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Though the Toyota Camry might look small, it is certainly able to pack a huge punch. This can be seen when looking at its towing capacity.
But does it have enough power to tow a trailer?
Toyota Camrys that are newer than 2011 are NOT recommended to tow a trailer according to the owner’s manual. No Camry Hybrids should be used to tow a trailer either.
Some older Camrys can tow a trailer of between to 1,000-2,000lbs so be sure and check your owners manual or read through the list below of the different model years.
The following are the recommendations made by Toyota in the owner’s manual in regards to towing capacities for each Camry model year until 1998.
There are additional requirements for each model so be sure and check your owner’s manual for further towing information.
- 2021 Toyota Camry: Towing is not recommended
- 2020 Toyota Camry: Towing is not recommended
- 2019 Toyota Camry: Towing is not recommended
- 2018 Toyota Camry: Towing is not recommended
- 2017 Toyota Camry: Towing is not recommended
- 2016 Toyota Camry: Towing is not recommended
- 2015 Toyota Camry: Towing is not recommended
- 2014 Toyota Camry: Towing is not recommended
- 2013 Toyota Camry: Towing is not recommended
- 2012 Toyota Camry: Towing is not recommended
- 2011 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 1,000lbs
- 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Towing is not recommended
- 2010 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 1,000lbs
- 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Towing is not recommended
- 2009 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 1,000lbs
- 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Towing is not recommended
- 2008 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 1,000lbs
- 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Towing is not recommended
- 2007 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 1,000lbs
- 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Towing is not recommended
- 2006 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
- 2005 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
- 2004 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
- 2003 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
- 2002 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
- 2001 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
- 2001 Toyota Camry CNG: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
- 2000 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
- 2000 Toyota Camry CNG: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
- 1999 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
- 1998 Toyota Camry: Towing capacity is 2,000lbs
That is the total weight including trailer and contents.
You should be able to tow almost any small trailer with your older Camry But how much weight you can safely tow will often depend on the model you are using and what the owner’s manual says.
Keep reading to find out how much your specific Camry model can haul and when it varies.
Braked Vs Unbraked Capacity
The first thing that we need to understand is the difference between braked and unbraked capacity. You should see both types mentioned in your owner’s manual. This distinction applies to the type of load that you are carrying.
Sometimes, you will have a trailer or camper that has an independent braking system. This allows you to carry more weight, as you won’t be relying on the car’s brakes to slow down.
This will require a connection to be made to the car. This ensures that, when you apply your car’s brakes, the brakes on the trailer will also activate.
On the other hand, you might not have brakes installed on the trailer. This will lower the amount of weight you will be able to tow.
Now that we know the distinction, we can look at the amount of weight you will be able to haul.
Towing Capacity Of The Camry
How much weight you will be able to tow will depend on the type of Camry you have. Generally, the more modern the car, the more weight you will be able to haul.
In most cases, though, you will be able to get 1,000-2,000 pounds of braked towing capacity. This is on par with other cars of a similar size. It will have an unbraked capacity of less than that for most models however which is why knowing what type of trailer you have is important.
As we mentioned, this can vary a little, depending on the year and type of Camry you have. The best way to find the towing capacity is by looking in the owner’s manual if you have a year that wasn’t mentioned above.
Things you Can Tow
Because you have a lot of braked towing capacity, there are several things that you will be capable of towing. Some of the most prominent examples include:
- Teardrop trailers. You might not be able to tow a full-size one. These will be around 1,000 pounds, without adding any gear. But if you get a small one, it will weigh just 650 pounds.
- Small trailer. You might not be able to tow a full-size trailer. However, you will be able to get a small utility trailer. These will often weigh around 350 pounds. This will give you plenty of additional weight, allowing you to load it up.
- Small watercraft. You won’t have enough power to tow an entire large boat. But you will be able to take some smaller water toys with you. For example, you will be able to haul jet skis. You will also be able to carry kayaks or canoes.
Checking Your Trailor’s Weight
Before heading on a long journey, it’s important to check how much weight you are carrying. You can get a rough estimate. For example, if you know how much the trailer weighs, you can guess the amount of weight you have added.
Don’t forget that the amount of weight you can haul will include whatever you are storing inside the car.
But it’s best to visit a weigh station. This will tell you the exact amount of weight that you are carrying.
From there, you will be able to remove weight if you are overloaded.
Dangers Of Overloading Your Car
If you are planning on going on a long journey, it’s important to make sure that you check the weight. The last thing is for the car to be overloaded for an extended period.
The most immediate effects will be the way that the car handles. A heavier car will take longer to stop. The front end might struggle to steer the vehicle. This can make you feel like you aren’t in control of the vehicle.
This can increase the risk that you will be involved in an accident.
Over time, it will start to take a toll on the engine. Components will need to be replaced more frequently. You will also wear out your tires.
You will also need to stop for fuel more frequently. Because of this, overloading the car can turn out to be a very expensive mistake.
Adding A Hitch To The Camry
Before you will be able to tow anything, you will need to install a hitch on your Camry. This won’t come as standard, so you will need to have the mechanic install it for you.
It’s best to get this through the dealership. This will give you the peace of mind that it has been done properly. It will also ensure that you don’t void the warranty on the car.
Towing Safely With A Camry
If you are planning on towing, it’s important to make sure that you are doing it safely. There are a few tips to help you do this. These include:
- Tap your brakes more gently. When you are driving normally, you might ride the brakes. However, it will take more force to stop with a heavy load. Because of this, if you are riding the brakes there is a risk that your brake pads will overheat. If this happens, they will need to be replaced, which can be very expensive.
- Go slower. Driving a heavier vehicle, you will need to leave yourself a little longer to stop. As a result, it’s best to leave a longer distance between the vehicle in front. It’s also a good idea to go a little slower.
- Take a test drive. Another way to combat the effects of poor handling is by taking the Camry on a test drive. This will give you a better idea of what you can expect on your journey.
- Stay under 55 mph. Sometimes, when you are traveling at higher speeds, you might notice that the trailer starts to shake. It’s also a good idea to check the laws in your state. In some cases, 55 mph will be the maximum speed limit when you are towing a trailer.
Preparing To Tow A Trailer
Finally, it’s important to prepare the trailer, making sure that you are towing the load safely. This video shows you how to attach the trailer to your car.
Before you drive off, there are a few things to check. You’ll need to check that the indicators are working properly.
It’s also important to make sure that you are checking the load. It should be secured properly. You don’t want it shifting as you are driving, as this can throw the trailer off balance.
Final Thoughts
A Camry is a compact, family car. But it can pack plenty of power beneath the hood. This will allow you to tow a variety of smaller trailers with their older models.
This will give you plenty of options to explore. For example, you might be able to take a small teardrop trailer on vacation with you. At other times, you can use a small trailer to help you move to a new house.