Quote:
|
Originally Posted by bobfrapples
Yep. I had read your trip blog a couple of days ago. Also made a copy of your spreadsheet for my new '06.  I didn't keep one for my '01 which I traded in, and now I regret not having any data to which to compare the new one.
You list of mods is impressive. I particularly liked the auto-door locks. Doesn't that invlaidate the warranty? If so, I guess I'll have to wait a few years before I install it. |
invalidate the warranty?!
how about the tow bar with 2" receiver?
how about the switch i patched in to defeat the "you can't access the NAV when the car's moving?
how about towing a trailer over 11,000 miles, then taking the car to three dealers for oil changes, re-flashing the system memory, etc., etc.
none of the dealers batted an eye or made any comment about the tow bar receiver, nor the extra little red button on the console which i added...
i'm expecting delivery of Coastal's REAL "nav override" cabling assembly in the next week or so.
sooooo..... the door lock module? if they ever find it, i'd be surprised, and the installation is hidden so nicely, thanks to Coastal's packaging and connectors, that i don't even think a tech would notice it!
and it would be a neat argument for them to claim that any of this directly affects the power train, which has the only warranty i really care about!
ok, ok, towing a trailer DOES directly impact the power train, and would be a valid argument for invalidating the warranty, but i decided to take a calculated risk with that: with a tongue weight light enough that i could lift with one hand, it's not heavier on the rear axle than putting one or two humans in the back seat, or some luggage under the hatch lid.
with a trailer gross weight i'm estimating at about 350 pounds, well, that's about 2.5 back-seat passengers being pulled uphill, as far as i can guess what the ICE and motor drives think is happening, and it doesn't overload any tire loads, either....
so...... well, i can't guarantee you WON'T get static from your dealer, but i've gotten emails from about 3-5 people in several states and countries who've towed things very happily. if i were me, i wouldn't wait.