First of all, let me say i am so excited that i found this site. and specifically this forum. since they were brand new i've always loved the 88-91 4 door dx. and to have a place where i can converse and get advice from other dx loves is AWESOME. and all the clean dx pics are equally AWESOME.

i had a '91 4 door a year ago, but sold it for a larger car and have regretted it ever since. i'm on the verge of buying another one, but would like to first find out if you all think i can tow a 287 pound (plus the weight of a small trailer) standup jetski with it.

note: i've towed much, much heavier things with other sedans, but the engines and cars were much bigger.

any thoughts, opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS!

anthony

 

Towing that jetski is definitely do-able. While i've never attempted to tow anything with any of my ef's, 287 pounds would be less than the weight of two passengers. I don't think there would be any issues, just as long as it is towed properly.

 

COOL! thanks so much! i am so excited. i was considering getting an early 90s accord instead, but i'm stoked to know i can get another civic.

btw, excuse my ignorance, but what is ef? i see that everywhere. i'm sure i'll look back one day and say, duh! how did i now know that.

 

ef is the chassis code for 88-91 civic/crx. It's technically the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) code for the chassis as those are rhd. The 88-91 civic/crx produced for North America are lhd and are technically ed's. There are European 88-91 civic/crx with the chassis code ee.

We just call them all ef's. But a true ef would be a Japanese model.

 

why not try to pick up an EX, the larger brakes and additional power and better for towing, and it's a better car all around.

 

Will it tow it sure, Should you tow it probably not.

EF clearly state in the manual "Not designed to tow"

But the Groos vehicle weight rating says you're good to add about 800lbs of passengers and luggage over the weight of the car wet.

So as long as your trailers tongue weight is less then 100lbs and the overall trailer and cargo is less then 800lbs. I think you'd do alright.

Reccomended no, Will it do it sure. Safely probably, will your tranny last, probably not. I'd reccomend adding a tranny cooler.

What kind of watercraft do you have that only weighs 257lbs? Most push 500-800lbs now. and remember the manufacturers rating is dry. 10 gallons of gass adds 100lbs.

 

thanks for the info. so i guess my first question should be how many different models are there of the 88-91 4 door civic? i thought the dx was the only model. is there a 88-91 ex ef? i just really like that body style.

and to answer your question, yes newer jetskis (or personal watercraft) are A LOT heavier today. 700-1,000 pounds even. those things are mini-boats. they have their purposes and benefits, but at this point i find them boring. i ride standups which is a different experience. standups range from about 270 pounds to 350 pounds. even the heaviest new standup is 351 pounds (dry).

again, thanks for your help.

 

nevermind. i found the answer myself. i actually used the search button.

THANKS for all your help.

anthony

 

If you're going to tow, you should pick up something with an auto transmission, or you will destroy your clutch.

Honestly, an Accord would be a better bet, seeing as it has a (much) bigger engine with more torque. But I used to have a 91 Accord and it was sluggish, ugly, and handled like crap. EF sedans are sluggish, but at least they look good and can be made to handle better than the Accord.

 

thanks for the info. i especailly like the part about being able to handle better than an accord.

 

Should be no problem. The biggest limiting factor (even more than weight) is how much it sticks out in the slipstream. A stand up ski should tuck in nicely.

As far as the "not designed to tow" comments, just take it with a grain of salt. I don't know specifically about EFs, but I belong to another forum and the European members have differences in their tow ratings. The same car in the US that says that it is "not designed to tow" has a tow rating in Europe. Some cars also have higher tow ratings than we do.

It's more a case of them not wanting you to do it, rather than the vehicle not being able to do it. It's up to you.

 

 

LMAO.

To the OP, there's another option. haha

 

ha ha ha ha Thats an interesting option.

 

thanks for the info. i know scions also say "not recommended" for towing but a know a number of people who have towed with scions for years and have never had problems. i also think it's the way you drive to. i think slow and easy will be key.

 

that's funny. that's a kawasaki 750ss. not sure anyone cares.

 

There's the 90-91 EX that's pretty nice. They have the bigger front brakes and power steering too!

 

Hahaha!! @ That CRX

 

hahaha, loving that CRX. Right click, save as. Even the Si's are soooooo slow...I wonder what it's like driving with the Kawasaki in the back.

Only automatics have power steering, right? At least, that's how it is for the hatchbacks. I don't have my owner's manual with me at the mo.

 

i have a 90 hatch 5sp with powersteering

 

me too but an 89.

but to the OP. ive seen autocross and such ef's hauling small trailers(very small). to haul around some track gear and tires. i definatly thought of towing in the same fasion but i have a bit larger motor and brakes on my hatch.

 

i used to tow two kawasaki stand ups with my 90 crx si never had a problem .i also towed them with my 78 civic was just a little slower .

 

sweet!!! THANKS for the info!