Can A Chevy Sonic Pull A Trailer? Chevy Sonic Towing Capacity

If you own or are considering a Chevy Sonic and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Chevy Sonic pull a trailer?

Yes, a Chevy Sonic can pull a trailer or camper up to 1,100 pounds.

There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when pulling a camper or travel trailer with A Chevy Sonic which we’ll cover below.

Pulling A Trailer With A Chevy Sonic

So, can a Chevy Sonic pull a trailer? Yes: the Chevy Sonic towing capacity is 1,100 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,100 lbs your Chevy Sonic can successfully tow it.

Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a trailer with your Chevy Sonic.

Chevy Sonic Towing Capacity
How much can a Chevy Sonic tow is up to 1,100 pounds.

Chevy Sonic Tow Hitch

Does The Chevy Sonic Come With A Tow Hitch?

The Chevy Sonic does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you may need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.

Chevy Sonic Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?

At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Chevy Sonic.

Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Chevy Sonic?

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.

Chevy Sonic Towing Package Cost

Chevy Sonic Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost

Chevy Sonic trailer hitches run between $150-$180.

A Chevy Sonic trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $15-$30.

Chevy Sonic Tow Hitch Installation Cost

Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Chevy Sonic (including the hitch and wiring harness).

Chevy Sonic Brake Controller Cost

Chevy Sonic brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.

You should not need a brake controller because the Chevy Sonic can only tow up to 1,100 pounds.

Can You Put A Tow Hitch On A Chevy Sonic? Chevy Sonic Tow Package 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 Chevy Sonic trailer hitch installation:

What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Chevy Sonic?

Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Chevy Sonic, 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 Can A Chevy Sonic Tow?

Trailer That A Chevy Sonic Can Pull
The Chevy Sonic can tow a camper up to 1,100 pounds.

Your Chevy Sonic can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 1,100 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.

The Chevy Sonic can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,100 lbs:

  • MeerKat Trailer
  • Vintage Overland T.E. Lawrence Trailer
  • Go LittleGuy myPod
  • Oregon Trailer DoDrop Alpha

This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Chevy Sonic.

Chevy Sonic Towing – What You Need To Know 

When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Chevy Sonic, 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 1,100 lbs so your Chevy Sonic 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 1,100 pounds. 

Chevy Sonic Towing Capacity

So, how much can a Chevy Sonic tow?

The Chevy Sonic towing capacity is 1,100 pounds.

Chevy Sonic Towing Capacity: 1,100 lbs

Chevy Sonic GVWR: 3,360 lbs

You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Chevy Sonic 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 Chevy Sonic GVWR or Chevy Sonic towing capacity can damage the vehicle.

Can A Chevy Sonic Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up

Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Chevy Sonic as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1,100 pounds).

Most Chevy Sonic 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 Chevy Sonic, 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.

While you’re here, check out our other helpful RV repair guides:

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