Can you put a trailer on a Toyota Camry?
In brief: Yes—you can tow a small trailer with a Toyota Camry if it is properly equipped, but you must stay within the vehicle’s official towing limit (typically about 1,000 pounds) and use the correct hitch and wiring. Always verify the exact rating for your year and trim in the owner's manual or with a Toyota dealer.
Beyond that short answer, this article explains how towing works on the Camry, what equipment you’ll need, and best practices to tow safely with a sedan-sized vehicle. The Camry is a passenger car, not a dedicated tow vehicle, so keeping loads light and within spec is essential for reliability and safety.
Understanding the Camry’s towing capacity
This section outlines the practical limits and what they mean for trailers and cargo.
- The typical maximum towing capacity for a Camry with the factory towing package is about 1,000 pounds of gross trailer weight. This rating includes the trailer’s weight plus its contents.
- Tongue weight should generally be kept around 10–15% of the trailer’s gross weight to maintain stability and steering feel.
- Trailers over a certain weight may require trailer brakes, depending on local regulations and the model year; the towing package often accounts for this by integrating the appropriate braking setup.
- A properly installed hitch and wiring harness are essential. The Camry’s towing package or aftermarket setups should include a compatible hitch (sizes vary by year) and a dedicated wiring harness for lights and signals.
- Payload and GVWR matter: don’t exceed the Camry’s payload capacity, even if the trailer itself weighs light; you must account for passengers and cargo inside the car as part of the overall weight budget.
Concluding: The Camry can tow small loads, but the rating is strict and depends on your specific year, trim, and whether the factory towing package is installed. Do not assume any higher capacity than officially listed for your vehicle.
What you’ll need to tow safely
Before towing, gather and verify the following components and configurations.
- Proper towing package: This typically includes a hitch, electrical wiring, and sometimes a transmission cooler or other ancillary equipment as recommended by Toyota for towing.
- Appropriate hitch: Most Camry towing setups use a hitch compatible with your year, often a Class II (1-1/4 inch) or Class III (2 inch) receiver, sized to the model year’s specifications.
- Wiring harness: A dedicated trailer wiring harness that provides brake/turn/taillight signals to the trailer.
- Trailer brakes (if required by weight and local law): Some trailers above a threshold weight require independent trailer brakes and a brake controller.
- Safety equipment: Trailer safety chains, proper lighting, load distribution considerations if the trailer is long or heavy, and a spare tire for both the car and trailer if applicable.
Concluding: With the right equipment and adherence to the stated limits, towing with a Camry is feasible for light trailers and simple utility tasks.
Practical steps for towing with your Camry
Follow these steps to prepare and tow responsibly.
- Verify the exact towing rating for your specific model year and trim in the owner's manual or via Toyota’s official resources.
- Install or confirm the factory towing package is correctly fitted, including the hitch and wiring harness.
- Check trailer compliance: ensure lights, brakes (if required), and safety chains are in good working order; verify the brake controller if your trailer uses electric brakes.
- Calculate total weight: trailer weight + cargo + tongue weight should stay within the 1,000-pound limit and not exceed the Camry’s payload and GVWR.
- Plan your route and driving style: expect reduced acceleration, longer stopping distances, and careful lane changes; avoid high-speed towing on rough roads.
Concluding: Proper preparation reduces risk and protects the Camry’s drivetrain, suspension, and braking system while towing.
Limitations and safety considerations
These points highlight important constraints and safe-towing guidelines.
- The Camry is a sedan, not a heavy-duty towing vehicle; its towing sweet spot is light trailers rather than large caravans or big utility trailers.
- Towing affects performance: fuel economy, acceleration, braking distance, and handling will all be impacted.
- Regular maintenance is important when towing, including tire pressure checks, brake inspection, and ensuring cooling systems remain within normal operating ranges during longer or hotter tows.
Safety and legality: Always comply with local towing laws, ensure proper lights and mirrors are functioning, and drive at safe speeds with ample following distance. If you’re unsure about your particular vehicle’s rating or equipment, consult a Toyota dealer or a certified mechanic.
Summary
Bottom line: A Toyota Camry can tow small trailers when it has the proper towing package and you stay within the official 1,000-pound limit. Verify your exact rating for your year and trim, equip a suitable hitch and wiring harness, and ensure trailer brakes are used if required by law. For anything heavier or more frequent towing, a vehicle designed for higher tow capacity may be a safer choice. Always consult the owner’s manual or a Toyota dealer for model-specific guidance.
What weight can a Camry tow?
The towing capacity of the Toyota Camry supports up to 1600kg. This is a braked figure, while the maximum load for any vehicle without using trailer brakes is 750kg, if rated to tow that much in the first place.
Can a Toyota Camry pull a trailer?
Believe it or not, the answer is yes – most of the time. Let's talk about towing capacities for two of our best-selling sedans – the Camry and Corolla. 2025 Toyota Camry towing: The 2025 Toyota Camry can usually handle around 1,000 pounds when it comes to towing.
Can I attach a trailer to a Toyota Camry?
The Toyota Camry is compatible with a few trailer hitches. However, the most common type of tow hitch for Toyota Camrys is a class one hitch. Most class one hitches have a 1.25-inch receiver and will tow up to 2,000 pounds. While some Camrys with larger engines will tow that much weight, other models won't.
How do I know if my car can pull a trailer?
Your vehicle's tow capacity can be found in your owner's manual. The manufacturer provides this information so that you can make sure not to exceed the safe limits of your car. If you do not have your owner's manual, you can look up your car's make, model, and year online to find the tow capacity.
