Parts Needed to Equip 2002 Toyota Corolla For Towing a Small Pop-Up Camper

Updated 03/11/2021 | Published 03/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

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$172.98

Tekonsha Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit

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

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2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 3,500 lbs

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Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs

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Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

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7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

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Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter

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Question:

What are all the required parts I would need to buy to tow a popup camper, a small trailer or something under 1500 pounds behind a 2002 toyota corolla? Which of these parts woul typically come with an old trailer if i buy it used?

asked by: Dawna

Expert Reply:

To equip your Corolla for towing, you'll need to add a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, a ball mount and the properly sized trailer ball. If the trailer doesn't have brakes, this is all you'd need.

For a hitch, I'd recommend the Curt Class I hitch, part # C11181. For a wiring harness, use # 119178KIT and for a ball mount, use # C45521 along with a # PC2 hitch pin. For a trailer ball, use # A-80 for a 1-7/8 inch or # A-82 for a 2 inch diameter ball. The camper's coupler will have the necessary ball size stamped into it.

If the trailer does have brakes, you'll need a brake controller so they'll function. Due to the small size of the vehicle, I'd urge you to install a controller if the pop-up has brakes. The Curt # C51180 Echo is a very easy to install option that will communicate wirelessly with your smart phone to control the trailers brakes. You'll also need an # ETBC7L installation kit.

I'll link to a video showing a typical isntall of the wiring harness on a Toyota sedan, as well as to videos that will walk you through how the Curt Echo brake controller and the install kit works.