Forum Discussion

JeremyL's avatar
JeremyL
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013

Anyone tow with fuel efficient cars (not trucks or SUVs)?

I'm looking to upgrade my Yaris to a car that can actually tow a very simple, small trailer. Yet I have no need for a truck or SUV. A 2011+ Toyota Matix (tow capacity 1500 lbs according to SAE J28...
Tow Vehicles
Chuck_Gail's avatar
Chuck_Gail
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
Just be sure you find the TONGUE WEIGHT spec on the car you consider. Then most folks want 13% to 15% of FULLY LOADED TT weight on tongue to avoid sway. Ignore receiver spec, what is VEHICLE SPEC. Normally 10% of tow weight.

Example, tow weight spec 1500#, assume tongue weight spec of 150#. Assume 13% of TT weight on tongue. This gives MAX fully loaded TT weight of 1153#.

VEHICLE tongue weight spec nearly always the limiting factor.

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