What cars can tow 3500lbs?

[370Z]

Bit of an odd question, but are there any sporty sedans that can tow 3500lbs safely. Specifically asking about luxury sedans like an E550 or 5 series... Google says that Euro specs one but North American.

My search for a new sports sedan has gone from looking for fast to can it tow my 3000lb camper? Lol

[Kavy]

I looked for this a few years ago and all I found was the 5 series Gt and the Volvo S60.

I would however caution being at the tow limit of a vehicle. It’s not about getting it moving it’s about slowing it down, tongue weight and available payload after the tongue weight comes into play . Personally I would not tow a 3000lb camper with a vehicle with a 3500lb tow rating.

[370Z]

I looked for this a few years ago and all I found was the 5 series Gt and the Volvo S60.

I would however caution being at the tow limit of a vehicle. It’s not about getting it moving it’s about slowing it down, tongue weight and available payload after the tongue weight comes into play . Personally I would not tow a 3000lb camper with a vehicle with a 3500lb tow rating.

Isn't that the point of trailer brakes though?

Forgive me, totally new to all this.

[90_Shelby]

I would base it off of what hitch you can get for the specific vehicle and make sure you don’t overload it by confirming tongue weight and trailer weight. As you mentioned trailer brakes will make sure you stop, ensure the rear suspension isn’t sagging unreasonably and pray your transmission survives with the extra load.

With that being said, this was only a class 1 hitch therefore I was limited with the weights and had to move stuff around so the tongue weight was low enough. The car handled the trailer extremely well, had loads of power and torque for towing up hills, suspension was stiff enough that I had no issues and I did not have trailer brakes but the car stopped fine.

85628

[dirtsniffer]

Will greatly depend on what you put into the car as well. Full of people and gear you won't be towing anything

[370Z]

I would base it off of what hitch you can get for the specific vehicle and make sure you don’t overload it by confirming tongue weight and trailer weight. As you mentioned trailer brakes will make sure you stop, ensure the rear suspension isn’t sagging unreasonably and pray your transmission survives with the extra load.

With that being said, this was only a class 1 hitch therefore I was limited with the weights and had to move stuff around so the tongue weight was low enough. The car handled the trailer extremely well, had loads of power and torque for towing up hills, suspension was stiff enough that I had no issues and I did not have trailer brakes but the car stopped fine.

85628

Wow, a C30 hatch would be awesome. Unfortunately I'd have to convince my wife to give up the camper she's been frantically renovating the past week lol I don't think I could do a tent trailer though, I'd be wishing I got a hard side trailer the whole time.

As of now I'm towing a 2800 lb vintage trailer with a GLK350 but I would love to go down to a sedan to tow it.... maybe I'll look into those S60s.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

If you want to tow a reasonably sized trailer long distances comfortably, safely and with reasonable performance, you’re better off sticking to a SUV or truck imo.

[HiTempguy1]

What he said ^^^

Why are you looking at the cars you are, any specific reason? It sounds like a size issue.

Keep in mind, legally speaking, towing capacity means NOTHING. Its all about gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) and your axle capacities.

Of course, this comes with the caveat that while you can tow a lot more (legally) than you think (how do you think they get away with it in europe?), A major issue in any car or cuv is keeping rear squat to a minimum. I'd be running a coil air spring/load helper in any car I used to tow with semi-regularily.

[90_Shelby]

Most SUV’s are built on car chassis’s currently. I don’t see how it makes a huge difference whether the body of the vehicle is a car vs a station wagon vs a sedan.

If you’re looking at an S60, i’d also consider a V60 and look for a T6 R-Design for either, which will have more power and stiffer suspension.

[ShermanEF9]

Towing with a car is not the best idea. even if you find something that can (which in my research is really only the s80/90 volvos) you'll be hitting payload capacity real quick, so good luck hauling anything beyond the trailer itself legally and safely. save the headache, get an SUV.

[ExtraSlow]

Payload seems to be the limiting factor for virtually all tow scenarios. It's still an issue with most SUV's too.

Car and small trailer? Payload.
F350 and fifth wheel? Payload.

[ShermanEF9]

Payload seems to be the limiting factor for virtually all tow scenarios. It's still an issue with most SUV's too.

Car and small trailer? Payload.
F350 and fifth wheel? Payload.

yup. too bad most people go "iF It fItS In tHe tRuNk iTs oKaY" and you see them towing a tent trailer with the assend of their rav 4s loaded with 3 kids, 2 dogs, grandma, and all their gear touching the ground on hwy 2.

[ExtraSlow]

I think half ton trucks are the worst offenders.

[90_Shelby]

Here is a comprehensive list from the UK that shows all cars with towing capacities up to 1800kg (3900lb).
http://www.towingcapacity.co.uk/weight-limits/1800kg/

A few notable cars include:
- Audi A3/4/5/6
- BMW 3/4/5
- Mazda 6
- Mercedes C/E
- Subaru Forester
- VW CC/Golf/Passat
- Volvo S60/S80/V60/V70/V90/XC70

The list for 1500kg (3300lbs) has a few interesting ones as well:
- BMW 1/2
- Chrysler Sebring Convertible
- Ford Focus
- Honda Accord/ Civic
- Lexus IS
- Mazda 3/626
- Mercedes A/B/CLA/CLK
- Mini Clubman
- Nissan Maxima
- Toyota Camry
- VW Jetta
- Volvo C30/ C70/ S40

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I think half ton trucks are the worst offenders.

Go big or go home. I use my 3/4 ton diesel to haul my hockey stick and skates around, tow mirrors extended to max always.

[ExtraSlow]

Go big or go home. I use my 3/4 ton diesel to haul my hockey stick and skates around, tow mirrors extended to max always.

Accurate for Dodge owners.

[speedog]

Go big or go home. I use my 3/4 ton diesel to haul my hockey stick and skates around, tow mirrors extended to max always.

85632

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

85632

I am the great Cornholio, I need TP for my bunghole!

[HiTempguy1]

I think half ton trucks are the worst offenders.

All about how its loaded. 1/2 ton truck can legally tow up to 15k lbs at 10% tongue weight typically with two people in the truck.

Modern 1/2 ton weighs ~5500lbs, up almost 1500lbs since the early 90's and the same weight as 3/4 ton/1 ton trucks weighed at that time.

With far more capable everything. And even if you do all that, it doesn't mean the ass won't drag, especially lighter duty models, thats not a capability issue, thats simply a case use issue. Helper springs or airbags and you are good to go. The springs are kept soft in the lighter duty vehicles for comfort. Doesn't affect the towing performance in a way that isn't completely fixed by a stiffer spring.

[hampstor]

I would base it off of what hitch you can get for the specific vehicle and make sure you don’t overload it by confirming tongue weight and trailer weight. As you mentioned trailer brakes will make sure you stop, ensure the rear suspension isn’t sagging unreasonably and pray your transmission survives with the extra load.

With that being said, this was only a class 1 hitch therefore I was limited with the weights and had to move stuff around so the tongue weight was low enough. The car handled the trailer extremely well, had loads of power and torque for towing up hills, suspension was stiff enough that I had no issues and I did not have trailer brakes but the car stopped fine.

85628

You need to tow it with the wagon. Granted, those little tires on that tent trailer probably wouldn't last long. :D

[dirtsniffer]

I've never heard of a half ton that can tow 15,000 lbs

[90_Shelby]

You need to tow it with the wagon. Granted, those little tires on that tent trailer probably wouldn't last long. :D

Like this?

85633

[hampstor]

Like this?

85633

You sir are now everyone's hero.

https://media.giphy.com/media/NnGGHE0muVqpO/giphy.gif

[ShermanEF9]

Here is a comprehensive list from the UK that shows all cars with towing capacities up to 1800kg (3900lb).
http://www.towingcapacity.co.uk/weight-limits/1800kg/

A few notable cars include:
- Audi A3/4/5/6
- BMW 3/4/5
- Mazda 6
- Mercedes C/E
- Subaru Forester
- VW CC/Golf/Passat
- Volvo S60/S80/V60/V70/V90/XC70

The list for 1500kg (3300lbs) has a few interesting ones as well:
- BMW 1/2
- Chrysler Sebring Convertible
- Ford Focus
- Honda Accord/ Civic
- Lexus IS
- Mazda 3/626
- Mercedes A/B/CLA/CLK
- Mini Clubman
- Nissan Maxima
- Toyota Camry
- VW Jetta
- Volvo C30/ C70/ S40

There is absolutely no way the majority of those can legally tow that much weight here. Most are rated for 1000 lbs max in NA.

[90_Shelby]

There is absolutely no way the majority of those can legally tow that much weight here. Most are rated for 1000 lbs max in NA.

What is the limiting factor for a vehicles ability to tow? Do you have an example of a vehicle listed on the website I provided that doesn't have a matching rate on a North American site? I find this topic quite interesting and I'm curious if this is strictly a marketing strategy between the two markets or if there are legitimate limiting factors with the vehicles.

I looked into the Chrysler Sebring as that seems like a very unlikely candidate and I found another comprehensive list that shows very specific models and years for towing capacity. Although a majority show a lower rating there are still a handful that support more then 1000lbs including a convertible rated for 3300lbs. I do understand that there are certain engine options etc that are not offered in both markets but I doubt that the specific vehicles and models shown in the lists I provided are false.

Sebring tow ratings:
http://www.uktow.com/towing%20capacity.asp?make=Chrysler&model1=Sebring

[370Z]

This is what I found too before I made this post...a lot of UK sites, was not entirely sure if specs were different for Canadian markets.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

UK published towing specs are usually way, way higher than the North American published specs. I'm not sure why that is, but it's been that way for as long as I can remember. Maybe due to lower speed limits for vehicles towing caravans and whatnot.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Who left me negative rep for the unloaded diesel with tow mirrors comment haha

I think it comes down to people over there also generally knowing how to drive and what the limits are a lot more than over hear. My grandpa used to tow a ~24 foot camper with his Mondeo ST220 over there no problems. Their recreation trailers are generally much lighter than over near.

[msommers]

From what I've seen in the NE, a 1988 Toyota Corolla can haul just about anything.

[D'z Nutz]

This was such a missed opportunity for an OP's mom joke.

[ShermanEF9]

What is the limiting factor for a vehicles ability to tow? Do you have an example of a vehicle listed on the website I provided that doesn't have a matching rate on a North American site? I find this topic quite interesting and I'm curious if this is strictly a marketing strategy between the two markets or if there are legitimate limiting factors with the vehicles.

I looked into the Chrysler Sebring as that seems like a very unlikely candidate and I found another comprehensive list that shows very specific models and years for towing capacity. Although a majority show a lower rating there are still a handful that support more then 1000lbs including a convertible rated for 3300lbs. I do understand that there are certain engine options etc that are not offered in both markets but I doubt that the specific vehicles and models shown in the lists I provided are false.

Sebring tow ratings:
http://www.uktow.com/towing%20capacity.asp?make=Chrysler&model1=Sebring

https://rvcanadaottawa.ca/towing-guide/

UK towing capacity means squat here. You have to take into account payload, which on most cars sometimes isn't even high enough to fill 4 seats with adults.

[90_Shelby]

https://rvcanadaottawa.ca/towing-guide/

UK towing capacity means squat here. You have to take into account payload, which on most cars sometimes isn't even high enough to fill 4 seats with adults.



The list you provided is incomplete and primarily pertains to trucks and SUV’s. One of the only vehicles I can find on your list that is remotely close to a car, as per the OP’s inquiry, is the Subaru Forester and there are no details on which model or trim it is. The tow rating is stated at 2400lbs. As per this much more comprehensive list from the UK, there are some Forester models rated at 2400lbs while others are rated as high as 3968lbs. Neither list is incorrect but the lists i’m finding from the UK are much more complete since there is a greater market for towing with cars there.

http://www.uktow.com/towing%20capacity.asp?make=Subaru&model1=Forester

Why would UK towing capacities for the same exact model and trim for a car offered in North America mean squat here? What’s different about the vehicle? Payload? Do you have an example of a vehicle that has a lower payload then what would work for the OP’s inquiry of 3500 lbs towing capacity? I would relate this to a class 2 hitch which is rated to tow 3500lbs and a tongue weight of 300lbs. I don’t agree that payload is a significant factor limiting a vehicles towing capacity in relation to towing 3500lbs.

[Xtrema]

From what I've seen in the NE, a 1988 Toyota Corolla can haul just about anything.

This. Tow rating is just a number that lawyers set where it's most likely not sued. lol

Jokes aside, I would assume insurance may not pay out if you get into a wreck and determine you are towing above limit?

[ExtraSlow]

This. Tow rating is just a number that lawyers set where it's most likely not sued. lol

Jokes aside, I would assume insurance may not pay out if you get into a wreck and determine you are towing above limit?

I have never heard of that happening.

[Xtrema]

I have never heard of that happening.

So Corolla it is. :D

[tonytiger55]

I found a lot of the vehicles that were used for towing in the UK were Volvos generally. My neighbor had one for his caravan.

Another factor that is missing on here is fuel. Im willing to bet a lot of those Euro specs would have diesel engines. Its not economically viable to have a petrol vehicle if you tow regularly and you would not get torque necessary to pull. Its not impossible but not generally viable.

The NA market is different. In today's NA market why would you have car tow? People like bigger stuff and people have gotten fatter. But to answer OP's question, and its a good one that visits this area. I would have put my money on a Dodge Magnum or a Volvo.

The following educational documentary gives a good insight too.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgRXi2svWPU

[ShermanEF9]

The list you provided is incomplete and primarily pertains to trucks and SUV’s. One of the only vehicles I can find on your list that is remotely close to a car, as per the OP’s inquiry, is the Subaru Forester and there are no details on which model or trim it is. The tow rating is stated at 2400lbs. As per this much more comprehensive list from the UK, there are some Forester models rated at 2400lbs while others are rated as high as 3968lbs. Neither list is incorrect but the lists i’m finding from the UK are much more complete since there is a greater market for towing with cars there.

http://www.uktow.com/towing%20capacity.asp?make=Subaru&model1=Forester

Why would UK towing capacities for the same exact model and trim for a car offered in North America mean squat here? What’s different about the vehicle? Payload? Do you have an example of a vehicle that has a lower payload then what would work for the OP’s inquiry of 3500 lbs towing capacity? I would relate this to a class 2 hitch which is rated to tow 3500lbs and a tongue weight of 300lbs. I don’t agree that payload is a significant factor limiting a vehicles towing capacity in relation to towing 3500lbs.

NA and UK rate differently, and because we live in NA, we must follow NA ratings. as per the subaru website:

2019 Subaru Forester towing capacity: 1,500 pounds

As per what i can find with the Honda accord: 1,000 pounds.

as someone who tows regularly, i would NOT feel comfortable towing even 3500 pounds with either of those vehicles. I would maybe consider it with the Forester, but thats a BIG maybe.

[90_Shelby]

NA and UK rate differently, and because we live in NA, we must follow NA ratings. as per the subaru website:

2019 Subaru Forester towing capacity: 1,500 pounds

As per what i can find with the Honda accord: 1,000 pounds.

as someone who tows regularly, i would NOT feel comfortable towing even 3500 pounds with either of those vehicles. I would maybe consider it with the Forester, but thats a BIG maybe.

The Forester is a good example and after looking at the Canadian and UK sites for the exact same vehicle it clearly shows a discrepancy. Canada 1500lbs, UK 4400lbs. I was surprised that the UK version also runs a CVT transmission which I thought would be the limiting factor, ultimately the cars are the exact same between markets.

More "research" aka googling and I found a good article that covers why there are different ratings for the two markets.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/tow-me-down-1609112611


To boil it all down, the reason that American vehicles are rated to tow less is based on a difference methodology for tow safety.

US tow safety prioritizes a naturally safe dynamic situation so that more people can pull at freeway speeds with less likelihood of incident. There is no doubt that using this method results in an inherently safer tow situation as it relates to vehicle dynamics.

UK tow safety allows for the possibility to carry more weight, but erring on the side of caution with far less safety margin in respect to the physics.

Bottom line - Can a tow vehicle pull a heavier trailer there than is rated for here in the US? Yes, with some provisions:

1. The closer the trailer weight gets to the vehicle weight the slower you will need to drive.

2. DO NOT exceed 65 mph with a tongue weight in the 4-7% range, this is a guaranteed way to sway and 65 is the max, go slower in regards to #1.

3. None of this takes into account crosswinds, cooling systems, hp, or braking effectiveness (or legality).


My take on this, North American drivers are assumed worse drivers then in the Eurpoean market, so they build in a greater safety margin to discourage towing.

[ExtraSlow]

Speeds in north America are higher too. People here expect to be able to tow at 120km/h. I think folks in Europe accept slower speeds when towing.

[HiTempguy1]

I've never heard of a half ton that can tow 15,000 lbs

They all can. All that matters is payload and axle ratings. Nothing else matters. 10% tongue weight is 1500lbs payload on a 15k lb trailer. Now, SHOULD you do this? Probably not. CAN you do it and stay within requirements? Yes.

Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating may matter, but I am unsure if that has any LEGAL ramifications with DOT (and yes, its not actually DOT but everyone calls it that).