Turns out that diving is safer than driving a car!

[bamamedic]

Hmmm...a trailer hitch for a Miata? I was a little worried about the engines' ability to pull a trailer. They are little bitty four cylinders, after all.

 

[ShagMan]

They can pull a very small trailer, like a 4x3 trailer you can get at harbor freight... a lot of the autoX guys pull a trailer with a toolbox and their race tires on it.

 

[dave4868]

They can pull a very small trailer, like a 4x3 trailer you can get at harbor freight... a lot of the autoX guys pull a trailer with a toolbox and their race tires on it.

A small trailer like that is what I had in mind. Tongue weight could be kept pretty low, like 35 to 50 lbs, so handling wouldn't be too bad for the car or the trailer. Overall pulling load wouldn't be detrimental if one took it easy on acceleration, I'd guess.

I installed a hitch on my Camry and it really increases the utility of the vehicle.

Of course, it's not a sweet-driving little gem like a Miata, so I don't lose much.

Dave C

 

[algulfdiver]

Don't sound like she has to worry about it now

 

[Zeeman]

...Miatas are GREAT, but ...just that people don't see you...

Yes, just ask Mrs A (AlmityWife), she'll tell you ALL about how they are hard to see. Especially the red ones. With the roof down. In your front yard.

Z...

 

[Zeeman]

...In my defense, my tires weren't all the great...Texting on my cell phone while driving probably didn't help matters either.

Somehow, I don't think this would hold up in a court of law as a defense.

Seeing as I'm hardly the best example of a "good driver", I'll keep my comments to myself.

On the positive side, glad you made it out OK, and hey, good excuse to buy the latest model Just make sure the tyres are always in good nick

Z...

 

[mwhities]

I'm glad you are okay, I hate the car is totaled but, all the diving gear is okay, right?

 

[Parysa]

Cars can be replaced. People can't. Glad you're ok. I am sorry about the car, though. I went to school with a girl who had a wreck in a Miata. She got hit broadside by an 18-wheeler. Totalled the car but, again, passenger compartment was fine and she only had a few bruises.

 

[mike_s]

Hmmm...a trailer hitch for a Miata? I was a little worried about the engines' ability to pull a trailer. They are little bitty four cylinders, after all.

It's not the engine I would worry about so much as braking.... It'd be kinda like the 'tail wagging the dog'.

Thats the same reason on the jeep wrangler they have a very low tow rating. it's because it's small wheelbase (distance between axels). While its 6cyl engine can easily tow a 4500 pound boat, the boat might push the vehicle when braking, especially in a turn.

They can pull a very small trailer, like a 4x3 trailer you can get at harbor freight... a lot of the autoX guys pull a trailer with a toolbox and their race tires on it.

I've seen several people do stuff like these very small trailers with small cars. there are a few companies that actually make "2nd trunk" trailers with pop up lids on them.

The Harbor Freight trailer is a good option, but opt for the one with the 12" wheels instead of the 8" ones to help from overstressing the bearings at 80mph (while texting on your phone).


here's an example of the smaller "trunk cargo trailers". note... because of the short tow length, these are a bitch to back up. especially in a bigger vehicle because you can't see them.

 

[BNow0707]

Glad to hear you're OK

Mike s is right I own and drive a Jeep Wrangler that thing will pull!!!! I've used it too pull out stuck forklifts and full size pickups among other things. But hook up a bass boat and slam on the brakes and were goin for a ride. Even with my landscaping trailer if i try to turn and brake at the same time we end up braking but not turning!!

The trailer would be a good idea if you do get another Miata. But you could get a pickup and haul all your gear plus your dive buddies and charge them fuel mileage