Can a Toyota Corolla pull a trailer?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can a Toyota Corolla pull a trailer? We will explain how to hitch a trailer to your Toyota Corolla and give you some advice for safe towing. 

Can a Toyota Corolla pull a trailer?

Yes, a Toyota Corolla can pull a lightweight trailer, caravan or boat. Still, keep in mind that your vehicle is designed primarily for passenger transport.

Towing a trailer will have negative effects on the handling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption of your Toyota Corolla. Your safety and satisfaction depend on the proper use of the correct equipment and safe driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, do not overload a vehicle or trailer.

To tow a trailer safely, proceed very carefully and drive the vehicle in accordance with the characteristics and operating conditions of the trailer.

Toyota Corolla Towing Capacity

How to tow a trailer with a Toyota Corolla

 Toyota first produced the Corolla in 1966. It was not introduced to the United States market until 1968 for a list price of $ 1,800. Its subcompact design was efficient and very popular with consumers. While the Corolla is not a large vehicle, it is capable of towing a small trailer.

 Since production models are not equipped with a trailer hitch, you have to go to the aftermarket for this accessory. 

1. Determine the towing capacity of your Toyota Corolla. This information should appear in the instruction manual in the section “Towing Capacity.” The 2011 model, for example, has a 1,500-pound capacity.

2. Install a trailer hitch and trailer wiring at the rear of the vehicle. It is best to have a professional garage install these items as proper installation will ensure safety. Only one Class I (up to 2,000 pounds) is needed for the Corolla.

3. Determine the weight of the trailer. This information can be found on the trailer data plate under “GVW” (gross trailer weight). If there is no data plate, take the trailer to a public weighing scale to obtain this information. If the trailer is carrying a significant amount of the load, add the weight of the load to the GTW. 

For towing safety, the trailer plus load weight must be less than the towing capacity of your Corolla.

4. Return the vehicle to the trailer tongue with the help of another person to guide you. Lower the trailer tongue onto the vehicle hitch and secure it in place with the latch. Insert a hitch pin into the clasp to secure it.

5. Connect the trailer wiring to the vehicle’s trailer jack. Connect trailer chains to hitch chain connections. The chains must cross under the tongue.

6. Walk around the vehicle and trailer, double-check the connections and the condition of the trailer and the tow vehicle. Check that the trailer lights are fully functional before each trip.

Note: If you are new to towing a trailer, practise in an empty parking lot or on country roads. The vehicle will corner and brake differently with the added weight of the trailer.

Toyota warranties do not cover damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.

Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer, any workshop or other professional with the necessary qualifications and equipment, for more information before towing, as there may be additional legal requirements in certain countries.

Weight limits and maintenance of your Corolla

Check Allowable Towing Capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Weight), MPAC (Maximum Allowable Axle Capacity), and Allowable Drawbar Load of your Toyota Corolla before towing.

More frequent maintenance is required when the vehicle is used for towing because it supports more weight compared to normal driving. Retighten all the bolts that secure the hitch ball and bracket after towing for approximately 1,000 km (600 miles).

Note: When the reinforcing material of the rear bumper is aluminum make sure that the steel bracket part does not come in direct contact with that area.

When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to corrosion, which will weaken the related section and therefore damage can occur. Apply anti-rust to the parts that come into contact when attaching a steel bracket.

Tips for towing with a Toyota Corolla

The vehicle will behave differently when towing a trailer. To avoid an accident, serious injury, or death, keep the following points in mind when towing:

• Checking the connections between the trailer and the lights. Stop the vehicle and check the function of the connection between the trailer and the lights after driving for a short time, as well as before leaving on a trip.

•  Practice driving with a trailer attached. In a no-traffic or low-traffic area, practice turning, stopping, and backing up with the trailer attached.

When backing up with a trailer attached to your vehicle, grasp the section of the steering wheel closest to you and turn it to the right to turn the trailer to the left or to the left to turn it to the right. Turn the steering wheel little by little to avoid a steering error. It is recommended that you have a second person guide you while reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.

• Increase the distance between vehicles. At a speed of 10 km / h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle in front must be equal to or greater than the combined length of the vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking as it can cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may skid uncontrollably. This is especially the case when driving on wet or slippery surfaces.

• Sudden acceleration/change of direction/cornering. If you make sharp turns with a trailer, the trailer may collide with the vehicle. Decelerate well in advance as you approach the curve and take it slowly and carefully to avoid sudden stops.

The trailer wheels will move closer to the inside of the curve than the vehicle wheels. To leave enough room for this, open up around the curves more than usual.

 Vehicle movement as a result of uneven road surfaces and strong crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also jerk when passing buses or large trucks. Check behind frequently when travelling alongside such vehicles. Upon such vehicle movement, immediately begin gently decelerating by slowly applying the brakes.

• Always drive the vehicle straight ahead while braking. Consider the total combined length of the vehicle and trailer, and make sure there is sufficient distance between vehicle and vehicle before changing lanes.

FAQ on Can a Toyota Corolla pull a trailer?

How do you calculate the trailer that a car can carry?

To know if the vehicle you have or the one you are going to buy has the possibility of towing, you have to check with the manufacturer, as they are in charge of approving their vehicles for this use.

How is the weight distributed on a trailer?

The basic rule is to tow less load than the gross weight of the vehicle that will be pulling the trailer, the load will be located in the centre of the trailer so as not to affect the Center of Gravity, with an approximate proportion of 40% in the rear and 60% at the front of the trailer

How much weight can a car tow?

Although it is established that said element cannot weigh more than 750 kilos with cargo included and together with the vehicle, the total weight cannot exceed 3,500 kilos, there is no legal or regulatory norm that limits the type of vehicle that can use a tow truck.

References

• Can a Toyota Corolla Tow a Trailer? – VEHQ
• Readers ask: Can a toyota corolla pull a uhaul trailer? – AutoacService
• Toyota Corolla – Towing Capacity & Weight Limit Information