Hyundai Kona: Camper Trailer Towing Capabilities Explored

The Hyundai Kona is a five-door subcompact crossover SUV with a towing capacity of 1250 kg (braked) or 600 kg (unbraked). While some sources claim that the vehicle can tow small to medium-sized loaded trailers, Hyundai does not recommend using the Kona for trailer towing. This has led to confusion among customers, with some assuming that towing is possible as long as the weight limits are not exceeded. However, it is important to note that attempting to tow with the Kona may void the car's warranty and impact insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

The Hyundai Kona's towing capacity

The Hyundai Kona is a five-door subcompact crossover SUV with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, according to market researchers. However, it's important to note that Hyundai does not recommend this vehicle for towing purposes, and using it for such may void its warranty.

The braked towing capacity of the Hyundai Kona is 1,250 kg or 1,300 kg, depending on the source. This figure represents the total weight of the trailer and any additional load. For context, a small teardrop camper trailer typically weighs around 1,700 pounds (771 kg) empty and 2,400 pounds (1,088 kg) loaded. Therefore, the Hyundai Kona's braked towing capacity is sufficient for towing small to medium-sized trailers.

It's worth noting that the unbraked towing capacity of the Hyundai Kona is significantly lower, at 600 kg or 650 kg. This means that any trailer towed with the Hyundai Kona should be equipped with brakes to ensure safe towing within the vehicle's capacity.

While some owners have reported successful experiences towing camper trailers with their Hyundai Kona, it's important to exercise caution. Before considering towing with the Hyundai Kona, it is essential to refer to the owner's manual, understand the relevant regulations, and consult with a professional installer or mechanic to ensure compliance with safety and legal requirements.

Camper trailer weight

Types of Camper Trailers and Their Weights

Camper trailers come in different types, including small travel trailers, large travel trailers, teardrop trailers, pop-up campers, and fifth-wheel trailers. The weight of these trailers can range from as little as 500 pounds to over 20,000 pounds. For example, small travel trailers typically have a dry weight of 1,100 to 3,500 pounds, while large travel trailers can weigh up to 11,000 pounds when fully loaded. Teardrop trailers are among the lightest, weighing between 500 and 3,000 pounds. Pop-up campers usually weigh around 2,300 pounds unloaded, and fifth-wheel trailers can weigh up to 15,000 pounds.

Factors Affecting Camper Trailer Weight

The weight of a camper trailer is determined by various factors, including its size, length, construction type, and amenities. Larger trailers with intricate floor plans will naturally weigh more than smaller ones. The length also plays a role, as a longer trailer will generally be heavier. Additionally, the construction type and materials used can affect weight. For instance, trailers with fibreglass construction and aluminium metal structuring tend to be lighter than stick-built trailers. Amenities and features, such as water tanks, generators, refrigerators, and air conditioning, can also add significant weight to the trailer.

Understanding Trailer Weight Terminologies

When discussing camper trailer weight, it is essential to understand the different terminologies used. Here are some common terms:

• Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) or Dry Weight: This refers to the weight of the trailer when it is empty, excluding water in the tanks, batteries, and other added equipment.
• Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): The maximum additional weight that can be loaded onto the trailer, including full propane tanks, water tanks, and other equipment.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum weight the trailer is designed to handle when fully loaded, including cargo, fluids, and passengers.
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The combined weight that each trailer axle can support.
• Tongue Weight: The amount of trailer weight transferred to the tow vehicle through the trailer's tongue; typically, 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight.
• Net Carrying Capacity (NCC): The weight of personal belongings and cargo included in the trailer, calculated by subtracting the unloaded weight from the GVWR.

Weight Distribution and Safety Considerations

Understanding the weight distribution of a camper trailer is crucial for safe towing. An uneven weight distribution can lead to suspension or frame damage and increase the risk of swaying and tipping. To ensure stability and safety, it is recommended to maintain a balanced weight distribution between the front and rear axles. Additionally, it is essential not to exceed the towing capacity of the tow vehicle to prevent overloading and potential damage to the engine, brakes, tires, and chassis.

Weighing Your Camper Trailer

To ensure you are within the safe limits, it is important to weigh your camper trailer accurately. This can be done at commercial public scales (CAT scales), weight position weighing stations, RV dealerships, agricultural weigh stations, or private trailer companies. Weighing your trailer will help you make informed decisions about packing and loading to stay within the weight limits.

Towing with an electric Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a five-door subcompact crossover SUV with a towing capacity of 5000 pounds, according to market researchers. However, it's important to note that Hyundai does not recommend this vehicle for towing purposes, and towing with it may void the warranty.

Despite this, some owners have successfully used the Kona to tow trailers and campers. One owner shared their experience of towing a camper trailer with their Kona electric car, providing a detailed account of their journey and the calculations they made to ensure their setup was safe and within weight limits.

The Kona Owner's Manual states, "We do not recommend using this vehicle for trailer towing," but some owners have interpreted this as a suggestion rather than a restriction. Additionally, the towbar designed for the petrol version of the Kona can be installed on the electric version, further adding to the confusion.

It's worth noting that the legality of towing with the Kona EV has been questioned in Australia, with some insurance companies refusing to cover accidents involving trailers towed by the Kona EV. The Road Vehicle Descriptor (RVD) documents, which contain information provided by the manufacturer, show a towing mass of 0 kg for the Kona EV, indicating that it is not legal to tow with this vehicle.

While the electric Kona has impressive torque and can handle steep sections and uneven surfaces, towing will impact its efficiency, reducing its range by about a third.

In conclusion, while some owners have successfully towed with the Kona EV, it is important to exercise caution and ensure that your setup is within weight limits and complies with local regulations and insurance requirements. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and consult experts when in doubt.

The legality of towing with a Kona

The legality of towing a camper trailer with a Hyundai Kona depends on several factors, including the vehicle's specifications, local regulations, and the trailer's weight and type. Here is a detailed overview of the key considerations:

Vehicle Specifications

The Hyundai Kona's ability to tow a camper trailer is influenced by its specifications, which vary depending on the model year and variant. It is important to refer to the specific owner's manual or consult an authorized dealer to determine the exact towing capacity for your Kona model.

Some sources suggest that the Kona has a braked towing capacity of up to 1,600 kg, while others mention figures of 1,250 kg or 1,300 kg for the petrol version. It is worth noting that Hyundai does not recommend using the Kona for trailer towing, particularly the electric variant, and there may be implications for your warranty if you choose to do so.

Local Regulations

When considering the legality of towing, it is crucial to refer to the regulations in your specific region or country. In Australia, for example, the Road Vehicle Descriptor (RVD) documents provide information from the vehicle manufacturer and are required by state and national regulators. Referring to these documents can help determine the approved towing capacity for your vehicle.

Trailer Weight and Type

The weight and type of the camper trailer you intend to tow are critical factors in determining legality. The total weight of the trailer, including any additional cargo, should not exceed the towing capacity specified for your Kona model. It is also important to consider the distribution of weight across the axles, as exceeding the permissible axle weight (PAW) can lead to unsafe conditions and void your insurance.

Additionally, certain trailer types may be more suitable for towing with a Kona than others. Small to medium-sized trailers, such as teardrop, kayak, or small open utility trailers, are generally within the towing capacity of the Kona. However, larger trailers, such as large enclosed utility trailers or large travel trailers, may exceed the weight limits and should only be towed when empty.

In conclusion, while the Hyundai Kona may have the capacity to tow a camper trailer, it is essential to consider the vehicle's specifications, local regulations, and the trailer's weight and type to ensure legality and safety. Always refer to official sources and exercise caution when making decisions about towing to avoid any potential legal, safety, or insurance implications.

The Kona's braked and unbraked towing capacity

The braked and unbraked towing capacities of the Hyundai Kona vary depending on the model year and the type of fuel system.

The braked towing capacity of the Hyundai Kona ranges from 1,250 kg to 1,300 kg for petrol models and 2,105 lbs for electric models. The unbraked towing capacity for petrol models is 600 kg to 650 kg, while the unbraked towing capacity for electric models is 0 kg.

It is important to note that Hyundai does not recommend using the Kona for towing, and the braked and unbraked towing capacities may vary slightly depending on the specific trim level and configuration of the vehicle. Additionally, the towing capacity is also affected by the number of passengers and the weight of the load being towed.

When towing with a Hyundai Kona, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines, as well as the local laws and regulations, to ensure safety and compliance.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the braked and unbraked towing capacities are not the same for all trailer types. The type of trailer, its weight, and the presence of a braking system will also determine the towing capacity of the vehicle.

Frequently asked questions