Can a Nissan Versa pull a pop up camper?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can a Nissan Versa pull a pop up camper? We will explain why towing with a Versa is not a good idea, in our opinion, and continue with a few key concepts when it comes to towing a camper. 

Can a Nissan Versa pull a pop up camper?

No, a Nissan Versa is not the best vehicle to pull a pop-up camper or any trailer for that matter. The Nissan Versa was not made with towing capacity in mind, thus its ability to pull a camper is almost never enough – as you will see in the table below. 

Nissan Versa Towing Capacity

Is it possible to install a towing hitch to a Nissan Versa?

While the manufacturer does not recommend towing with your Nissan Versa, and you risk losing your warranty, you can install an A-Class 1 trailer hitch on a Nissan Versa. For this, we recommend you to go to an authorised mechanic or auto shop.

Please note that while the Nissan Versa is a reliable and great vehicle overall, towing with this model is a risk, one that you have to assume. 

In matters of convenience, the Nissan Versa continues to put comfort above all else. In essence we are facing the same platform, although with numerous adjustments that improve ride quality. The suspension is now less bouncy and better filters the irregularities of the road.

Suspension improvements to the new Nissan Versa will definitely help when towing. At the limit, Versa feels light and its rear axle follows the path marked by the front wheels. This without their assists would be impossible. We are happy that Nissan finally realized the importance of electronic stability control.

Everything in this car is clearly thought of for the city. This new generation uses the Kicks version of the 1.6-liter engine, the 118 hp and 110 lb-ft. The automatic transmission is CVT, without being exactly the same as in Kicks. Nissan reprogrammed it to improve the staging of simulated gears and make better use of engine power. It also has a Sport mode hidden in the back of the lever.

The engine of the new Versa is definitely better than the previous generation four-speed automatic, although I’m not sure it’s more efficient than a six-speed automatic or the most refined CVT. What is a fact is that this engine, with this transmission and in this chassis is for those who seek comfort in the day to day, but not much spark. When talking about consumption, we average around 12 km/l in the city. Not bad.

How to calculate the towing capacity of your vehicle

Before hitting the road with your trailer or pop-up camper, make sure your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity is not exceeded. You should never exceed the maximum towing weight. It is a good idea to leave a 20 per cent safety margin.

1. Look on the door panel of your vehicle for a tab that indicates the gross combined weight rating or GCWR, which is the maximum weight that your vehicle plus its trailer load must weigh. This number includes everything inside your vehicle. The number will also be in the owner’s manual.

2. Find the gross vehicle weight, or MAM, which is the total weight of your vehicle including the entire interior of your vehicle. You can weigh your vehicle on weight scales usually found at truck stops.

3. Subtract the gross weight found in Stage 2 from the GCWR found in step 1. GCWR – PBV = Maximum trailer weight. The answer to this equation will be equal to the maximum weight your vehicle can tow. Although it is possible to know the weight of your trailer, you can never be completely sure of your trailer load unless you take your trailer fully loaded with a weight scale.

What is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of my vehicle and why is it important?

The gross vehicle weight or GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), is the classification of the weight of a vehicle. This refers to the maximum permissible weight that the vehicle can carry, including itself. 

The GVWR differs from a vehicle’s model and fit and will be affected by added equipment and features or whether it has four or two doors, for example. GVWR specifications are set by the manufacturer and are individual to exact weight, model, fit year, and vehicle.

The GVWR is the maximum allowable vehicle weight. It is made up of the vehicle’s curb weight, the specified number of passengers the vehicle is designed to carry, and the vehicle’s load capacity.

The curb weight of a vehicle is the weight of the vehicle when loaded with fuel and oil and all standard equipment, with no driver or passengers or added cargo. The specified number of passengers changes with the availability of vehicle seats. For example, five seats represent five passengers included in the total gross weight. Curb weight refers to normal vehicle operating conditions when cargo weight is not added.

You can subtract the curb weight from the GVWR to calculate the allowable payload capacity for the vehicle, which includes the weight of the driver and passengers.

Manufacturers establish a GVWR for their vehicles in order to specify a safe operating limit for the vehicle. Exceeding the GVWR will affect the braking and handling of the vehicle, and is risky. The GVWR will depend on the structural capacity of the vehicle.

Final thoughts

We remind you that a Nissan Versa is not the best vehicle for towing a pop-up camper. While Nissan impresses us with its newest Versa, we still have to wait for its towing capacity to increase, in order to be safe on the road.

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or comments on the content.  

FAQ on Can a Nissan Versa pull a pop-up camper?

How to calculate the capacity of a vehicle?

If you can’t find a scale, calculate the weight of the vehicle by adding the total of the empty car, the weight of the passengers, and the cargo. Subtract the loaded weight of your vehicle from the total gross weight. The resulting figure is your towing capacity.

What is the towing capacity?

The Towing Capacity results from the chassis components: Aluminum and High Strength Steel. Aluminum considerably reduces the weight of the body, while High Strength Steel provides much more rigidity and strength to the structure of the truck, to withstand the most challenging terrain.

How much can a Nissan Versa pull?

A Nissan Versa can pull up to 2000 lbs if fitted with an A-class trailer hitch. This is, however, not recommended as the manufacturer did not design Versa with towing in mind. 

References

• Towing with a Versa? | Nissan Versa Forums
• How much can a Nissan versus tow? – Vehicle History
• Nissan Versa – Wikipedia