How much weight can a 2018 Honda Fit tow?

The 2018 Honda Fit can tow up to 1,000 pounds when properly equipped with a trailer hitch. Without the appropriate towing setup, towing is not recommended.

Understanding the 2018 Fit's towing limits

To understand what you can tow, it helps to know the official rating and the conditions that apply. The 1,000-pound limit assumes a factory-approved hitch and wiring harness, proper trailer brake setup where required, and adherence to the vehicle’s overall weight limits. The following points outline the key considerations for towing with a 2018 Fit.

Official capacity and equipment

With a properly installed trailer hitch and wiring harness approved by Honda, the maximum trailer weight is 1,000 pounds (gross trailer weight). This figure presumes safe load balance and appropriate trailer brakes where required. Always refer to the owner’s manual and the door jamb sticker for exact numbers and any model-year caveats.

Before listing the critical details, here is a concise background on the numbers you’ll encounter when planning a tow with a 2018 Fit.



• The maximum trailer weight you can tow is 1,000 pounds (gross trailer weight), assuming compliant equipment and safe operation.


• Tongue weight is typically about 10% of the trailer’s gross weight, so roughly 100 pounds for a 1,000-pound trailer. This load sits on the hitch and influences handling and stability.


• Trailer brakes may be required by law or recommended for heavier trailers; ensure the trailer is equipped with brakes if mandated and that the lighting and braking circuits are correctly wired.


• Grounded in general vehicle limits, you must not exceed the Fit’s GCWR (gross combined weight rating) or its payload capacity, which accounts for passengers, cargo, and the hitch itself. Check the manual and door sticker for exact figures.

Concluding paragraph: When you stay within the 1,000-pound limit and use a Honda-approved hitch and wiring, the 2018 Fit is capable of towing light trailers or utility loads. Always confirm current ratings with the official owner’s manual and local regulations before towing anything.

Practical guidance for towing with a 2018 Honda Fit

Applying best practices can help ensure safe towing with this compact car. The following guidelines are designed to help you plan and execute a tow responsibly.

Before the list, a note: the following tips cover common-sense steps for light-to-moderate towing using a properly equipped Fit.

• Install a Honda-approved trailer hitch and wiring harness and ensure all electrical connections work (lights, turn signals, brakes).


• Verify the trailer’s gross weight and tongue weight do not exceed the car’s rated limits and that the load is balanced to minimize strain on the hitch.


• Ensure the trailer has brakes if required by weight, and perform a brake test before highway use.


• Regularly check tire pressures (car and trailer tires) and ensure the cooling system is capable of handling added load during long climbs or hot conditions.


• Drive with extra caution: increase following distances, allow for longer stopping distances, and avoid abrupt accelerations and high-speed maneuvers.

Concluding paragraph: By sticking to a 1,000-pound ceiling, using certified equipment, and adopting careful driving habits, towing with a 2018 Fit can be manageable for light trailers and small commercial/utility loads.

Summary

The 2018 Honda Fit is rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds when equipped with a Honda-approved hitch and wiring harness, with considerations for tongue weight, trailer brakes, and overall weight limits. Always consult the owner’s manual and local regulations, and ensure safe, balanced loading and appropriate driving habits when towing with this vehicle.

What is the towing capacity of the Honda Fit?

The towing capacity for a Honda Fit varies, but the official towing capacity for some international models is up to 2,200 lbs (braked) or 992 lbs (unbraked). However, after-market trailer hitches for the U.S. market are often rated for a maximum of 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 200-300 lbs tongue weight. Crucially, Honda does not recommend towing with the Fit in the United States, and doing so will void the warranty. 
Towing capacity by market

• International models: Up to 2,200 lbs (braked) and 992 lbs (unbraked). 
• U.S. models: While specific Honda-recommended capacity is not available, aftermarket hitches are commonly rated for 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight. 
• Warranty implications: Honda advises against towing in the U.S. and doing so will void the vehicle's warranty. 

Important considerations

• Aftermarket hitches: Even if a hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs, it is critical to avoid overloading the vehicle, especially since it was not designed for towing. 
• Transmission: The automatic CVT transmission in some models is not designed for towing and could be damaged. 
• Safety: The Fit has small brakes and is not ideal for towing, especially on hills or in windy conditions. 

Recommendation

• For U.S. owners, it is not recommended to tow with the Honda Fit due to warranty implications and the vehicle not being designed for towing. 
• If you choose to tow, do so with an empty weight well below the hitch's rated capacity and only in safe, flat conditions. 

Can you pull a trailer with a Honda Fit?

Yes, a Honda Fit can tow a trailer, but only very lightweight ones, and it is not officially recommended for towing in the United States. While the Fit has a documented towing capacity of up to 2,200 lbs in some regions, this is highly dependent on the trailer's weight, including brakes and having sufficient tongue weight, and doing so in the US could void your warranty. It is best to use the Fit for small, lightweight trailers, such as those for a single kayak or small utility trailer, and to install a proper trailer hitch and wiring kit first.
 
This video shows an example of a Honda Fit towing a trailer: 59sJacob B PetersonYouTube · May 9, 2021
Key considerations before towing

• Towing capacity: Some international versions of the Honda Fit have a towing capacity of up to 2,200 lbs, but it is crucial to check your specific model's manual for exact limits and always stay within the recommended limits for your vehicle and trailer. 
• Trailer brakes: Many sources recommend that any trailer you tow should have its own braking system, especially if it is over a certain weight, to prevent the trailer from pushing the car. 
• Weight distribution: Proper tongue weight is crucial. Too much weight on the hitch will put a strain on the Fit's front wheels and can affect its handling. 
• Wind resistance: The Fit's small size means it will be affected more by wind, which can make towing more challenging and less comfortable. Towing a large, tall trailer will be more difficult than towing a small, low trailer. 
• Engine and transmission: The Fit's 1.5L engine is capable of pulling a light load, but it will struggle to do so on hills, and you may need to downshift to maintain speed. 
• Warranty: In the United States, towing with a Honda Fit may void the warranty on your vehicle, so it is not recommended. 

What to do before you tow

• Install a trailer hitch: Purchase a trailer hitch specifically designed for your Honda Fit model year. Ensure it is properly installed before you attempt to tow. 
• Install a wiring kit: You will also need a wiring kit for the trailer lights to function correctly. These kits are available from various sources like U-Haul. 
• Check the trailer's weight: Make sure the trailer you are towing is well within the Fit's towing capacity. You can find the exact towing capacity for your model year by checking your owner's manual, checking the hitch manufacturer's website, or consulting with a Honda dealership. 

How much can a 2018 Honda Fit tow?

3500 lbs.
Tow Capacity: 3500 lbs.

What is the 80% rule when towing?

Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.