If you own or are considering a Chevy Malibu and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Chevy Malibu tow a trailer or camper?
Yes, a Chevy Malibu can tow a trailer or camper up to 1,000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with a Chevy Malibu which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Trailer With A Chevy Malibu
So, can a Chevy Malibu tow a camper trailer? Yes: the Chevy Malibu towing capacity is 1,000 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,000 lbs your Chevy Malibu 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 Chevy Malibu.
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IMAGE CAPTION: How much can a Chevy Malibu tow is up to 1,000 pounds.
Chevy Malibu Tow Package
Does The Chevy Malibu Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Chevy Malibu does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Chevy Malibu Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Chevy Malibu.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Tow A Trailer With A Chevy Malibu?
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 because the Chevy Malibu can only tow up to 1,000 pounds.
Chevy Malibu Towing Package Cost
Chevy Malibu Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Chevy Malibu trailer hitches run between $225-$290.
A Chevy Malibu trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $25-$30.
Chevy Malibu Tow Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Chevy Malibu (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Chevy Malibu Brake Controller Cost
Chevy Malibu 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 Chevy Malibu? Chevy Malibu Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and loo king 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 Malibu trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Chevy Malibu?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Chevy Malibu, 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 Malibu Tow?
Your Chevy Malibu can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 1,000 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Chevy Malibu can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,000 lbs:
- Jayco Hummingbird 10RK
- Happier Camper HC1
- Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK
- MeerKat Trailer
- nuCamp TAG Teardrop Trailer
- Pika Teardrop Trailer
- Scamp 13’ Trailer
- Wisecraft Little Joe Camper
- ProLite Mini
- TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
- Rustic Trail Teardrop Camper
- InTech RV Flyer
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Chevy Malibu.
Can A Chevy Malibu Tow A Caravan?
As we covered in this guide, your Chevy Malibu can tow a caravan under 1,000 lbs.
Chevy Malibu Towing – What You Need To Know
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Chevy Malibu, 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 1,000 lbs so your Chevy Malibu 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 1,000 pounds.
Chevy Malibu Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Chevy Malibu tow?
The Chevy Malibu towing capacity is 1,000 pounds.
Chevy Malibu Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs
Chevy Malibu GVWR: 3,744 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Chevy Malibu 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 Malibu GVWR or Chevy Malibu towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Chevy Malibu Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Chevy Malibu as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1,000 pounds).
Most Chevy Malibu 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 Malibu, 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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