedure for dinghy towing an HHR can be found in the owner's manual. We apologize for any inconvenience.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[rodgerhome]

Asked this on another forum, but was wondering if anyone knew the specific reason Chevy states in their manual that an HHR can not be dolly towed. I am aware the HHR is able to be pulled 4 down, but I can't find anyone who knows why Chevy has the dolly restriction. Doesn't seem to be a rear clearance issue as some have said. I can't even get Chevy to provide an answer. Their email response to this question was:

Quote:

Our resources confirm that the 2007 Chevrolet HHR cannot be towed with a dolly. While we will not be able to advise you regarding specifically which parts of the HHR dolly towing would damage, we can let you know that the vehicle can be dinghy towed (with all four wheels on the ground). Instructions for the correct procedure for dinghy towing an HHR can be found in the owner's manual. We apologize for any inconvenience.

[RV Wizard]

rodgerhome, welcome to iRV2.com. Sorry I can't answer your question but I did want to acknowlege your post and welcome you to our website and forum. I am sure that someone that does know the reason will post here soon. Do you have a reason to tow it on a dollie rather than four down besides cost? Many do not like the hassle of a dollie and a few seem to deal with them ok. I like the flat four method of towing; wish I could tow both at the same time!

[Pusherman]

We have a HHR and tow it 4-down as recommended by Chevy. Chevy specifically states (as you have stated above) against the use of a tow dolly. I can only guess there are clearance issues at the rear of the car.

This car has the wheels, including the rear wheels, at the very outboard of the car. I would venture to guess that when the front end of the car is raised off the ground, that there will be a clearance issue with the muffler and tail pipe.

I would only recommend 4-down towing with this car. And in fact, I would recommend 4-down towing over a tow dolly any day.

[rodgerhome]

My dolly is very low compared to others I have seen. When on the dolly, the rear clearance is only an inch or two lower. I have towed this way quite a few miles, but was just wondering why Chevy had that in the book. Actually, there are quite a few advantages to dolly towing I have found. They are:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>No front tire wear due to weave. The dolly seems to take this better.
<LI>The car doesn't have unsightly mounting pins showing.
<LI>If you already own a dolly, don't have to spend the money on hitch.
<LI>Allows different vehicles to be towed without having hitch for each one[/list]

[Jestme13]

rodgerhome, let us know how you make out when you dolly tow your HHR. It should prove to be interesting.

[rca]

I've been dolly towing my 06 HHR for a year and a half without any problems. I called GM Canada when I took delivery of the car and couldn't get a straight answer to why I couldn't dolly tow the HHR after successfully towing two Cavaliers on the dolly...they have more rear overhang.
The only thing I do to prepare the HHR is pull the fuse and remove the two front wheel covers so the tie down straps don't scuff them as the car rocks. (Learned that the hard way from the Cavalier days.) Go for it!

[Johnnie and Adrian]

We just bought a 2006 HHR and was told that you cannot dolly tow because when its up on the dolly the clearance between inner back tires is very very small. We put it up on the dolly and the clearance is the same down or up on the dolly. We need to sell our dolly however we need to get it out west where our buyer is. So we will take at least one trip with it on the dolly.
good luck

[gatorcq]

Same question, and i will give the same answer on the other forum. ground clearance only. If you have a dolly put it on and take a good hard look. The gas Tank is located near the rear seat area with a metal shield. Fuel pump is located behind the tank. (outside it). It is only clearance that Chevy is worry about. Like all company they provide a disclaimer to protect themselves. I install (myself) Hitch, Adapter plate and air brake system by roadmaster. Hope this helps outs. Now go put in on and test drive it around the block with someone following.