How much can a 2008 Toyota Camry tow?
In today’s blog post, we will answer the following question: How much can a 2008 Toyota Camry tow? We will discuss the towing capacity and engine performance of the 2008 Toyota Camry.
How much can a 2008 Toyota Camry tow?
A 2008 Toyota Camry can tow up to 2645 lbs. To get to this weight safely, however, the vehicle must be braked on both wheels on at least one axle of the towed load.
Despite not being Toyota’s best-selling car in the world, the Camry is the emblem of the company, a reliable, comfortable, efficient car with a style that increasingly seeks to be more personal. Many of the elements of the design of the 2008 Toyota Camry are aimed at improving the car’s aerodynamics and airflow in the cooling system, especially while towing.
2008 Toyota Camry Towing Capacity
| 2008 Toyota Camry | Specs | Towing Capacity |
| Altise | 2.4L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO | 2645 lbs. |
| Altise | 2.4L, ULP, 5 SP MAN | 2645 lbs. |
| Ateva | 2.4L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO | 2645 lbs. |
| Ateva L Special Edition | 2.4L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO | 2645 lbs. |
| Grande | 2.4L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO | 2645 lbs. |
| Sportivo | 2.4L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO | 2645 lbs. |
| Sportivo | 2.4L, ULP, 5 SP MAN | 2645 lbs. |
The 2008 Toyota Camry: engine performance
The advantage of towing with a 2008 Toyota Camry is the new-generation engines. Entry versions are powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.
While the higher variants mount a 3.5-litre V6 with 268 hp and 248 pound-feet of torque, it is also mated to a six-speed automatic.
This engine offers great acceleration when towing, as well as low fuel consumption, averaging about 6.8 miles/gallon, if we consider that the gasoline tank is 16 gallons, we can travel an average of 1540 miles.
The interior in a 2008 Toyota Camry is spacious and shows a very high level of finishes, combining hard and soft plastics and aluminum details, as well as wood applications for the more expensive models. The seats offer great comfort, and the rear bench can accommodate three adults without major problems. The roominess extends to the trunk, which can easily accommodate three large suitcases and one medium-size suitcase.
How to install a trailer hitch on a Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a middle-class car that comes standard with a four-cylinder, cross-mounted engine. You may have extra cargo space on your Camry, and installing an aftermarket trailer hitch will allow you to tow a small trailer and expand your vehicle’s cargo-carrying capacity.
One-pull installation is facilitated by the factory-drilled holes in the landing gear, but some drilling is required in the trunk manifold for hitch installation.
- Open the trunk lid and lift the mat off the carpet. Loosen the thumbscrew and remove the spare tire from the well at the bottom of the trunk compartment.
- Lubricate the rubber hooks of the penetrant leak. Wait on the muffler with one hand as you slide the bracket out of its mount with an exhaust hook removal tool – available where automotive tools are sold. Lower the muffler and you should set it aside.
- Remove the plastic rivets that hold the lower part of the bumper protector plate to the lower part of the trunk tray, with a flat screwdriver. Remove the plastic cover from the bottom of the trunk manifold in the same way -. If your Camry is equipped.
- Locate the metal bracket attached to the rider frame stringer and the sheet metal end panel. Remove the bracket retaining bolts with a socket and ratchet wrench. Remove the mount from the car. Note that the now empty screw holes of the end panel will be used to mount the hitch.
- Lift the hitch to the bottom of the car and line up the vertical mounting holes with the existing solder-on nuts on the metal end panel sheet of the car. Place taper or lock washers – depending on hitch manufacturer – on hitch mounting bolts. Thread the screws through the mounting holes in the hitch and into the welded-in nuts in the end panel. Finger tighten the bolts.
- Use a power drill and bore a ½-inch hole through each of the two forward horizontal mounting holes on the hitch and on the bottom of the trunk manifold from under the car. Scrape the foam rubber material away from the vicinity of the holes with a metal putty knife from inside the trunk.
- Insert two-bolt blocks through the two remaining hitch mounting bolts. Insert the bolts through the holes on the inside of the trunk. Place the washers and nuts on the threaded ends of the bolts that protrude through the bottom of the trunk and through the two mounting holes in the front hitch.
- Tighten all bolts and nuts with a torque wrench to the torque specified by the hitch manufacturer – typically between 40 and 80 pound-feet.
- Mount the new spare tightly inside the trunk and close the trunk lid. Lift the muffler and hold it in position with one hand while working the rubber suspension back onto the metal bracket with the other hand. Push the plastic rivets into place to secure the rear bumper. Do not install the plastic cover on the trunk tray, if your car was equipped for it.
5 reasons not to tow with a 2008 Toyota Camry
We have talked about towing capacity and engine performance. We have even detailed the steps for installing a trailer hitch on a 2008 Toyota Camry. Now, we want to do something different, we want to discuss five reasons not to tow with a 2008 Toyota Camry!
- More of the same: Being one of the best-selling models in the world does not detract from the fact that it is one of the most antiquated cars on the market. Although it has been continuously updated in its generations, it has never proposed anything in terms of design. Toyota Camry is a car that does not come with new technology that is meant for towing.
- Recalls: Another reason that leads us to say no to a Toyota Camry is that you are in danger of the car having to stop at a dealer due to the large number of recalls continuously issued by the Japanese brand for mechanical problems.
- Performance: Unlike many of its competitors, the Toyota Camry’s handling a trailer or a lightweight camper doesn’t convey any dynamism. We agree that this model is located in a segment where most customers are not looking for a little more punch, but that does not mean that the Japanese bring fun behind the wheel. It feels lacking in energy, something that many of us do not look for in a vehicle of these characteristics.
- Materials: Another of the great defects of this sedan is the lack of quality in the materials that we find in the interior. It is a fact that the customer cannot be deceived by offering low-cost plastics. We believe that Toyota is already paying dearly for all this since in a couple of years Volkswagen will snatch the title of the world’s largest car manufacturer.
- The trunk: We have learned that several Camry owners have had a trunk lid that tends not to stay open. This has resulted in drivers being hit in the head, less than four weeks after purchasing the vehicle.
Final thoughts
The Camry is one of the best-selling cars in the world, but especially on the North American continent, where it holds the title of the most successful midsize sedan in terms of volume and the best-selling passenger car year-over-year, only behind large Ford and Chevrolet pickups. Despite the rise of SUVs around the world, the reality is that large sedans are still highly sought after for the serious image they project, the space, and the refinement they deliver at a reasonable price.
We must remember that this was the car that put Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler in a tight spot a few years ago and forced them to produce the great cars they make today to stay competitive. The reality is that design was never one of its strongest points, it did not risk too much and that is precisely why it pleased the masses to achieve the sales numbers it achieved month after month.
Today, this generation of Camry continues to be very present on the streets of our country despite having been on the market for 10 years. The reasons are as simple as they are logical, it is a reliable, comfortable and safe car. That is also why we consider it a very interesting option for going camping!
Do you agree with us? Please feel free to leave a comment!
FAQ on How much can a 2008 Toyota Camry tow?
How much can a 2002 Toyota Camry tow?
A 2002 Toyota Camry can tow up to 3500 lbs, which means it will perform great in pulling a small pop-up camper, travel trailer, boat, or even a snowboard.
How much can a 2003 Toyota Camry tow?
Depending on the car specifications, a 2003 Toyota Camry can tow up to 3500 lbs. While towing with a 2003 Camry, always remember that the vehicle is carrying extra weight. Give cars in front of you extra room so you have enough space if you need to brake hard. Test your towing skills in both drives and reverse gears in a parking lot before towing on the main road.
Can a Camry tow a pop up camper?
Yes, a Toyota Camry could easily tow a pop-up camper, as they weigh only about 300 kilograms (650 lbs). Still, keep in mind that towing can be dangerous if you don’t take it seriously.
Can I tow with a Camry Hybrid?
You can tow with a Toyota Camry Hybrid, but its towing capacity is very small (400 kg/880 lbs), thus it will be able to tow only a small camper, very lightweight boat or jet ski. You must ensure you do not exceed the towing capacity of your Camry, as you may damage the vehicle.
