Can a Sedan Pull a Camper?
Can a Sedan Pull a Camper?

Can a Sedan Pull a Camper?

October 15, 2024
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Sedan Towing Abilities

Maybe you don’t have, or don’t want, a big vehicle like a truck or SUV. Sedans are unparalleled for city driving and bring a multitude of other benefits that include roomy interiors, comfortable rides, great fuel economy, and better price points.

However, if you still want to get away on the weekend, you may be wondering: can a sedan pull a camper?

Yes, a sedan can pull a camper if the camper falls within the vehicle’s tow rating. And some sedans do have tow ratings ranging from 1,000 up to nearly 4,000 pounds. The key is to make sure your sedan is capable and properly equipped (this could include installing an after-market trailer hitch), and that the camper is an acceptable weight. In most cases, the camper that a sedan is able to pull won’t be more than a small pop-up.

Which Sedans Are Best For Towing?

For those who want a city driving vehicle, but still want some weekend activity capability, the following sedans are great options:

  • The Chevy Malibu, which when equipped with the 2.0-liter engine can tow up to 1,000 pounds.
  • The Honda Accord can also tow up to 1,000 pounds when equipped with the 2.0-liter engine.
  • The Toyota Corolla is rated to be able to pull up to 1,500 pounds.
  • The Ford Fusion, when equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine or 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, can tow over 2,000 pounds.
  • The Subaru Legacy boasts all-wheel drive capability and can tow around 2,700 pounds with its 3.6-liter engine that pumps out 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.
  • The Volvo S60 has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 325 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, which can be paired to all-wheel drive, allowing the vehicle to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
  • The Volvo S80 can tow nearly 3,900 pounds.

We have many of these models in our pre-owned inventory, but if you like one, look into the model year and what it’s equipped with to ensure that particular incarnation can tow, and how much. Or feel free to contact us with any questions!

Equipping A Trailer Hitch

In order to equip a vehicle for towing, you’ll have to equip it with a hitch if it doesn’t already have one. A tow hitch attaches to the chassis. Most bolt on with basic tools and should take less than an hour to install.

There are different types of trailer hitches, all optimized for different weights. Make sure you get the hitch that can tow what you need it to. For most sedans, a Class I hitch will probably be enough, but you could go up to Class II to be safe. You’ll need it to take full advantage of some of the vehicles mentioned above.

Don’t Overload!

Stay on the safe side and don’t overload your vehicle. It’s wise not to push your sedan’s tow rating to the absolute maximum- leave a buffer. If you overload your vehicle, it can be a huge strain on the mechanics, as well as dangerous.

You’ll know you’re overloaded if your headlights are raised up and the back of the vehicle is almost dragging. This is not only harmful, it’s dangerous because it lowers your steering and stopping capabilities.

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