Camry Camping: Choosing The Right Camper Size

The Toyota Camry is a powerful car for its size, with some models producing up to 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. This means it has some towing power, but how much weight can it handle? The towing capacity of the Toyota Camry is around 925-1,100 pounds, with some sources stating a maximum capacity of 1,000 pounds, and others stating 1,600 kg. This means that while the Camry can't tow a full-sized RV, it can pull smaller campers, teardrop trailers, and pop-up campers.

What is the Toyota Camry's towing capacity?

The Toyota Camry has a towing capacity of 925-1,100 pounds, which means it can haul small loads. Some owners of 90s-era Camry models claim they can tow up to 2,000 pounds, but it is recommended to stay around 1,000 pounds or less. The braked towing capacity of the Toyota Camry is 1600 kg (or 3527 pounds), while the maximum load for any vehicle without using trailer brakes is 750 kg (or 1653 pounds).

While the Toyota Camry has some towing power, it is not recommended to tow anything that could cause damage to the vehicle and affect its performance. This means that although the Camry can tow small loads, it cannot tow a 25-foot boat or a full-sized RV.

• Teardrop trailers: Most teardrop trailers weigh around 900 pounds, with some getting up to over 1,000 pounds. It is recommended to not fully load a teardrop trailer when hitching it to a Camry, keeping the total weight of the trailer and supplies at 1,000 pounds or less.
• Pop-up campers: Basic pop-up campers weigh only 650 pounds, which a Camry can easily tow.
• Jet skis: The average jet ski weighs about 850 pounds, which is within the towing capacity of a Toyota Camry.
• ATVs: A Camry can also tow an ATV, which typically weighs less than 1,000 pounds.
• Jet boats: Although a Camry cannot pull a full-sized boat, it can handle pulling a jet boat out of the water.
• Small utility trailers: Utility trailers are lightweight, and a 4'x6' utility trailer weighs about 300 pounds, leaving 700 pounds for cargo.

Can a Toyota Camry tow a teardrop camper?

The Toyota Camry is a surprisingly powerful car, with some models producing up to 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. While it can't tow a large boat or RV, it can tow a small trailer. According to the manufacturer, the Toyota Camry has a towing capacity of 925-1,100 pounds, although some owners of 90s models report being able to tow up to 2,000 pounds. It's recommended to stay around 1,000 pounds or less.

So, can a Toyota Camry tow a teardrop camper? The answer is yes, it can. Most teardrop trailers weigh around 900 pounds, with some reaching over 1,000 pounds. To be safe, it's recommended to not exceed 1,000 pounds, including the weight of supplies and equipment. This means leaving room in your trailer and not fully loading it when hitching it to your Camry.

If you're considering towing a teardrop camper with your Toyota Camry, there are a few important safety tips to keep in mind. Firstly, always consult your owner's manual for exact specifications and guidelines. Secondly, avoid riding your brakes when towing. Instead, tap your brakes gently, especially when driving downhill. Thirdly, leave plenty of room to stop, as you'll need extra distance for braking when hauling a trailer. It's recommended to stay at least four seconds behind the car in front of you.

Additionally, it's a good idea to carry a spare trailer tire and a spare wheel and wheel hub for the trailer. Before embarking on your trip, take your Camry on a test run to get a feel for how it handles a heavy load, and make sure to practice backing up, as manoeuvring a mid-size sedan with a trailer can be tricky. Lastly, stay under 55 mph when towing, as higher speeds can cause the trailer to sway or whip, and some states have a maximum speed limit of 55 mph for towing.

Can a Toyota Camry tow a pop-up camper?

Yes, a Toyota Camry can tow a pop-up camper. Basic pop-up campers weigh about 650 pounds, which is well within the Toyota Camry's towing capacity. The 2019 model, for example, has a vehicle capacity weight of 925 pounds. Some people who own 90s-era Camry models report being able to tow up to 2,000 pounds, but it's recommended to stay around 1,000 lbs or less.

While the Camry can tow a pop-up camper, it's important to remember that towing can be dangerous if you don't take the necessary precautions. Always remember that the vehicle is carrying extra weight and give extra room to the cars in front of you in case you need to brake hard. It's also a good idea to test your towing skills in both drive and reverse gears in a parking lot before towing on the main road.

When towing a pop-up camper, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific vehicle model. The maximum towable mass for each car is usually listed in its booklet, and it's important not to exceed this limit. Additionally, the diesel engine is generally more suitable for towing than a petrol engine, as torque values are more important than acceleration and speed when pulling a trailer.

To ensure a safe journey, it's recommended to install a custom hitch on your Toyota Camry if you plan on towing a pop-up camper. One person who towed a 10' Colman popup with a Toyota Camry reported that they had a class III hitch with equalizing bars installed. While this setup worked well for them, they did eventually experience transmission issues after 270,000 km (168,000 miles) and many camping trips.

In conclusion, a Toyota Camry can safely tow a pop-up camper within its recommended towing capacity. By taking the necessary precautions and following the manufacturer's guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of camping with the convenience of towing your camper.

What hitches are compatible with a Toyota Camry?

The towing capacity of the Toyota Camry ranges from 925 to 1,600 kg, depending on the model. While it cannot tow a full-sized RV, it can tow small trailers, campers, and utility trailers.

When it comes to hitches compatible with a Toyota Camry, the most common type is a class one hitch. These hitches typically have a 1.25-inch receiver and can tow up to 2,000 pounds. However, it's important to note that not all Camry models can tow that much weight, so it's always best to sort by year, make, model, and engine size to find the most suitable hitch.

• Curt Trailer Hitch 12343
• Curt Trailer Hitch 123433
• Curt Trailer Hitch 12339
• Curt Trailer Hitch 115763
• Curt Trailer Hitch 11646
• Curt Trailer Hitch 123393
• Curt Trailer Hitch 121073
• Curt Trailer Hitch 12107 (Class 2 hitch with a 1-1/4-inch receiver)
• Reese Trailer Hitch 06187
• Reese Trailer Hitch 06326
• Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch 36336
• Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch 36643

It's important to consult your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure safe towing practices with your Toyota Camry.

What safety measures should be taken when towing with a Toyota Camry?

When towing with a Toyota Camry, there are several safety measures you should take to ensure a smooth and secure journey. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:

• Know Your Towing Capacity: Familiarise yourself with the towing capacity of your Camry and adhere to the manufacturer's recommended limits. The Camry's towing capacity is typically around 925-1,100 pounds, but it's important to consult your owner's manual for exact specifications.
• Inspect Your Vehicle and Trailer: Conduct regular inspections of your vehicle, trailer, tires, brakes, lights, and weight distribution. Ensure that your trailer hitch is compatible and securely attached, providing a foundation for safe towing.
• Use Quality Equipment and Accessories: Invest in high-quality towing equipment, such as tow straps, trailer brake controllers, safety chains, and trailer lights. These enhance safety and improve towing performance.
• Practice Safe Driving Habits: Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially when driving downhill or in adverse weather conditions. Avoid riding your brakes, instead, tap your brakes gently to prevent overheating. Stay under speed limits, as towing can affect your handling and braking capabilities.
• Stay Informed About Legal Requirements: Understand the towing laws, licensing requirements, insurance coverage, and weight distribution regulations in your region. Comply with speed limits and ensure your trailer meets legal requirements, especially regarding trailer brakes.

By following these safety measures, you can confidently and safely tow within the limits of your Toyota Camry's capabilities.

Frequently asked questions