Can a Ford Fiesta pull a pop-up camper?

In today’s article, we will answer the following question: Can a Ford Fiesta pull a pop-up camper? We will review the Fiesta’s towing capacities, performance and behaviour while towing. 

Can a Ford Fiesta pull a pop-up camper?

Yes, a Ford Fiesta can pull a pop-up camper (braked or unbraked). The maximum towing capacity of a Fiesta is 1100 lbs (500 kg) for an unbraked trailer and 1980 lbs (900 kg) for a braked trailer. You will find the Ford Fiesta a great option for towing a small pop-up camper, lightweight trailer, motorcycle and even a boat! 

Ford Fiesta Towing Capacity

Ford Fiesta: driving with a camper

Below are a few safety tips to consider when towing a camper with your Ford Fiesta:

• Do not drive faster than 60mph (100 km/h). Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle control, personal injury, or death.
• The inflation pressure of the rear tires must be increased, 2 bar above specification. Make sure the pressure does not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the side of the tire. This could cause serious personal injury.
• Do not exceed the maximum authorized weight specified on the vehicle identification plate. Failure to follow this instruction can result in injury.
• Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds your vehicle’s limit and could result in the engine, gearbox, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and personal injury.
• Do not exceed the maximum vertical load on the tow ball. Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle control, personal injury, or death.
• The antilock braking system does not control the trailer brakes.

Other questions you may be interested in

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If you tow a trailer with your Ford Fiesta:

• Observe the specific regulations of your country for driving with a trailer.
• Do not exceed 100 km/h even if the regulations of your country allow exceeding this speed in certain circumstances.
• The load should be distributed on the trailer so that the centre of gravity is kept as low and centred on the trailer axle as possible. When towing with a vehicle without a load, the load must be placed in the front of the trailer without exceeding the maximum authorized vertical load, since this distribution provides optimum stability of the assembly.
• The vertical weight of the trailer on the trailer ball is essential for stability while driving the vehicle and trailer.
• The vertical weight on the tow ball must be at least 4% of the weight of the trailer and cannot exceed the maximum weight allowed.
• Immediately reduce speed if the trailer sways the slightest. See Trailer Sway Control.
• Use low gear when descending a steep incline.

Note: We recommend that you use a trailer safety cable. When using a trailer lanyard, always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: The maximum allowed vertical trailer weight specified on the trailer nameplate is the trailer manufacturer’s check value. The maximum permissible vertical weight of the vehicle may be less.

The stability of the vehicle and trailer assembly depends on the quality of the trailer.  Driving with a trailer changes your vehicle’s handling characteristics and increases stopping distances. Match your speed and driving behaviour to the trailer load.

The maximum gross vehicle and trailer weight specified on the vehicle identification plate applies to gradients of up to 12% and at altitudes of up to 1,000 m when driving with a trailer.

In mountainous areas, engine performance decreases due to lower air density as altitude increases. In high altitude areas above 1,000 m, reduce the maximum gross vehicle weight and authorized trailer by 10% for every additional 1,000 m.

Note: Not all vehicles are suitable for coupling a tow bar and do not have the necessary approval, for more information, contact an Authorized Workshop.

Ford Fiesta: behaviour and performance when towing

Regardless of engine or equipment, the Ford Fiesta drives very, very well. By tradition, this model has stood out in its segment with its very good dynamics, and this fame is now taken even further. 

Anyone familiar with MINI models in the Ford Fiesta will discover a car that works at least as well as a MINI One or MINI Cooper. This exemplary road behaviour is due to the very fine adjustments made by Ford for suspensions, engines, gearbox and steering. Virtually everything you use for driving is calibrated extraordinarily well. 

The driving position is exemplary: the steering wheel fits well in the hands, the armrest on the front of the door has an ideal shape and can now be used to rest your arm, the seats are positioned closer to the floor, and all buttons and SYNC 3 system they are easily accessible, without the need to stretch too much or bend over. 

The logic of the location of the buttons and their shape have been revised to make them easier to understand and use. Sympathetic and jovial chaos has been replaced by an almost sad discipline of commands, but from all points of view, it is better that way.

The driving position of the new Ford Fiesta is impeccable until you reach the gearbox. This is a little too low and a little too far back, so you will easily find it inconvenient to select speeds 2, 4, 6 and R (reverse). This compromise was reached to create a wider opening of the storage space in front of the exchanger. 

Ford says no one has complained about the shifter’s position so far, but I’m sure many will notice, especially drivers who are in the correct driving position and keep their backs as straight as possible. 

On the other hand, the shape of the shifter in the Titanium version is very pleasant and reminiscent of the BMW 3 Series models from the 2000s. There are three variants for the gearbox nut, depending on the equipment version.

Due to the positioning of the curtain airbags, the new Ford Fiesta does not have handlebars for cornering. For the driver, it is not necessarily a problem, because few cars have such a thing, but for passengers, they are useful to relax your arms or to stay on more winding roads. Ford’s explanation of curtain airbags is curious because other cars have turning handles with the airbags in question.

The bottom line

Ford Fiesta competes on the market with models such as Renault Clio, Nissan Micra, Opel Corsa, Volkswagen Polo, SEAT Ibiza, Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i20, KIA Rio, Citroen C3, Fiat Punto, Dacia Sandero, Mazda2, Peugeot 208, Suzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris. So, the segment in which the Ford Fiesta plays – class B – is crowded.

The car stands out positively with exceptional dynamics, regardless of equipment or engine, while the disadvantages are related to the cheap appearance of some plastics and the relatively small trunk for this class.

Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions on towing with a Ford Fiesta? Let us know!

FAQ on Can a Ford Fiesta pull a pop-up camper?

What weight can a Ford Fiesta tow?

A Ford Fiesta can tow a maximum weight of 900 kg. Not all vehicles are designed or approved to be fitted with tow bars. Please consult an authorized dealer for more information.

What is the smallest car that can tow a caravan?

The smallest car that can tow a caravan is Suzuki Jimny. Its towing capacity is at the maximum weight of 1300 kg. 

Can a focus tow a caravan?

A ford focus can tow a caravan under the 85% rule. Meaning that with a kerbweight of 1421 kg, the Ford Focus can provide a safe and stable match for caravans weighing 1208  or less.

Will my car tow my caravan?

You can tow a caravan if the latter weighs 85 per cent or less of the kerbweight of the car. 

References

• Ford Fiesta Questions – Can a 2013 Ford Fiesta pull pop up camper …
• Can a Ford Fiesta Tow a Travel Trailer or Popup Camper …
• Ford Fiesta Towing Capacity & Weight Limit Information