Can A Honda Civic Pull A Camper?

‍When thinking about a Honda Civic, the last thing that comes to mind is towing. This is especially true when thinking about a Civic pulling a camper.

A Honda Civic does have the ability to pull a small camper that weighs under 1,000 pounds. This is the maximum towing capacity of most Honda Civic models, so they can pull small teardrop trailer campers or small enclosed utility trailers. To do so, drivers can use a class 1 or 2 hitch.

After researching the Honda Civic, we found plenty of information in technical sheets about the vehicle’s towing capacity and hauling capabilities. While they are limited, we will explain how the Civic can be used to pull a camper below with this information.

‍Can A Honda Civic Pull A Camper?

The Honda Civic is a front-wheel drive car, which means that it has its engine in the front and the driver's seat in the front. The weight of most campers would be too much for the engine to handle, so it would not be able to move it.

Technically, all vehicles can tow something if it weighs less than its weight capacity. The towing weight capacity for a Honda Civic is 850-1,100 pounds. This doesn’t provide many trailer or camper options to use at this weight.

Before trying to tow a camper with a Honda Civic, several things must be checked first. For example, the Honda Civic should be in good condition to handle the added weight.

The last thing any driver wants is to equip a camper on the back of a car that has serious mechanical problems.

In addition, the driver should know how much weight the Honda Civic can pull. This is important because they don’t want to overload the car.

If the Honda Civic gets overloaded, it might be unable to handle the weight, and there is a risk of breaking down. The Honda Civic needs enough power and support to pull a camper.

The last thing to do is check whether the Honda Civic can tow the size of camper needed. If it doesn’t support the weight requirement, a camper downgrade or a vehicle upgrade is the only solution.

What Size Camper Can A Honda Civic Pull?

The Honda Civic has a limited towing capacity of 850 to 1,100 pounds. Most Civics shouldn’t tow more than 1,000 pounds as a safety precaution.

But there are still some compact teardrop trailers and small enclosed utility trailers the Honda Civic is capable of pulling.

Small Teardrop Trailers

The teardrop camper is one of the most innovative designs, and plenty of compact models are available. As long as the curb weight of the camper is under 1,000 pounds, the Civic will have no issues pulling it.

For example, this Polydrop P17 trailer falls under this category and would be the perfect option for the Civic. The curb weight for it falls between 820 lbs - 1,100 lbs​ depending on the features added to the final order.

Small Enclosed Utility Trailers

A small enclosed utility trailer is another possibility when using the Honda Civic. The average weight of these trailers ranges between 400 and 1,800 pounds, so it's possible to find something lightweight.

These trailers are modified into smaller campers, too, with lots of cargo space and features. As long as the weight remains below 1,000, the Civic can pull it.

Is It Safe To Pull A Camper With A Honda Civic?

A Honda Civic is a compact car that is designed for fuel efficiency and cost savings, not towing. So putting this burden on the Civic presents possible risks.

These vehicles are equipped with bigger engines and heavier suspensions which are necessary for pulling heavy loads like campers.

The best way to tow a camper is with a light truck or SUV. But it’s still possible to safely tow any camper or trailer under 1,000 pounds with the Honda Civic.

Pulling a camper with a Honda Civic with the proper trailer is safe. However, drivers should ensure that their car has an adequate braking system and the right tires.

What Is The Towing Capacity Of A Honda Civic?

There have been decades of new Honda Civic releases, so stating the single towing capacity is impossible. The vehicle has experienced many changes, but on average, the towing capacity ranges between 850-1,100 pounds.

The best thing to do is check the owner’s manual of the Civic to learn the exact specifications. The last thing anybody wants to do is overload their vehicle and cause it to break down, resulting in an expensive repair.

The towing capacity can also change based on the hitch used. This is less impactful with a vehicle like the Civic, but it can make the difference for a few pounds.

Should You Use The Honda Civic To Pull A Camper?

The Honda Civic is a compact car well-known for its fuel efficiency and reliability. It is also known to be a good car for daily commuting. However, it might not be the best option for pulling a camper.

It isn't the most powerful vehicle on the market and doesn't have the weight capacity to pull a camper. The camper's weight cannot exceed the car's carrying capacity because it can lead to mechanical damage and costly repairs.

We only recommend using the Civic to pull a camper in emergency situations or if the camper is well below the weight limit.

Even though the Civic can comfortably support up to 1,000 pounds, rugged roads or bad weather can cause that to change.

What’s The Best Way To Pull A Camper With A Honda Civic?

When driving on rough terrain, the car must be in good condition with enough power to pull the camper. This is why maxing out the capacity at 1,000 pounds is the safest move because a bump or rugged road can cause the Civic problems.

There are two ways to do it when pulling a camper or trailer with this car. The classic 1 trailer hitch and classic 2 trailer hitch are both compatible with this vehicle.

Class 1 Trailer Hitch

A classic 1 trailer hitch is dedicated to passenger vehicles like the Civic or for smaller crossover vehicles. The design is different because there is a receiver tube opening instead of just a ball mount.

Class 1 hitches are typically rated for a weight capacity of up to 2,000 pounds which is more than enough for any Honda Civic towing requirements.

Class 2 Trailer Hitch

The classic 2 trailer hitch is another lightweight towing option, but this piece of equipment can pull up to 3,500 pounds. In most cases, it’s not necessary to use anything but a classic 1 hitch on the Civic.