How Much Can A Honda Fit Tow?

The Honda Fit, also known as the Honda Jazz, is a supermini car with a short list of common problems and decent build quality and performance. However, its towing capacity is limited. In the United States, Honda does not recommend the Fit for towing, and attempting to do so can void the vehicle's warranty. Nevertheless, in other markets, the Fit has a braked towing capacity of 2,200 pounds and an unbraked towing capacity of 992 pounds. This means that while the Fit can technically tow small trailers like teardrop and kayak trailers, it is not suitable for towing large trailers.

Honda Fit's towing capacity

The Honda Fit, also known as the Honda Jazz, is a supermini car with a short list of common problems and decent built quality and performance. However, its towing capacity is limited.

In the United States, Honda does not recommend the Honda Fit for towing, and attempting to do so can void your vehicle's warranty. Nevertheless, in other markets, the Fit/Jazz has an unbraked towing capacity of 992 pounds and a braked towing capacity of 2200 pounds.

The Honda Fit can tow empty small and medium-sized trailers with a maximum weight limit of 2,200 pounds without damaging its transmission. These include small open utility trailers, small enclosed utility trailers, and teardrop trailers. However, it is not suitable for towing large-sized loaded trailers.

The Honda Fit is not built for towing and doing so may void your warranty. While it can tow small trailers, it is not designed for heavy-duty towing and may struggle with larger loads. If you need to tow larger trailers, you may need to consider a vehicle with a higher towing capacity.

Honda Fit's braked and unbraked towing capacity

The braked and unbraked towing capacities of a car are important to know when choosing a trailer to tow. Braked towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can tow when the trailer has its own braking system. The trailer's brakes will be connected to your car through a cable. Unbraked towing capacity describes the capacity of a car to tow a trailer that does not have its own independent braking system. This capacity is usually less than braked towing capacity.

If you live outside the United States, the Honda Fit can tow up to 2,200 lbs with braked towing and 992 lbs without. However, Honda does not recommend towing with the Fit in the United States, and doing so can void the manufacturer’s warranty. The Fit continues to be sold overseas, but the company dropped the model in the American market in 2020.

Despite this, some owners of the Honda Fit have reported towing small trailers with their cars. One owner reported towing a 2016 Little Guy T@G Max teardrop camper, with a base weight of 1080 lbs, with their 2008 Honda Fit. They reported no problems with towing, but did note that they had to drop to 4th gear to maintain speed on steep hills. They also noted that they had installed Monroe air shocks and a Progress rear sway bar, which they considered a "must" for towing.

Another owner reported towing a ~1,000-pound cargo trailer with their Honda Fit, again with no issues.

Installing a hitch on a Honda Fit

Step 1: Gather the Required Tools and Hitch Model

You will need a 5” socket extension, 9/16” and 11/16” sockets, and a Curt 11406 trailer hitch, which is compatible with Honda Fit models from 2015 to 2022. You can purchase the hitch from U-Haul or other retailers.

Step 2: Lower the Exhaust

Begin by lowering the exhaust to make room for the hitch. Apply a strap to support the exhaust before lowering it, then use a pry bar to detach the exhaust hangers.

Step 3: Install the Provided Hardware

The hardware provided with the Curt 11406 hitch includes bolts and a u-bolt. Note that the passenger-side bolt is shorter than the driver-side bolt. Use fish wire to insert the hardware into the corresponding access points, ensuring the u-bolt goes through the tow hook.

Step 4: Raise the Hitch into Position

With the bolts installed, raise the hitch into position, lining up the attachment points with the u-bolt and access holes.

Step 5: Install Nuts and Washers

Once the hitch is in place, remove the fish wire and install the provided nuts onto each bolt. Place two bolts onto the ends of the u-bolt as well.

Step 6: Tighten and Torque the Hitch

Tighten and torque all the hardware according to the manufacturer's specifications. Be sure to torque each side of the u-bolt equally to avoid cracking the bolt.

Step 7: Re-Install the Exhaust

Finally, re-install the exhaust by re-attaching the exhaust hangers and removing the supporting strap.

Additional Considerations:

The cost of a hitch for a Honda Fit typically ranges from $150 to $165, and installation services can cost around $100 to $200. U-Haul offers installation services and a lifetime warranty plan for hitches purchased from them.

If you plan to tow a trailer or camper with brake lights, running lights, and turn signals, you will also need a wiring kit. The most common lighting harnesses are 4-pin and 7-pin connectors.

With the proper hitch and wiring installed, your Honda Fit will be ready to tow small trailers, bike racks, or cargo carriers, expanding its versatility beyond your everyday commute.

Honda Fit's towing capacity compared to its competitors

The Honda Fit, also known as the Honda Jazz, is a supermini or subcompact car. It is not recommended for towing in the United States and doing so will void the warranty. However, in other markets, the Fit has a braked towing capacity of 2,200 pounds and an unbraked towing capacity of 992 pounds.

The Mazda 3 is a smaller option with a decent towing capacity of 3,300 pounds. The Honda CRZ has the same towing capacity as the Honda Fit, and the Honda Civic can tow up to 1,000 pounds. The 1.5L engine HR-Vs cannot tow, but the 2.0L models can tow up to 1,000 pounds. The Honda CRV has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

While the Honda Fit is not built for towing, it can be done. However, it is important to note that towing with a Honda Fit may cause issues with the suspension and transmission.

Honda Fit's fuel type when towing

The Honda Fit is a supermini car known for its decent build quality, performance, and short list of common problems. However, it is not recommended for towing purposes, and doing so can void the vehicle's warranty. Nevertheless, it is possible to install an aftermarket class 1 hitch on the car, which is rated for a maximum towing weight of 2,000 pounds and a maximum tongue weight of 200 pounds. The type of fuel used can also play a role when towing. While regular unleaded octane 87 gasoline is recommended for most Honda Fit models, higher octane fuel may be beneficial for heavier loads.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Honda Fit delivers impressive results. During a test drive, the car achieved a remarkable 24 miles per gallon while towing a teardrop camper. This is a significant improvement compared to the expected fuel economy of around 20 miles per gallon. It is worth noting that the driver maintained a speed of 60-65 miles per hour and did not exceed 80 miles per hour on the interstate. Additionally, the Honda Fit's large Yakima rack system and extra cargo on the top contributed to the impressive fuel efficiency.

In terms of braking, the Honda Fit performed admirably. The driver felt confident and maintained a safe distance from the vehicles ahead. The addition of electric brakes and a wireless brake controller further enhanced the braking performance.

Overall, the Honda Fit surprised with its towing capabilities and fuel efficiency. While it may not be designed for heavy-duty towing, it can handle light loads efficiently and is a reliable choice for those looking for a compact and fuel-conscious vehicle.

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