Can I Tow a Small Trailer with a 2016 Toyota Camry?

Updated 08/03/2026 | Published 07/26/2026

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(97)

$340.67

Big Truck Big RV Tongue Weight Scale for Trailers - 1,000 lbs - Fixed

(107)

$109.99

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(40)

$84.37

Question:

Hey, Im interest in the Ecohitch for my 2016 Toyota Prius, Iv3 read some replies from your customer service and you guys seemed good to ask the question on if youve heard of any success actually towing a trailer with this. Im specifically looking at a Nucamp T@g 1030lbs-1348lbs and a 96-196lb tongue weight. Its seems like it should work fine, what other accessories via lights and ball setup would I need or any advice you guys might have. Thank you!

asked by: Khalid A

Expert Reply:

Hey Khalid,

The EcoHitch Hidden Hitch part # EH53VR is rated for 2,500lbs towing capacity, so the hitch is more than able to handle the weight of the trailer. However, the 2016 American Toyota Prius doesn't have a listed towing capacity because Toyota doesn't recommend towing with a Prius. Towing a trailer with the vehicle could result in damage to the tires and degrade the steering and braking ability.

If you do decide to tow with your vehicle, you'll definitely want to confirm that the tongue weight is under the hitch's limit, so you'll need a tongue weight scale like the Big Truck Big RV Tongue Weight Scale part # BTBRV004. It works for trailer tongue weights up to 1,000lbs and shows the weight in increments of 20lbs to accurately show how much pressure will be put on the hitch. You'll also need a trailer wiring kit so that the trailer's lights work in synchrony with the vehicle's taillights. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness w/4-pole part # C56353 has custom plugs to plug directly into the vehicle's wiring without needing to splice into the wires. It has a powered converter with a designated power wire that'll run to the battery to protect the vehicle's circuits and prevent any overloading or shorts.

Do you know if the Nucamp T@g trailer you're interested in has brakes?

expert reply by: Claire H

Khalid A.

7/30/2026

Yes it has electric brakes, with a 7way trailer plug.

Claire H.

7/31/2026

@KhalidA In that case you'll need to use the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness part # C56353 I previously mentioned to install a 4-way flat. Then you'll need to use a Universal Installation Kit for Brake Controllers part # ETBC7 that the 4-way flat will plug into and run the power and brake signal from the front of the car and wire it into the 7-way so that all the taillight functions and brake signals go through the 7-way mounted under the bumper. You'll also need a brake controller that will install inside the cab of the vehicle. Since there isn't factory tow package wiring in a Prius, you'll need to use a universal wiring harness and splice into wires behind/under the dash. I suggest using the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller part # RED52VR because it's a proportional controller, meaning that it will apply the same amount of pressure to the trailer's brakes at the same time as the vehicle's. You'll need to drill a small hole into the dash to install the knob into, which will keep the cab clear, so you don't have to worry about bumping into anything. The Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro will give you a mounting point for the knob and give it a factory appearance as well.

Jerry L.

7/31/2026

The hitch is great. I put one on my 2010 Prius to accept a bike rack. I think Toyota strongly recomends not towing a trailer with a hybrid vehicle.

Claire H.

8/1/2026

@JerryL I'm happy to hear that you love the hitch for your bike rack! And you're correct, it's not recommended to tow with a Prius but I have heard of a few people towing small trailers with one.

Joe A.

8/3/2026

I installed it on my 2022 Prius, very easy installation. I have only used it for a bicycle rack at this point, I plan to use it to pull a 4' x 6' covered trailer (rented) and was told that it was rated to 1500 lbs.

Claire H.

8/3/2026

@JoeA Thanks for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear the hitch was easy to install and has been working well with your bike rack. Just a quick note: while the hitch may have its own weight rating, it's important to follow Toyota's towing recommendations for your specific Prius. We hope the hitch continues to serve you well for your biking adventures!