If you own or are considering a Hyundai Elantra and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Hyundai Elantra tow a trailer?
Yes, a Hyundai Elantra can tow a trailer or camper up to 750 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer or camper with a Hyundai Elantra which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With A Hyundai Elantra
So, can a Hyundai Elantra tow a trailer? Yes: the Hyundai Elantra towing capacity is 750 pounds, so as long as your trailer, camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 750 lbs your Hyundai Elantra can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a camper trailer with your Hyundai Elantra.
Hyundai Elantra Trailer Hitch
Does The Hyundai Elantra Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Hyundai Elantra does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Hyundai Elantra Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Hyundai Elantra.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Hyundai Elantra?
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 will not need a brake controller since the Hyundai Elantra can only tow up to 750 pounds.
Hyundai Elantra Trailer Hitch Cost
Hyundai Elantra Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Hyundai Elantra trailer hitches run between $125-$200.
Take a look at this recommended Hyundai Elantra Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add useful, versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this aftermarket tow hitch kit is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch is designed to factory fit select model years of the Hyundai Elantra GT
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
A Hyundai Elantra trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $30-$60.
- 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 Hyundai Elantra sedan, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima sedan
- 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
Hyundai Elantra Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Hyundai Elantra (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Hyundai Elantra Brake Controller Cost
Hyundai Elantra brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Hyundai Elantra Trailer 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 Hyundai Elantra trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Tow A Trailer With My Hyundai Elantra?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Hyundai Elantra, 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 Or Campers Can A Hyundai Elantra Tow?
Your Hyundai Elantra can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 750 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Hyundai Elantra can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 750 lbs:
- SoCal Buzz
- ProLite Suite
- Taylor Coach 8’ Lil El
- Avan Weekender
- SylvanSport Go
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Hyundai Elantra.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Hyundai Elantra, 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 750 lbs so your Hyundai Elantra 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 750 pounds.
Hyundai Elantra Towing Capacity
So, how much weight can a Hyundai Elantra tow?
The Hyundai Elantra towing capacity is 750 pounds.
Hyundai Elantra Towing Capacity: 750 lbs
Hyundai Elantra GVWR: 3,858 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Hyundai Elantra 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 Hyundai Elantra GVWR or Hyundai Elantra towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Hyundai Elantra Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a trailer or camper with a Hyundai Elantra as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 750 pounds).
Most Hyundai Elantra 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 trailer hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Hyundai Elantra, 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 travel trailer, camper, and RV repair guides:
- What to do if your RV water pump keeps running
- How to perform RV toilet foot pedal repair
- Our guide to RV roof reseal cost
- What to do if your RV heater is blowing cold air
- How to fix an RV microwave not working
- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
- How to replace RV window glazing bead
- How to fix an RV toilet not holding water
- How to fix a sagging RV slide out
- Preparing for an RV one night freeze