If you own or are considering a Toyota Corolla and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Toyota Corolla pull a trailer?
Yes, a Toyota Corolla can pull a trailer or camper up to 1500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when pulling a trailer with your Toyota Corolla which we’ll cover below.
Pulling A Trailer With A Toyota Corolla
So, can a Toyota Corolla pull a trailer? Yes: the Toyota Corolla towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, so as long as your trailer, camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,500 lbs your Toyota Corolla can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a camper with your Toyota Corolla.
Toyota Corolla Hitch Details
Does The Toyota Corolla Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Toyota Corolla does not come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Toyota Corolla Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Toyota Corolla.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Toyota Corolla?
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.
Since the Toyota Corolla can only tow up to 1,500 pounds, you should not need a brake controller.
Toyota Corolla Hitch Kit Cost
Toyota Corolla Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Toyota Corolla trailer hitches run between $130-$180.
Take a look at this recommended Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla
- 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 Toyota Corolla trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $25-$50.
- 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 Corolla 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
Toyota Corolla Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow hitch professionally installed on your Toyota Corolla (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Toyota Corolla Brake Controller Cost
Toyota Corolla brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Hitch On A Toyota Corolla? Toyota Corolla 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 Corolla trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Toyota Corolla?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Toyota Corolla, 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 Corolla Pull?
Your Toyota Corolla can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 1,500 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Toyota Corolla can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,500 lbs:
- Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth
- Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK
- Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK
- Pika Camper
- InTech RV Flyer
- Little Guy MyPod
- NuCamp Tag
- Jayco Hummingbird 10RK
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Toyota Corolla.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Toyota Corolla, 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 1500 lbs so your Toyota Corolla 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 1500 pounds.
Toyota Corolla Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Toyota Corolla tow?
The Toyota Corolla can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Toyota Corolla Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs
Toyota Corolla GVWR: 1,610 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Toyota Corolla 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 Corolla GVWR or Toyota Corolla towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Toyota Corolla Tow A Travel Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can pull a trailer with a Toyota Corolla as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1500 pounds).
Toyota Corolla 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 Corolla, 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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