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Which Trailer Hitch is Right for Your Vehicle?

Front side view of Tundra driving with trailer hooked behind

Towing a trailer is common for those who lead active and adventurous lifestyles. Whether you’re a boat or jet ski owner looking to have some fun on the water or an outdoor enthusiast looking to haul your camper to one of Northern Ontario’s picturesque provincial parks, knowing which trailer hitch is right for your vehicle is a must. Being aware of your vehicle’s maximum towing capabilities and specific hitch & wiring requirements before attempting to tow can save you a lot of time and headaches. So, how do you choose a trailer hitch for your specific Toyota? Our knowledgeable parts associates at James Toyota can help you find just about anything you’re looking for in the world of Toyota sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs and pickup trucks. Continue reading to find out more about before hitching up your Toyota.


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2023 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capabilities

How Much Can The 2023 Toyota Tundra Tow?


Can I Install a Hitch on My Toyota Sedan?

Class 1 Hitches

The streets of North America are filled with popular Toyota sedan models for good reason, they’re a practical, efficient and reliable means of transportation. From the compact Corolla, to the mid-size Camry, all Toyota sedans can be equipped with a hitch receiver. This is not to say that towing with these vehicles is highly recommended, but rather that having a professionally installed hitch can open up your Toyota to a world of hitch-mounted accessories. Broadly speaking, compact and midsize sedans can be equipped with Class 1 light-duty hitch receivers that mount directly onto the vehicle’s rear bumper. As a general rule of thumb, Class 1 hitches are typically rated to handle a maximum gross trailer weight of less than 907 kg (2,000 lbs). Although your vehicle may be able to tow with a Class 1 hitch, these mounts are typically used to attach bike racks, cargo carriers and other light duty hitch-mounted accessories. 

Side view of Corolla Cross driving on road with grass in background

How Much Can My Toyota SUV Tow?

Class 2 Hitches

Depending on which SUV model you have, your vehicle may be able to comfortably tow anything from a small boat to a loaded utility trailer. Class 2 trailer hitch assemblies are the most popular hitch receivers on the market and are typically found on larger sedans, minivans and midsize SUVs. Generally speaking, a Class 2 hitch can handle maximum gross trailers weighing up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs), however some Toyota SUVs are rated to tow much heavier loads. For example, a gas-powered 2023 RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs, while a properly equipped 2023 Highlander is rated to tow up to 2,268 kgs (5,000 lbs)!

Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitches

Class 3 & 4 Hitches

Full-size pickup trucks like the 2023 Tundra and body-on-frame SUVs like the 2023 Sequoia may have the ability to tow heavy loads of up to 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) using a Class 3 or higher trailer hitch. Heavy-duty trailer hitches, such as Class 3 and 4 hitch receivers, work in tandem with reinforced transmissions and cooling systems that can be factory ordered onto your vehicle. This is to ensure that your Toyota can handle the added stress to the powertrain that comes with pulling heavy loads. Before attempting to tow such heavy weights with your Toyota, it’s always good practice to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure that your vehicle can comfortably perform the duties you’re asking of it. If unsure, don’t hesitate to contact us at James Toyota. 

Interested in learning more about your specific Toyota’s towing and hauling capabilities? Visit our Parts Department at James Toyota and one of our knowledgeable representatives will be more than happy to answer your questions. We are your one stop shop for all things Toyota-related. Whether you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle that can handle your specific towing needs, or are looking to book a service appointment for your current Toyota, we’re more than happy to help.