Trailer Hitch and Cargo Carrier Recommendations for a 2006 Toyota Camry

Updated 03/14/2017 | Published 03/13/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Reese 60x24 Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - 500 lbs Capacity - Glossy Black

(1172)

$340.51

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-3/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2634)

$15.36

17x46 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs

(1115)

$122.83

Question:

Hi eTrailer Team - In few weeks, I will be traveling cross-country. Have lot of items to carry. Looking to install Hitch Receiver and Cargo Trailer with highest load rating for 2006 Toyota Camry - LE, V4 to carry maximum load. Here are few questions I have, 1. From what I see, Item # 63153 is rated as 500lb, will this work my 2006 Toyota Camry - LE, V4 ? 2. What will be your recommendation on Hitch Receiverinch and Cargo Trailer for 2006 Toyota Camry - LE, V4 to carry maximum load ? Please advise. Thank you.

asked by: Srini P

Expert Reply:

Whether towing or using a hitch mounted cargo carrier you will always have to go by the lowest rated component in the system. In this case it is your 2006 Toyota Camry. The vehicle has a tongue weight capacity of 200 pounds. Tongue weight capacity is the most amount of weight you can suspend from the hitch receiver. Even if the hitch, # 36336, or carrier are rated higher you are still limited to 200 pounds.

To maximize what you can carry I recommend going with the lightest cargo carrier you can get. Our lightest carrier is # C18145 which weighs 29 pounds. That leaves 171 pounds of cargo you can put in the carrier before you max out the tongue weight capacity of the vehicle.

It might not sound like much but 171 pounds is a lot of weight. But if it is not enough then the other option is to rent a small trailer. Your Camry has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds which is a significant increase over the amount of weight you can carrier in a cargo carrier.

If towing a small rental trailer is a viable option then in addition to the hitch # 36336 you will also need a ball mount, # 36061 (includes pin and clip), a ball, and wiring harness. For a ball it depends on what the trailer coupler requires. For a 1-7/8 inch ball use # 19257 and for a 2 inch use # 19258. And for trailer wiring you can use # 118308 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H