Can a Toyota Yaris tow a caravan?
A Toyota Yaris can tow a caravan, but only if the caravan is light and within the car’s official towing limit. In practice, most European-market Yaris models are rated to tow a braked caravan of roughly 750 kg, with some variants listed up to about 900 kg. Unbraked caravans are considerably lighter and typically not recommended. Always verify the exact figure for your specific model and year in the owner's manual or Toyota’s official specifications.
Understanding what towing capacity means for the Yaris
To tow safely, you need to understand the difference between braked and unbraked towing, and how the caravan’s weight interacts with the car’s limits. The Yaris’ official towing capacity refers to the maximum mass of a braked trailer it can safely tow. Unbraked trailers are lighter and often subject to stricter limits. The combined weight of the car and caravan (the gross train weight) must also stay within the vehicle’s permitted limits. Because figures can vary by market, engine option, and year, always check the precise specification for your vehicle.
In practical terms, this means that while a Yaris can handle a light, braked caravan, pushing beyond the stated limit can place extra stress on the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension, and may be illegal in some jurisdictions.
- Braked towing capacity: typically around 750 kg on many Yaris variants, with some markets listing up to about 900 kg.
- Unbraked towing capacity: generally significantly lower, often only a few hundred kilograms.
- Gross train weight considerations: ensure the caravan’s weight and the car’s own weight together stay within the car’s allowed limits.
Bottom line: a Yaris can tow a caravan, but only if the caravan is light and the combination stays within the official limits for your exact model and market.
Practical steps to tow safely with a Yaris
Before you tow, follow these steps to ensure legality, safety, and reliability:
- Check the exact towing capacity for your specific model/year in the owner’s manual or Toyota’s official specs.
- Fit a suitable tow hitch and a compliant electrical/wiring harness rated for the trailer’s load.
- Verify your caravan’s weight: know its MTW/MAM and ensure it does not exceed the Yaris’ braked towing limit; factor in any gear, water, and passengers in the car too.
- Consider a weight-distribution hitch or other stabilization aids if you are near the upper end of the limit or if the caravan is long and/or windy conditions are expected.
- Check whether the caravan has its own electric brakes and determine if a trailer braking controller is required in your jurisdiction and vehicle configuration.
- Know the legal requirements for your region, including licensing rules, trailer lights, and insurance coverage for towing a caravan.
- Practice safe handling: start with a light load, test braking and reversing in a safe area, and plan longer journeys with stops for checks.
With careful preparation and strict adherence to the car’s official limits, a Yaris can tow a small caravan, though it is not designed for heavy caravan towing. For frequent or long-distance caravanning with larger trailers, a more capable vehicle is generally advisable.
Summary
The Toyota Yaris can tow a caravan, but only within its limited towing capacity and for light, braked trailers. Verify the exact figures for your model and market, ensure proper hitching and trailer braking compatibility, and respect all legal weight limits. If you regularly tow or plan to tow larger caravans, consider a more capable vehicle to ensure safety and compliance.
What is the weakness of the Toyota Yaris?
To answer your question the biggest issue is rust, but otherwise these cars tend to drive forever. The engine and automatic transmission combo is nearly indestructible provided there's oil in it. ABS sensors tend to get rusty over time and can spring an abs light on the dash.
How much weight can a Toyota Yaris tow?
The Toyota Yaris towing capacity varies significantly by model year and variant, with some models rated for up to 900 kg (1,984 lbs) braked towing and others having no official rating. For example, older models like the 2012 Yaris have a braked capacity of up to 1050 kg (2,315 lbs), while many newer hybrid and some specific models, such as the 2024 Yaris Hybrid, have a 0 kg towing capacity.
Examples of towing capacity by model
- 2012 Toyota Yaris: Up to 1050 kg (2,315 lbs) braked.
- 2019-2020 Toyota Yaris: Up to 900 kg (1,984 lbs) braked.
- 2024 Toyota Yaris Hybrid: 0 kg towing capacity.
Important considerations
- Check the owner's manual: The towing capacity is highly dependent on the specific model, year, and trim level. Always consult the owner's manual for the most accurate information.
- Consider braked vs. unbraked: Towing with a braked trailer is different from towing with an unbraked one. The capacity for each is different, and some models may not be rated for unbraked towing.
- Safety first: Overloading can be dangerous and damage the vehicle. Ensure the trailer is within the specified weight limits and is properly attached.
- Yaris Cross vs. Yaris: The Yaris Cross has a different towing capacity. Some models can tow up to 1250 kg (2,756 lbs) braked, while hybrid variants may have a much lower rating.
Can you tow a trailer with a Toyota Yaris?
With its stylish design, agile handling, and hybrid options, the Yaris is a smart and eco-friendly choice. Adding a towbar enhances its practicality — ideal for mounting a bike rack or towing a small trailer or cargo box.
Can you put a tow hitch on a Toyota Yaris?
A vehicle-specific design ensures the best possible fit with the simplest and most secure installation. This particular class 1 hitch offers a custom fit for certain years of the Toyota Yaris (to verify vehicle compatibility, see the application information or use the Vehicle Lookup tool).
