Please help!

The 2.0 is a modest power plant, and yes, the towing capacity is 1000 lbs. It sounds like you're going to be right around the limit. Of course the vehicle won't self-destruct at 1001 lbs, but the limit is there for a reason.

I have a hitch on my 2014 FWD 2.0 5-spd. U-haul installed it. They've done a couple others for me over the years and I've been happy with them. They did the wiring, and didn't even charge me a couple years later to fix the wiring after a body shop messed up the connection while fixing a minor fender-bender.

I've pulled a mid-sized U-haul (single axle) full of furniture with Wife in the car. The two of us probably weigh 350 lbs together, and I'm guessing the furniture weighed about as much as your motorcycle so probably around 800 - 1000 lbs total. Remember the trailer counts as weight too. I only went about 100 miles with that load, but it was a hot summer day (high 80s F) with lots of ups & downs, but no real mountains. We had no problems, but it does handle differently with that kind of a load -- brakes, cornering, etc. I frequently pull my open trailer (5x8) with my lawn tractor with absolutely no issues, though I'm sure my "tractor" (overgrown riding mower) weighs less than your motorcycle.

If you're going to be driving long days through the Rockies and across the deserts, I think you may run a risk of overheating the tranny. Keep an eye on your engine temp -- that will give you an idea of how hard the vehicle is working. Drive it easy and make plenty of rest stops to let it cool. Pray for rain!

If you have the CVT, along with the fluid and filters change you might want to consider adding another transmission cooler to the factory cooler.

I was thinking something like this:
Looking at this photo, I'm guessing there's more than 150 lbs on the tongue, but you get the idea.

You guys are amazing. This community is so supportive.

I have all of the information I need thanks to you. All things considered, it looks like my budget and vehicle limitations will only allow for a Harbor Freight trailer that I will modify with a motorcycle rail. That plus a Reese tow hitch kit and I’ll be well within my Pat’s restrictions to tow. Links included below. Thanks again, y’all!!!

Reese Tow Kit:


Harbor Freight Trailer:


Motorcycle Rail + Chock

Spade said:

Is there an easy way to determine whether I have the CVT or not?

Click to expand...

Open the hood and look for the CVT fluid filler tube cap:



You can also use the VIN to get a factory build sheet that should tell you:

Spade said:

Sixth character is a P so no go for CVT. I will be getting the transmission fluid replaced just to be safe!

Click to expand...

@Spade , a word of caution on using the sixth digit, it isn't always accurate for years 2014+.

Here's a 2015 FWD 2.0l with a CVT with sixth digit = "P"


Running the VIN through the build sheet server confirms a CVT II transmission (pg 4 below).