Bike Rack

[Rickb]

I've put trailer hitches on geo metro convertibles, ford escorts, and my little Fiat PoP.. All said not intended for trailer towing in manual..However.. they all had the holes pre-drilled from the factory to add a receiver hitch.. just about every front wheel car sold states in manual not intended for trailering

This is exactly what I thought Elio would be providing ...........pre-drilled holes along with any reinforcement required to easily add an after market hitch...........plain and simple. If the Elio's three wheel configuration can't support a hitch bike rack or small platform carrier I worry about it's engineering. Ultimately it will be what it will be on the P5.

 

[KN16]

KN16, not trying to be negative but I've seen you post this 1/2 the weight several times and everytime I look up the specs it just isn't true; it is much closer to 2/3 the weight of an elio. From the source http://powersports.honda.com/2013/gold-wing/specifications.aspx

Curb Weight904-933 pounds, depending on option packages selected (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel-ready to ride)

I said about half doing an algebraic equation doesn't change the point.

 

[KN16]

When Elio states that the stability control would have to be turned off to tow, that comes as NO SURPRISE. In fact I'd be surprised if they didn't state that.

Where did EM say that? If you got that out of this thread it was a forum member supposition.

 

[KN16]

This is exactly what I thought Elio would be providing ...........pre-drilled holes along with any reinforcement required to easily add an after market hitch...........plain and simple. If the Elio's three wheel configuration can't support a hitch bike rack or small platform carrier I worry about it's engineering. Ultimately it will be what it will be on the P5.

It's not about capacity or drilling holes. Unless anything has changed people who got to participate in Paul's last conference call have said that Paul said the Elio (at least the 1st gen) will not be tow worthy because the stability system will not be programed to allow it.

 

[2.ooohhh]

Where did EM say that? If you got that out of this thread it was a forum member supposition.

Elios stated that they would not be reprogramming the stability control for trailers due to the costs involved.


There are only two methods of supporting a trailer hitch installed on a car with stability control. One is to add a new stability control program modified to take into account the additional outside forces acting on the vehicle's chassis from the trailer(The New F150s do this, Paul stated that elio would not be spending the cash to do this) the other is to turn stability control off when towing(BMW's approach on the x5). The approach that Ford took is VERY expensive due to all the testing required, but worth it on a truck such as the f150 where towing is a high priority among purchasers. They have to test hundreds of different trailer configurations against dozens of driving scenarios to create the new stability mode. Turning the stability control "off" for towing has the increased cost per unit of a single button.

 

[KN16]

Elios stated that they would not be reprogramming the stability control for trailers due to the costs involved.


There are only two methods of supporting a trailer hitch installed on a car with stability control. One is to add a new stability control program modified to take into account the additional outside forces acting on the vehicle's chassis from the trailer(The New F150s do this, Paul stated that elio would not be spending the cash to do this) the other is to turn stability control off when towing(BMW's approach on the x5). The approach that Ford took is VERY expensive due to all the testing required, but worth it on a truck such as the f150 where towing is a high priority among purchasers. They have to test hundreds of different trailer configurations against dozens of driving scenarios to create the new stability mode. Turning the stability control "off" for towing has the increased cost per unit of a single button.

If that's what's going on great. They need to speak up. Both participants of the confrere call that have posted their thoughts seem to have interpenetrated Paul Elio's comments an meaning towing with the Elio would not be safe and plans for a receiver or allowing for a after market receiver were abandoned.

PS you are the first to mention cost. Both participants have said it was a time factor.

 

[2.ooohhh]

Well like anything it really only takes two things to make it happen, time and money. I was at a model introduction last spring with Ford and the execs were explaining how expensive the development costs for the new trailer stability control program and the integrated trailer brake controller were, but that it will pay off dividends in f150 sales for years to come. Since around 70% of the f150s rolling off our lot leave with the factory tow package I know that in the case of the f150 it's likely true. I'm betting that on the elio MUCH less, possibly even sub 20% will end up with an aftermarket trailer hitch so I can see how it wouldn't be a priority time or money wise for them.

 

[KN16]

Well like anything it really only takes two things to make it happen, time and money. I was at a model introduction last spring with Ford and the execs were explaining how expensive the development costs for the new trailer stability control program and the integrated trailer brake controller were, but that it will pay off dividends in f150 sales for years to come. Since around 70% of the f150s rolling off our lot leave with the factory tow package I know that in the case of the f150 it's likely true. I'm betting that on the elio MUCH less, possibly even sub 20% will end up with an aftermarket trailer hitch so I can see how it wouldn't be a priority time or money wise for them.

I think you're way low. Obviously there's been no study but casual observation says 50-75% want the ability to tow with their Elio. Those that heard the words coming out of his mouth said it was a time factor. Now all that remains is for EM to speak up and put and end to the mess they've made with this very un-buisness like way of communicating with their customers.

 

[2.ooohhh]

I think you're way low. Obviously there's been no study but casual observation says 50-75% want the ability to tow with their Elio. Those that heard the words coming out of his mouth said it was a time factor. Now all that remains is for EM to speak up and put and end to the mess they've made with this very un-buisness like way of communicating with their customers.

Perhaps 50%-70% of the early adopter "money in the pot a year in advance crowd" want to tow, but I know the bulk of the general commuting population they want to sell hundreds upon thousands of these cars to has almost no interest in towing with an elio. If they did our dealership would be offering to put hitches on fiestas, fusion hybrids, and focuses.

 

[Rickb]

Now that's what I'm talkin about..........an Elio Factory Tow Package..........not just a little receiver hitch option.........but a full blown TOW PACKAGE! That might require a dually rear wheel.