Determining Tongue Weight Capacity of 2007 Toyota Camry

Published 02/01/2013

Question:

How do I determine the tongue weight? I have a 2007 Toyota Camry and would like to add a hitch to carry an electric wheelchair 195 lbs., and a lift 80 lbs. to carry the wheelchair.

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

The tongue weight capacity, or maximum downward force that can be safely applied to a hitch is typically 10 percent of the towing capacity of the vehicle.

The combined weight of your chair plus the lift comes to 275 lbs, which is within the 300 lb tongue weight capacity of the hitch itself, but if the tongue weight capacity of your vehicle is less, you will need to abide by the lower rating.

The hitch can handle the tongue weight, but you will need to determine if the vehicle itself can. I did some research looking online for a copy of the owners manual, but was unable to find a free copy. I would recommend checking with your owners manual or with Toyota to determine the actual tongue weight capacity of the vehicle. If you determine that the tongue weight capacity of the vehicle can handle 275 lbs or better, you should be fine.

expert reply by: Mike L