Can you pull a camper with a Honda Civic?

A Honda Civic can tow a very light trailer, but only up to about 1,000 pounds of trailer weight on most current models. Heavier campers are not advised and could exceed the vehicle’s design limits.

To understand what this means, it helps to look at the specific towing limits Honda provides, how payload and hitch weight interact with GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and GCWR (gross combined weight rating), and what kinds of small campers typically stay under that cap. The article below breaks down the basics, practical picks, and safe-towing steps for Civic owners weighing the options.

Towing limits and what they mean

Key terms to know

Body weight, payload, GVWR, tongue weight, and GCWR all influence whether a Civic can safely tow a camper. The GVWR is the maximum weight the vehicle can carry including passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of the trailer. The GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the car and trailer. Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch, and it is typically about 10–15% of the trailer’s total weight. Always use the official towing specification for your exact year and trim, and never exceed these limits.

What small campers fit within Civic limits

Below are the types of campers that are commonly light enough to stay within the Civic’s typical 1,000-pound trailer-weight limit, depending on year and configuration. Always verify the GVWR of the trailer you’re considering, not just its empty weight.

• Teardrop trailers with a GVWR around 900–1,000 pounds


• Ultra-light pop-up campers with GVWR near 1,000–1,200 pounds


• Micro travel trailers that list GVWR close to or just under 1,000 pounds

When evaluating options, look for GVWR rather than empty weight, and confirm whether the model offers starting options like brakes on the trailer, a battery supply, and adequate hitch hardware. This helps ensure the trailer’s weight distribution won’t overwhelm the Civic’s capabilities.

Safety and practical considerations

Even within a 1,000-pound ceiling, towing with a Civic requires careful planning, maintenance, and driving adjustments to stay safe on the road.

1. Consult the owner’s manual or official Honda towing guide for your exact model/year to confirm the maximum trailer weight and any required equipment.


2. Install a properly rated hitch and wiring harness, and verify trailer lights and brakes (if the camper has brakes, you may need a brake controller).


3. Check payload capacity. Include passengers, cargo, and the trailer tongue weight in the calculation to avoid exceeding GVWR.


4. Ensure the trailer’s tongue weight stays within the recommended range (usually around 100–150 pounds for a 1,000-pound trailer).


5. Consider trailer brakes if the trailer GVWR approaches 1,000 pounds or more, and be aware of state requirements for braking on trailers.


6. Drive conservatively: slower acceleration, longer braking distances, and careful cornering to reduce sway and stress on the car’s drivetrain and suspension.

Safe towing also means regular checks: tire pressures on both the Civic and trailer, bearings, hitch security, and brake functionality. If you don’t feel comfortable or if the cargo exceeds the recommended limits, it’s wise to look for alternatives.

Alternatives if you need more capacity

For campers that exceed the Civic’s safe towing range, consider these options to avoid overstressing the vehicle or risking safety and warranty coverage.

• Rent or borrow a vehicle with a higher tow rating, such as a small SUV or truck built for towing.


• Use a lighter camp option (teardrop or ultra-light) with careful weight verification and possibly a rental trailer with braking support.


• Opt for a camping setup that doesn’t require a trailer, such as a rooftop tent on the Civic (where feasible and provided by the manufacturer’s guidelines).

Each alternative has its own trade-offs in cost, practicality, and convenience. Always compare total trip costs, insurance, and potential wear on the vehicle before deciding.

Bottom line

The practical takeaway is that a Honda Civic can tow a very light camper, typically up to about 1,000 pounds of trailer weight, depending on the model year and equipment. For most campers—especially larger teardrops, mid-size pop-ups, or any travel trailer beyond a light, ultra-compact option—towing with a Civic is not recommended. If you plan to camp with a trailer, verify all weight ratings for your specific Civic and trailer, and consider a vehicle with a higher tow rating to ensure safety and reliability.

Summary

In sum, Civics are not built for heavy towing, but they can handle very lightweight campers that keep the trailer’s GVWR around or below 1,000 pounds. Always check the exact towing specs for your year and trim, factor in payload and tongue weight, and follow safe-towing practices. For most camping trips requiring a trailer, a vehicle with a higher tow rating offers greater peace of mind and flexibility.

How much weight can a Honda Civic take?

The Honda Civic's weight capacity, or maximum load limit, is typically around 850 lbs (385 kg), which includes the combined weight of all passengers, cargo, and any accessories. This specific figure can vary by model year and trim, so it's crucial to check the label on the driver's doorjamb or the owner's manual for your vehicle's exact limit. Overloading the vehicle can negatively affect handling, stability, and safety. 
How to find and calculate your vehicle's weight capacity

1. 1. Locate the placard: Find the "Tire and Loading Information" label in the driver's side doorjamb. It will state the maximum load in pounds and kilograms. 
2. 2. Calculate passenger weight: Determine the combined weight of all the people who will be in the car.
3. 3. Subtract passenger weight: Subtract the total passenger weight from the maximum load limit on the placard. 
4. 4. Determine available cargo weight: The result is the maximum weight of luggage and cargo you can safely carry. 
5. 5. Factor in towing: If you are towing a trailer, the tongue load of the trailer must also be included in the total weight calculation. 

What Honda can pull a camper?

Honda Pilot: 5,000 lbs.
-ft. of torque for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. This powerplant teams with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission to get you through the gears with great acceleration. Together, they will tow your boat or transport a larger trailer up the mountains to a new camping site.

How much can you tow with a Civic?

The towing capacity for a Honda Civic varies significantly by model year and region, with many North American models rated for very little or no towing at all. However, some models, particularly those sold in Europe or Australia, have a rated braked towing capacity between 600 kg and 1500 kg (approximately 1,300 to 3,300 lbs). For North American models, it's best to assume a very low capacity (around 1,000 lbs) for light trailers, or to check the owner's manual as many newer models are specifically stated as not being designed for towing.
 
North American models

• Not designed for towing: Many newer Civic models in the North American market are explicitly stated in the owner's manual as not being designed for towing. 
• Light towing only: If your Civic is rated for towing, the capacity is generally very low, often around 1,000 lbs for light trailers like a small utility trailer or a bike rack. 
• Check the owner's manual: It is crucial to consult your specific owner's manual to confirm whether your model is rated for any towing and, if so, what the specific capacity is. 

International models (e.g., Europe, Australia)

• Varying capacities: Depending on the model year and engine, the braked towing capacity can be between 600 kg (approx. 1,300 lbs) and 1500 kg (approx. 3,300 lbs).
• Example: For instance, the 2013-2015 models had a capacity of up to 1500kg (3,300 lbs), while the 2018 model had a capacity of 800kg (approx. 1,760 lbs). 

Important considerations for any towing with a Civic

• Towing with brakes: Using a trailer with its own braking system can sometimes allow for a slightly higher capacity. 
• Tongue weight: Pay attention to the tongue weight, which is the weight the trailer exerts on the hitch. 
• Gross vehicle weight: Never exceed the gross vehicle weight limits for your car, which includes the weight of the trailer's tongue and the weight you've loaded in the car's trunk and seats. 
• Wear and tear: Towing puts extra strain on your vehicle's components, especially the engine, clutch, and brakes. 
• Safety: When in doubt, it is safer to rent a vehicle that is more appropriate for the towing job, such as a truck. 

Can a Honda Civic pull a small camper?

That's great news if you're driving a Honda Accord, Civic, or Fit. Your small to mid-size Honda car has all the muscle you need to tow this compact pop up camper and utility trailer. You will just need to equip your car with a trailer hitch if it doesn't have already. And GO isn't just great for play days.