Mitsubishi's Towing Capacity: Can It Handle A Camper Trailer?

can a mitsubishi raise tow a camper trailer

The Mitsubishi Raider has a maximum towing capacity of 6500 lbs, while the Mitsubishi Mirage can tow up to 600 lbs. The Mitsubishi Outlander has a towing capacity ranging from 1500 to 3500 lbs, depending on the model year and engine type. So, depending on the model and year of your Mitsubishi, you may be able to tow a small to medium-sized camper trailer.

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The Mitsubishi Outlander's towing capacity

The Mitsubishi Outlander has been a popular mid-size SUV since its release in North America in 2003. Its towing capacity depends on several factors, including the year of manufacture and the engine it is equipped with. The 4-cylinder Outlander has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the 6-cylinder model has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. However, in 2022, Mitsubishi discontinued the 6-cylinder engine, and the SUV now has a flat 2,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. This is the same as the 2023 model. While this may not seem like a lot, there are still many possibilities. For example, you can tow a jet ski, a pop-up camper, or a snowmobile.

The Outlander's towing capacity varies by year and configuration. For instance, some 2018 and 2019 models are rated for up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The Outlander comes with a Class II Towing Package, which includes a tow hitch, a ball mount receiver with a 2-inch ball, and a protective cover. This package makes the Outlander ready to tow most trailers, although some specialised trailers may require additional equipment.

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The Mitsubishi Mirage's towing capacity

The Mitsubishi Mirage is a small car designed for fuel economy. While it is possible to tow a small trailer or camper with a Mirage, the car is not designed for tow duty and doing so may be unsafe. The towing capacity of the Mitsubishi Mirage is 600 pounds (according to one source) or 750kg (according to another). This is a braked figure, meaning that the trailer must have its own braking system. Without trailer brakes, the maximum load is 0 pounds.

The Mirage does not come with a towing package included, so you will need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally. This will include a trailer hitch and wiring harness, which together will cost between $160 and $260. You may also need a brake controller, which costs between $100 and $200 for the part, and up to $250 for installation.

When towing with a Mitsubishi Mirage, it is important to stay well below the maximum tow capacity. Exceeding the recommended weight can cause damage to the vehicle's engine, drivetrain, transmission, brakes, or suspension, leading to early wear and tear and excessive maintenance and repair costs. It can also be dangerous, impacting the vehicle's braking ability and making it difficult to steer.

To ensure you don't exceed the Mitsubishi Mirage's towing capacity, it's a good idea to follow the "80 Rule", which states that you shouldn't tow anything that weighs more than 80% of the vehicle's max tow capacity. This means that your trailer or camper should weigh no more than 480-520 pounds, depending on the exact capacity of your model.

In addition, you should consider adding a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and improve ride quality and stability. If your trailer has electric brakes, you will also need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.

Overall, while it is technically possible to tow a small trailer or camper with a Mitsubishi Mirage, it is not recommended due to the car's low towing capacity and the potential safety risks involved.

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The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's towing capacity

The Mitsubishi Outlander has been a popular mid-size SUV since its release in North America in 2003. Its towing capacity ranges from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the year and engine type. For instance, the 4-cylinder Outlander has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the 6-cylinder model can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Mitsubishi discontinued the 6-cylinder engine in 2022, and the Outlander now has a flat 2,000-pound towing capacity across all trim packages. This change was made to streamline production and improve fuel efficiency, with the 2022 Outlander offering 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The Outlander's towing capacity is further enhanced by features such as Trailer Stability Assist, which monitors trailer sway and can automatically apply brakes to avoid collisions. Additionally, the SUV offers a ball mount with a 2-inch ball and a protective cover for the 2-inch receiver.

When it comes to engine specifications, the 2020 Outlander's ES 2.4 to SEL 2.4 trims are equipped with a 2.4L MIVEC SOHC 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine, delivering 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The GT 3.0 trim, on the other hand, features a 3.0L MIVEC 24-valve V6 engine, generating 224 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a higher towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

In summary, the Mitsubishi Outlander has a decent towing capacity for a mid-size SUV, allowing it to handle small lightweight campers, ATVs, jet skis, or snowmobiles. However, it's important to stay within the recommended towing capacity and follow the "80 Rule," which suggests towing no more than 80% of the vehicle's maximum capacity to avoid excessive wear and tear.

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Camper trailer weight

The weight of a camper trailer varies depending on its type, length, size, features, and amenities. Here are some common types of camper trailers and their corresponding weight ranges:

  • Teardrop campers typically weigh between 500 and 3,200 pounds, with an average weight of around 1,500 pounds. They are one of the smallest and lightest types of camper trailers available.
  • Pop-up campers usually weigh between 1,400 and 4,000 pounds, with an average weight of around 2,300 pounds when unloaded.
  • Small travel trailers generally have a dry weight ranging from 1,200 to 3,900 pounds and a gross weight of 2,000 to 6,000 pounds. They offer a small cargo capacity of about 800 pounds.
  • Large travel trailers, which are typically over 20 feet in length, have an average weight of 6,500 pounds. When fully loaded, their weight can range from 6,300 to 11,000 pounds.
  • Toy haulers, which are designed for transporting recreational vehicles and sports equipment, weigh between 3,500 and 12,000 pounds when unloaded. They have an average cargo capacity of 10,000 pounds.
  • Fifth-wheel trailers are one of the heaviest types of trailers, with an average empty weight of about 13,000 pounds. Larger models can weigh up to 15,000 pounds or more.

It is important to note that the weight of a camper trailer is not just its dry weight or unloaded weight. The weight of cargo, water tanks, propane tanks, and other equipment can significantly increase the overall weight of the trailer. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and follow the 80/20 rule or the "80 Rule" to stay within safe towing limits.

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Hitch and wiring harness

To tow a camper trailer with your Mitsubishi Raider, you will need to install a hitch and wiring harness. This is because the Mitsubishi Raider does not come with a tow package included, so you will need to add one yourself or have it installed professionally.

At a minimum, you will need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper trailer. If your trailer has electric brakes, you will also need a brake controller to send a signal from your Raider to the brakes on your trailer. Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but be sure to check with your state for specifics.

You can purchase a trailer hitch and wiring harness separately or as part of a tow package. A trailer hitch for a Mitsubishi Raider typically costs between $125 and $200, while a wiring harness costs between $35 and $60. You can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for the installation of a tow package, including the hitch and wiring harness.

When choosing a trailer hitch, look for one that is compatible with your specific Mitsubishi Raider model and has a suitable towing capacity. The towing capacity of the trailer hitch should be greater than the weight of the camper trailer you intend to tow.

The wiring harness will allow you to make basic electrical connections and operate the brake lights and other features on your trailer. It is important to ensure that the wiring harness is compatible with your Mitsubishi Raider and your trailer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions when installing the hitch and wiring harness.

Keep in mind that towing at the maximum capacity of your Raider can damage its engine, suspension, tires, brakes, and frame. It is recommended to follow the 80/20 rule, which means using only 80% of your Raider's maximum towing capacity. This will help ensure that you do not overload your vehicle and cause premature wear and tear.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, a Mitsubishi Raider can tow a camper trailer. The towing capacity of a Mitsubishi Raider ranges from 4,000 to 6,500 lbs, depending on the model year and specifications. For example, the 2007 Mitsubishi Raider has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 lbs, while the 2006 model has a range of 6,100 to 6,500 lbs.

The towing capacity of a Mitsubishi Raider can be influenced by various factors, including the trim level, engine configuration, and drivetrain. Additionally, the altitude at which you are driving can impact the towing capacity, as the engine power is reduced at higher altitudes.

It is important to not exceed the recommended towing capacity of your Mitsubishi Raider, as it can have serious consequences, such as interfering with your braking ability and causing damage to the engine, suspension, tires, and frame. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to follow the 80/20 rule, which suggests using only 80% of the maximum towing capacity. Additionally, ensure that you have the necessary equipment, such as a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and brake controller, if required.

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