Yes, you can pull a pop-up camper with a four-cylinder vehicle. However, you may find that your car struggles to do so if the camper is particularly heavy or oversized. If you’re planning on doing a lot of camping with your pop-up camper, it might be worth upgrading to a larger vehicle that can more easily handle the weight and size.
Can You Pull A Pop-Up Camper With A Four-Cylinder?
- Check the towing capacity: Most 4-cylinder vehicles can tow a pop-up camper if the towing capacity is high enough. For example, the Honda CR-V has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the Toyota RAV4 has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. To be safe, always check your vehicle’s towing capacity before hitching up a pop-up camper.
- Estimate the total camper weight: The average pop-up camper weighs between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds. To get an accurate estimate of your camper’s weight, consult the manufacturer’s website or the owner’s manual.
Equipment Needed For Towing
Before you hit the road with your pop-up camper in tow, there are a few things you’ll need to ensure you do so safely.
- You’ll need an adequately equipped vehicle to tow the camper’s weight. Check your owner’s manual to see your car’s towing capacity, and make sure not to exceed it.
- You’ll also need a few critical pieces of equipment. These include a hitch, wiring harness, and possibly a weight distribution system.
- The hitch is what attaches the camper to the vehicle. There are a few different types of hitches, so be sure to consult a professional to find the best one for your vehicle and camper.
- The wiring harness provides the vehicle’s battery power to run the camper’s lights. This is critical for both safety and being legal on the road.
- A weight distribution system helps to distribute the camper’s weight evenly across the vehicle’s axle. This can help to improve handling and braking.
With these things in place, you’ll be ready to hit the road with your pop-up camper in tow.
Best 4 Cylinders For Towing Campers
- Ford Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac has a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
- Chevrolet Colorado: Colorado has a 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 185 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Toyota Tacoma: The Tacoma has a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.
How much can a Four-Cylinder Tow?
Generally speaking, four-cylinder engines aren’t known for their towing prowess. That being said, there are a few exceptions. Some compact SUVs and crossovers with turbocharged four-cylinder engines can tow up to 3,500 pounds. But if you’re looking at a more traditional truck or SUV, you’ll likely need at least a six-cylinder engine to get the job done.
FAQs
How much does a pop-up camper weigh?
A pop-up camper typically weighs between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds .
How long are pop-up campers?
The average pop-up camper is between 10 and 20 feet long.
How much does it cost to fill up a pop-up camper?
It costs about $60 to fill up a pop-up camper with gasoline.
Conclusion
Yes, you can tow a pop-up camper with a 4-cylinder engine, but you may need to adjust your vehicle and trailer safely. You will also want to be aware of the extra weight, drag a pop-up camper adds to your car, and take care when driving. With some preparation, you can tow a pop-up trailer with a four-cylinder engine and enjoy your time camping.