Chevy Spark as a Toad, has a 5 speed manual.

[Dalin]

I'm looking at getting a new Chevy Spark, it has a 5 speed manual trans. Does anyone have any experience using on of these cars? I am only thinking of it because I had an S10 truck back in the 80's that I towed with a Class C RV, and it towed like it wasn't back there. All that was required was disconnect the battery and put the trans in neutral. I used a boat trailer light harness and put the lamps inside the original truck tail light lenses. so, I am hoping to do the same with a Spark. Its small and should be very light, and it is also a 4 door with room for 4 people. Any suggestions??

[GearHd6]

You have to make sure that transmission has gears that spin down in oil while in neutral in order to fling oil and lubricate all the internals. I know nothing about that car but I do know that lubrication is major even while flat towing a manual.
According to this http://www.davesmith.com/dinghy-towing.htm it'll be fine.

[Gumpster808]

Check the dinghy towing guide for the year. If 2018 the spark is there along with the Cruze that I have been looking at.

One note listed is for both I think and that is to not use a towbar cover or anything to block air to underside of car or the transmission may overheat.

https://www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides/

2018 not there yet but if you are an FMCA member they have the new year available.

[Dalin]

Thanks for that info, and about the Cruze as well. Gives me an option that I hadn't thought of. And yes, I did find a report on a guy using the Spark online yesterday afternoon, he seemed to be happy with it after installing all the proper equipment for towing and braking..Thank you all. I think I am going to take a second look at that Cruze option. That would be a more comfortable option I think. I will have to go to my dealership and ask them about that one.

[Gumpster808]

The other thing that was in the guide on FMCA site was some fuses that have to be removed. I think they keep the battery from running down while towing.

There are kits you can add that wire up a switch so you can just flip that instead of having to do the whole fuse thing.

Good luck - having a hard time finding the manual Cruze around here since I want the hatchback model.

Now if someone just had a tow bar for the new Kia Forte5. Absolutely loaded and manual trans for about same as Cruze hatchback. Cooled seats would be nice in warmer climates [emoji3]

[locoengnr11]

Have a 2016 same car ur looking to do it with I set up for tow and have towed 4k
e-mail me locoengnr11@aol.com for details

[vasnipe]

I tow my 2008 Smart Cabriolet with my Sunseeker, hardly know it is back there.
FMCA Magazine has a 2018 list of vehicles. http://bit.ly/2nItmoo File uploaded for reference.
Hope this helps some.
Chris in Virginia

[Gumpster808]

Originally Posted by locoengnr11

Have a 2016 same car ur looking to do it with I set up for tow and have towed 4k
e-mail me locoengnr11@aol.com for details

The spark or the Cruze?

[KayleysMom]

We tow a 2015 Spark with a manual transmission, but we use a tow dolly. The car is fun to drive and very easy to tow.

[Dalin]

Thanks for all the quick replies and web links, It is appreciated. I think I have most everything I need now and so I want you all to know I appreciate you all. Thanks!!

[TryingToLearn]

1 more comment- We have a 2015 Chevy Sonic auto trans that we tow 4 down. It has a fuse you can take out so you don't drain the battery, put the key in the 2nd position, put in neutral and go. 16,000 miles with no issue.

[Gumpster808]

Originally Posted by Dalin

Thanks for all the quick replies and web links, It is appreciated. I think I have most everything I need now and so I want you all to know I appreciate you all. Thanks!!

Just another note. Take a look at which vehicles actually have the tow plate made currently.

I went thru the list of 2018’s that we would consider and then compared to which actually has either blue ox or roadmaster tow plates available.

Had to cross some off since they don’t have the setup available yet.

[locoengnr11]

Grumpster, Call Blue ox,they maybe able to help with a retro fit