1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

[scrobo]

Ok. Well.. I've ben reading the forums about everyone with trucks etc.

But I would like some opinions.

I have a 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable with a 2.5L 4 cyl engine and a 3 speed Automatic Trans. I have a class 1 hitch (2000lb max) with a 200lb tongue rate, 250,000kms on the car (approx 155,300miles for american folks). New suspension in the back end.

I pull a 14' fiberglass runabout with a 40hp 1977 Merc on the back. Single axxel trailer. Not a vary big or heavy boat at all.

Going around town to Jordan Harbour or Lake Ontario is fine.

She seems to pull it in and out of the water.... burns a little oil when coming out... but I think that is my seals since the car only does it when it is on an angle.

Went up North. about 3 hours. Burned more fuel than expected. Burned a bit of oil off.

The car ran hot most of the way. granted it is summer and all. But it was at 3/4 most of the way up north. I stopped about 2 hours up ad let it rest. It certainly burned some oil during the trip.

Do you think a transmission cooler will benefit the car or is it a waste of time to bother? The car isn't beautiful paintwise... and it's getting on in years. Is it worth the $$$ and bother to put one in? is it easy to install one? And will it help keep engine temp down by taking some strain off the rad?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

I think your car is trying to tell you that it doesn't like towing this load. Overheating and oil burning would be the clues. But after looking at the way the boat sits on the trailer, I would at least wear a helmet when towing. Why? 1) the winch strap is passed "over" the bow stop, not under it. (More on that later). 2) The two straps passed "over" the boat do nothing to stop forward movement of the boat. 3) I see no safety chain between the bow eye and the trailer frame. So the long and short of this is that if you are in a crash or even a very sudden stop, the bow of the boat rides up over the bow stop, easily snapping the two straps and the boat ends up on top of your car that has no visible means of support except your head. One look at the picture below should convince you that an "an object in motion tends to stay in motion". Your winch post and bow stop does not seem to be adjustable to getting the strap under it may not be possible. However adding a stout safety chain would at least keep the boat out of your car.

 

[scrobo]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

Duely noted.

When travelling up North I put the strap in front of the tie offs on the bow and the stern strap in between the back of the bench and the eye loops.

I added a 3rd strap in the middle and I tow with a tarp over the boat.

But do you think a tranny cooler would help with the engine heat? I have no other options right now.

 

[rndn]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

It's a lot to ask of a four cylinder car motor that was never designed to tow a trailer. Yes, a lot of people tow things with these type of vehicles, but it's not made for the task. If your engine is running hot and there is nothing wrong with the cooling system , then you are working it too hard. If it's burning oil when pulling the boat and not burning oil with a noraml load, then you are working it too hard. Get yourself an inexpensive used small truck like an S-10 or Toyota Tacoma to do the job they are intended to do.

 

[scrobo]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

Well... the car burns a bit of oil without towing... just a bit more while doing so.

I would like to get a small truck right now but finances won;t allow me to do so. I felt the Tranny cooler would have been an inexpensive way to help the situation. I've sunk so much into the boat and have a lot of bills to pa off... so I have to stick with my little convertable for a least a few more years.

I want to buy a Jimmy or a Blazer in 3 years or so. A 2001 or 2002. Obviously will be better for the job.

If I buy anything else OTHER than a house anytime soon my wife will make me "less of a man" physically. Too bad because I was looking into a 8.5' SeaFlea with a 20hp Merc on it

 

[Captain Paul]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

I'm not sure if a transmission cooler will help engine temperature that much, considering what you are pulling and with what. Frequent oil changes, coolant flush/fresh coolant and maybe a bit cooler engine thermostat are all cheap. Does that thing have Corinthian Leather too

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

Say goodbye to your cv joint's

 

[JB]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

Have you gone to the immense trouble to find out A. what the boat/trailer weighs or B. what that cute li'l ragtop is rated to tow?

My guess is that you are extremely fortunate that you haven't blown the vehicle up or crashed the whole rig.

No, I don't think a tranny cooler would rescue you from what appears to me as a very foolish task.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

A large number of these cars were fitted with turbo motors and I sincerely hope yours isn't. Those were rated to tow nothing. If yours is indeed a turbo, I would begin sticking a few more bucks into the piggy bank as you will need that Blazer sooner than you think. Just being realistic here.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

not designed to tow at all

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

that boat is much heavier than you think. you are way overtaxing the car towing it. get the bow stop right, at transom saver under that motor. don't take any long trips, or you may find you vacation on the side of the road. and towing gets really expensive when a car and trailer are involved. if you have towing insurance for the car like AAA, State Farm.. it does not cover the trailer. i learned the hard way.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

Short runs locally you will probably get away with it but be properly strapped down. Longer runs you are really asking for trouble. If you are going far then either rent a boat at your destination or rent a vehicle to tow the boat there.

 

[rndn]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

I hope you take the advice as you are an accident waiting to happen with that rig.

 

[scrobo]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

Other than the engine heat it tows and brakes very very well. I guess...

I do local trips yes.. I had a 3 1/2 hour trip recently with it. Planning a 6 hour one soon. It'll be the last long trip of the year for me as I have no more vacation time left. I give plenty of time to brake and accelerate slowly. Same as when I am driving my rig.

Looking for a small truck or SUV... maybe this winter... but for now this is my only hope. I'll change oil and rad fluid before next trip for sure. I bought the hitch right from Chrysler so they must be able to tow SOMETHING... I am taking the trailer and boat to the truck stop down the highway and weighing it. It'll give me a better idea on the weight. I figured roughly 1500lbs. give or take. I always tow with the boat empty.

Corinthian Leather? Not sure.. Seems to be more of a white leather... Not sure where it is from....

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

Chrysler will sell you a hitch. I had a hitch on a Plymouth Sundance so I could mount a bike rack on it. I suppose I would have towed a lightweight trailer with it if I had to. I would be U-haul won't even rent a trailer to you to tow behind that rig. One of the first things they ask nowadays is what vehicle are you towing it with. If it's not adequate they won't rent one to you.

 

[scrobo]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

Well... I am off to scour the used car dealerships around town.

The wife is pretty mad.. I may be in the doghouse for a few months... But I have never seen that face before so it worries me

 

[scrobo]

Re: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable

Much to the wife's dismay I bought a 2000 Jimmy.

Good thing it is comfy.. I may be sleeping in it for a while

For Sale: 1 red convertible with trailer hitch.

Talk to guy sleeping in the truck.