What is the towing capacity of a Honda Element?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “What is the towing capacity of a Honda Element?” We will also discuss the Honda Element towing capacity ratings and other related specs. Additionally, we will talk about the best travel trailers that are an excellent match for the Honda Element’s towing capacity.
What is the towing capacity of a Honda Element?
The towing capacity of a Honda Element is 1,500 pounds. The Honda Element was a popular SUV with some decent features and specifications. The Honda Element had several trim levels, but all had a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. The gross weight of the Honda Element was 4,450 pounds.
The Honda Element had two different engines with variations in horsepower. The 2.4-liter i-Vtec 5MT engine was standard. The difference was the 166 horsepower and the 154 horsepower. The maximum towing capacity for both machines was 1,500 pounds with only one passenger. The Honda Element had a towing capacity of 1,200 pounds with two passengers.
Despite the incredible features and specifications, the Honda Element could have been a better vehicle for towing. The recommended towing capacity is only 700 pounds if five passengers travel in the car. Hence, towing vehicles, campers, or trailers was challenging for the Honda Element camper.
Honda Element towing capacity ratings
This vehicle was launched in 2003 and stayed in the market until 2011. Despite the year of manufacture, the Honda Element had the same towing capacity for all models. Traveling in a Honda Element with five people and towing a trailer was hard. Since most trailers are above the towing capacity, this SUV had several towing problems.
Gross vehicle weight rating
- The GVWR or gross vehicle weight rating for the Honda Element was just 4,450 pounds. This is the vehicle’s maximum weight, including all passengers, cargo, accessories, etc. With a GVWR of only 4,450, it was impossible to tow a travel trailer, especially when fully loaded.
Tongue load
- The tongue load of the Honda Element with a fully-loaded trailer was only 10 percent of the total weight. This means the hitch should be close to 10 percent of the total trailer weight, 150 pounds. These were some challenges faced with the Honda Element’s towing capacity.
- To get the right tongue load, it is essential to load the front of the trailer with 60 percent of the weight and load the rear with the remaining 40 percent. It was also necessary to re-adjust the load when required.
Gross axle weight rating
- The GAWR of gross axle weight rating was equally a struggle. The maximum GAWR for the Honda Element was 2,300 pounds on the front axle and 2,205 pounds on the rear axle. Overall, the GAWR and the vehicle’s towing capacity were just right.
- The Honda Element was perfect for towing small-size trailers. Towing a kayak trailer when loaded was possible. However, the other campers can be towed when empty or low-weight. Some options were towing jet skis, small fishing boats, motorcycles, etc. Anything above 1,500 pounds was not possible.
- It was also tough to tow a teardrop trailer with the Honda Element since most teardrop trailers weigh an average of 1,700 pounds. However, some ultra-light trailers can match the Honda Element well. The most important part is to consider the overall weight of the trailers, including the cargo weight.
- The Honda Element camper was only perfect for towing small enclosed utility trailers. Towing anything more than 1,500 pounds will cause a significant strain on the engine, and it is also not recommended to tow more than 1,500 pounds. Towing fishing boat trailers that are empty is possible with the Honda Element.
Best travel trailers for the Honda Element’s towing capacity
With the limited towing capacity of this vehicle, the Honda Element was restricted to only a few travel trailers or campers. All Honda Element models were good enough to tow a dolly. However, a decent list of travel trailers perfectly matches the Honda Element. Here are some of the travel trailers described below.
Happier Camper HC1
- The Happier Camper HC1 was well-known for being ultra-lightweight. These campers are only 1,100 pounds and are one of the best matches for the Honda Element. The Happier Camper HC1 is a fiberglass travel trailer that can be customized.
- They are perfect for outdoor living and lounging. The interior features were excellent, and it was perfect for a couple.
Meerkat trailer
- The Meerkat trailer became famous for its ultra-lightweight. This trailer is 13 feet long and only weighs 900 pounds. It is no doubt a perfect fit for the Honda Element. Compared to the other models, the Meerkat trailer had several features and specifications. Some of the features included a cassette toilet and a dinette.
nuCamp TAG
- The nuCamp TAG had a total weight of 1,269, making it a perfect match for the Honda Element. This trailer was widely used for minimal camping and is still found among enthusiasts. Despite the size, the nuCamp TAG had some of the best amenities and features, like a queen-size bed. It also had a standard AC unit.
Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK
- One of the most minimalistic but comfortable campers was the Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK. This camper weighs only 1,252 pounds. It arrives with all the basic amenities and features.
- The Rockwood Geo Pro is 12 feet long with plenty of headroom inside the sleeping area. The Rockwood Pro also had a TV and completed audio system for entertainment.
Pro Lite Mini
- The Pro Lite Mini is only 1,150 pounds and is 14 feet long. This trailer is compact but has a fantastic sleeping capacity for up to four people. It has a pull-out sofa bed and a convertible dinette.
- The interior features are excellent, as it arrives with a stove, fridge, sink, and kitchen. The outdoor shower and heater are some of the added advantages.
TAXA Outdoors Tigermoth
- The TAXA Outdoors Tigermoth is yet another innovative camper with incredible features. This camper weighs 1,310, and there is extra sleeping space with the rooftop tent.
- This is a versatile camper with enough living space and an outdoor kitchen. The Taxa Outdoors Tigermoth is an off-road camper, perfect for camping off-grid.
Rustic Trail Teardrops
- These teardrop trailers will cut it short for the Honda Element as it has a total weight of 1,475 pounds. This camper is pretty low in price. There are three options available with the Rustic Trail Teardrop campers. They arrive with all the basic amenities and comfortable sleeping spaces.
Those were some of the best ultra-lightweight trailers perfect for the Honda Element. These campers have the best features and specifications and will match the Honda Element well. However, it is still a tough challenge with the campers or trailers are fully loaded with camping gear and other cargo.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “What is the towing capacity of a Honda Element?” We will also discuss the Honda Element towing capacity ratings and other related specs. Additionally, we will talk about the best travel trailers that are an excellent match for the Honda Element’s towing capacity.
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