If you own or are considering a VW Beetle and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a VW Beetle pull a camper?
Yes, a VW Beetle can tow a camper or trailer up to 1,500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when pulling a trailer with your Volkswagen Beetle which we’ll cover below.
Pulling A Trailer With A VW Beetle
So, can a VW Beetle pull a trailer? Yes: the VW Beetle towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,500 lbs your Volkswagen Beetle 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 VW Beetle.
VW Beetle Trailer Towing Package Details
Does The VW Beetle Come With A Tow Package?
The VW Beetle does not come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
VW Bug Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your VW Beetle.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A VW Beetle?
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 do not need a brake controller because the Volkswagen Bug can only tow up to 1,500 pounds.
VW Beetle Hitch Kit Cost
VW Bug Fifth Wheel Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
VW Bug trailer hitches run between $150-$250.
Take a look at this recommended VW Beetle Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch is rated for 1,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 150 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 Volkswagen Beetle
- 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 VW Beetle trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $30-$60.
VW Beetle Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your VW Beetle (including the hitch and wiring harness).
VW Beetle Brake Controller Cost
VW Beetle brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A VW Beetle? VW Bug Fifth Wheel 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 VW Beetle trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My VW Beetle?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your VW Bug, 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.
VW Bug Trailer Options
Your VW Beetle can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 1,500 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The VW Bug can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,500 lbs:
- Timberland Classic
- Go Little Guy MyPod
- Timberleaf Pika
- Meerkat Camper
- TAXA Outdoors Cricket
- Oregon Trail DoDrop Alpha
- Rustic Trail Papa Bear
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a VW Beetle.
In fact, there was even a special-made VW Bug trailer decades ago that the Beetle could tow easily. See it in action here:
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your VW Beetle, 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 1,500 lbs so your VW Beetle 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 1,500 pounds.
Volkswagen Beetle Towing Capacity
So, how much can a VW Beetle tow?
The Volkswagen Beetle can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Volkswagen Beetle Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs
Volkswagen Beetle GVWR: 3,990 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your VW Bug 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 VW Beetle GVWR or VW Beetle towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A VW Beetle Pull A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can pull a trailer with a VW Beetle as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1,500 pounds).
VW Beetle 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 Volkswagen Bug, 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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- How to fix an RV microwave not working
- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
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- Preparing for an RV one night freeze
