If you own or are considering a Toyota Yaris and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Toyota Yaris tow a trailer?
Yes, a Toyota Yaris can tow a trailer or camper up to 500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer or camper with your Toyota Yaris which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Trailer With A Toyota Yaris
So, can a Toyota Yaris tow a trailer? Yes: the Toyota Yaris towing capacity is 500 pounds, so as long as your trailer, camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 500 lbs your Toyota Yaris can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when pulling a trailer with your Toyota Yaris.
Toyota Yaris Tow Hitch Details
Does The Toyota Yaris Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Toyota Yaris does not come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Toyota Yaris Trailer Hitch: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Toyota Yaris.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Toyota Yaris?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
You should not need a brake controller since the Toyota Yaris can only tow up to 500 pounds.
Toyota Yaris Tow Hitch Kit Cost
Toyota Yaris Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Toyota Yaris trailer hitches run between $75-#125.
Take a look at this recommended Toyota Yaris Tow Hitch:
- 1-1⁄4 in. Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Rated Up To 2,000 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) And Up To 200 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW)
- All Hitches Are Designed For Customers With Passenger Cars And Sport Utility Vehicles
- Removable Drawbar, Pin, And Clip Sold Separately
- Clean Appearance That Attaches To The Vehicle's Frame And/Or Bumper
A Toyota Yaris trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $50-$75.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Toyota Yaris
- RELIABLE POWER. This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Toyota Yaris Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Toyota Yaris (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Toyota Yaris Brake Controller Cost
Toyota Yaris brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Tow Hitch On A Toyota Yaris? Toyota Yaris Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Toyota Yaris tow hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Tow A Trailer With My Toyota Yaris?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Toyota Yaris, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Trailers And Campers Can A Toyota Yaris Tow?
Your Toyota Yaris can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 500 pounds which is going to be strictly ultra lightweight campers.
The Toyota Yaris can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 500 lbs:
- LittleGuy Joey Teardrop Camper
- Time Out Pop-Up Mini Camper
- Earth Traveler Teardrop Trailer
The list is short, and it will be challenging to find other campers or trailers under 500 lbs that can be towed by a Toyota Yaris.
Depending on your skill level, you could consider making one with ultra lightweight materials, or simply towing a standard trailer and pitching a tent on it.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Toyota Yaris, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 500 lbs so your Toyota Yaris can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 500 pounds.
Toyota Yaris Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Toyota Yaris tow?
The Toyota Yaris can tow up to 500 pounds.
Toyota Yaris Towing Capacity: 500 lbs
Toyota Yaris GVWR: 3,360 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Toyota Yaris can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Toyota Yaris GVWR or Toyota Yaris towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Toyota Yaris Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a trailer with a Toyota Yaris as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 500 pounds).
Toyota Yaris models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Toyota Yaris, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
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