Yaris Towing 1000 lbs?

[Aquahiker]

Hi,

I did some searches on the forum and there's been various discussions regarding the Yaris towing up to 700lbs (for Canada). I was wondering how a company like Curt can market something for the Yaris that can hitch 2,000 lbs trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight:

CLASS 1 & 2 HITCH
Product: 11050

I was thinking about getting this trailer which is about 1100 lbs:

http://www.aliner.com/design/Xterior/products_detail.php?Type=PRODUCTS&prodid=4&sectid=5

But it looks like I might have to get something much smaller like this one at 450 lbs:

http://www.aliner.com/design/Xterior/products_detail.php?Type=PRODUCTS&prodid=6&sectid=5

What do you guys think?

George

[thebarber]

i think i wouldnt pull anything w/ the yaris

but if you do go that way, get a small, light trailer...

[WeeYari]

With the way all other towing question threads go, this is bound to get nasty real quick. I have that Curt hitch on my HB and have only used it for a bike rack. I do have a small 350 lb utility trailer that I would feel comfortable pulling if I had to.

Most discussion end up focusing on the capability of the engine and tranny to deal with the weight of a trailer. One other thing that needs to be considered as well is that these hitches bolt to the transportation tie-downs in the rear of the vehicle. That is not much of a mounting point to deal with the stresses of pulling any kind of load.

[CTScott]

Hi,

I did some searches on the forum and there's been various discussions regarding the Yaris towing up to 700lbs (for Canada). I was wondering how a company like Curt can market something for the Yaris that can hitch 2,000 lbs trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight:

CLASS 1 & 2 HITCH
Product: 11050

I was thinking about getting this trailer which is about 1100 lbs:

http://www.aliner.com/design/Xterior/products_detail.php?Type=PRODUCTS&prodid=4&sectid=5

But it looks like I might have to get something much smaller like this one at 450 lbs:

http://www.aliner.com/design/Xterior/products_detail.php?Type=PRODUCTS&prodid=6&sectid=5

What do you guys think?

George

Hitches are rated based on their construction. The rating (class 1 through 5) is purely for the hitch and not for the vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers separately rate the towing capability (or lack thereof) of the vehicle.

[SilverBack]

I read in the manual somewhere a while back that the maximum load for the Y is around 800 something lbs. Might have even been 850. Makes sense considering that smaller cars aren't meant to haul anything. With that said I wouldn't risk bending the frame. A truck would do a better job

[SailDesign]

Here's an article about towing (written by an xB owner) - it even mentions the Yaris. Look at the rest of the world, and read this. Then decide... :smile:

The Great American Anti-Towing Conspiracy
By Paul Niedermeyer
February 23, 2008 -

“Scion does not recommend towing a trailer… your vehicle was not designed for towing." Welcome to the great American anti-towing conspiracy. Manufacturers of anything less than a big SUV or pick-up are trying to take away our God-given right to tow with our cars. For a guy who’s towed everything from a Radio Flyer wagon behind a pedal-powered John Deere sidewalk tractor, to a three-bedroom house, I feel like I’m being singled out. Of course, there’s a possibility that I’m the cause as well as the target of this jihad. A lot of lawyers do drive the Ventura Freeway, and one of them may well have seen my spectacular stunt with a trailer.

Before I recount the creative maneuver with which I simultaneously occupied all four lanes of “the world’s busiest freeway” at sixty-five mph, let’s look at the prejudice American would-be towers are up against …

On Toyota’s UK website, the Yaris is credited with a towing capacity of 1050kg/2315lbs. That’s right in line with the old rule of thumb that a car can safely tow an amount equal to its own weight.

But here in the land of the (not so) free, the Yaris’ owner’s manual admonishes: “Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.” The unnamed author goes on to give a partial pass to our northern neighbors: “In Canada only, total weight of cargo and trailer not to exceed 700lbs.” Please leave your trailers at the border? Perhaps this partial exemption reflects Canada’s status as being somewhere between English and American. But the logic is lost on me.

Maybe it’s a blatant tactic by Toyota to meet Tundra sales goals, by forcing us tow-heads into buying that over-achieving tug (rated for 10,000+lbs). But Honda is in on the conspiracy too. The CRV weighs 3600lbs and offers 166hp, about the same as an old gen Explorer. In Europe, where folks often buy CUV’s specifically for their towing capacity, the CRV is rated to tow 2000kg/4400lbs. And in the tow-aphobic US? A measly 1500lbs!

It wasn’t always like this. In the sixties, you’d see 40hp VW Beetles pulling a trailer. In 1976, my VW Beetle died in Ohio heading back to Iowa, so we left it and hitch-hiked the rest of the way. My girlfriend’s Mom was driving a 70hp Corolla, which was rated to tow 1800lbs, exactly the weight of my VW. She generously offered it. Towing the Bug home, the Corolla never broke a sweat.

Which I can’t say for myself when I nearly shut down the 101.

It was 1986. We had just bought our first house, in Woodland Hills. I rented a big double-axle twelve-foot trailer to haul debris and junk to the dump. My Mexican helper was a zealous worker, loading lots of broken concrete into the back end of the trailer. I remember glancing at the warning sign about having 60 percent of the weight ahead of the axles. But any fleeting thought of relevancy or concern was quickly overpowered by the testosterone-fueled urge to PULL!

That trailer must have weighed about three times as much as the Jeep Cherokee tug. I managed to squeeze into the perpetually crowded Ventura freeway.

When our rig (finally) hit 65 in the right lane, the trailer began oscillating, which escalated exponentially. The next thing I knew, the Jeep was being swung wildly from side to side, like the tail on a dog. One moment, we were facing towards the shoulder, then across all the lanes facing the center divider. The Jeep was utterly out of control; there was nothing to do but hang on for dear life, waiting for the fishtailing trailer to roll and/or get creamed by the four lanes of traffic behind us.

Fortunately, the other drivers (and that corporate attorney) were on the ball and held back, in awe of our mad gyrations. When enough speed was scrubbed off and stability resumed, we found ourselves in the narrow left shoulder, where we sat bathed in sweat.

I had no choice but to steel myself, get back in the traffic, and fight my way across four lanes while keeping the speed below fifty. When we finally pulled off on the right shoulder, my ashen-faced helper tumbled out, got on his knees and crossed himself, before we started re-arranging the trailer’s load.

Having learned that cardinal lesson of towing, I’m a hair more cautious now. But I still believe that cars, by their nature, are “designed for towing.” So I always carry a tow rope in the old Ford pick-up instead of an AAA card. More than once, Stephanie has schlepped me home with the Forester. I don’t even want to know what its tow rating is; it’s survived just fine. And I’ve found an after-market hitch for the xB, rated for 2000lbs.

[nemelek]

I was thinking about getting this trailer which is about 1100 lbs:

What do you guys think?

George

A lot depends on your plans for the trailer. 25 miles to the lake is one thing, 2,500 miles across the country is another. The terrain needs to be considered also. The flat land might be ok with the Yaris, however, a 7% grade is another.

Since you asked, I would get a later model used truck or SUV to pull a trailer. Then I would get a used trailer. The cost of this combination would be about the same for your new trailer. Plus you would have a spare vehicle. The trailer you are looking at is cute, however most people I know usually get a bigger one in a few years. My wife and I spend 30 nights a year in our trailer.

Happy camping.

[POORSHA]

I use a trailer I got from Harbor frieght. I have found it great for Home Depot runs.http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90153

[nemelek]

That's cute!!

[twowheels]

i think i wouldnt pull anything w/ the yaris

but if you do go that way, get a small, light trailer...

I've pulled a ~170 lb brick saw home from a rental place, over hilly terrain, on a trailer behind my bicycle once. If I could do that, I can't see why the Yaris with far more power and weight couldn't pull the 700 or so lbs that the Canadian cars are rated for.

Pictures and description of my bicycle towing here:
http://twowheels.us/blog/?p=112

The trailer is usually used for towing my ~80 lb kayak:
http://twowheels.us/blog/?p=41
http://twowheels.us/blog/?p=47

[OK Yaris]

That's cute!!

Gee, nobody ever called my tow rig, "cute"......


CTScott provided an excellent answer to the original hitch question. The Curt hitch would be a good choice, even if you never plan to hitch a heavy load to it.

[nemelek]

Gee, nobody ever called my tow rig, "cute"......


Nice truck. Is that a 2002? Any mods for it? My brother in law has put $15,000 into his Dodge. We have a 04 CTD with no mods used to pull a 5,000 pound trailer.

[Black Yaris]

pretty sure the manual says towing is not recommended

[twowheels]

But it looks like I might have to get something much smaller like this one at 450 lbs:

http://www.aliner.com/design/Xterior/products_detail.php?Type=PRODUCTS&prodid=6&sectid=5

What do you guys think?

George

It says 500 lbs on the page that I got when clicking that link. Also, you have to consider the rest of your cargo, water, etc... it'll weigh even more once it's loaded.

[firemachine69]

The HITCH itself is rated for that much: the vehicle may NOT legally tow anything IN THE UNITED STATES do to liability reasons. If you HAVE AN ACCIDENT (and only then) will you be legally held criminally responsible for someone's death, and if not, expect to be sued for everything you own.

Judge: "Your manual specifically states that towing is NOT recommended, why did you so believe you could go against the recommendation?"

Defendant: "Because I'm a hard-headed idiot?"


As well, the uni-frame is incredibly thin, making twisting a possibility at the attachment points.

[ddongbap]

I don't know if I agree with the entire thing about upping truck sales. Its not like the Subcombact class has been anything close to popular until recently. I would THINK, it has to do more with the demographic.

Take in point: diesel. Its great. Sorta. I'd rock one. Sorta. But we haven't had a decent diesel line up. Why? Because America wouldn't buy diesel. So we don't get 'em here. Now we SORTA like them, now we SORTA get 'em.

Now towing. As far as I've seen, Beyond this forum, I've never see any need/want for towing capacity in anything close to a passenger car. Not to say the need isn't out there. But honestly, I wouldn't want people in So Cali to be towing random crap. Why? Everyone nearly everyone is a terribad driver. That extra weight would make the teeny Yaris sorta unpredictable.

[ddongbap]

The HITCH itself is rated for that much: the vehicle may NOT legally tow anything IN THE UNITED STATES do to liability reasons. If you HAVE AN ACCIDENT (and only then) will you be legally held criminally responsible for someone's death, and if not, expect to be sued for everything you own.

Judge: "Your manual specifically states that towing is NOT recommended, why did you so believe you could go against the recommendation?"

Defendant: "Because I'm a hard-headed idiot?"


As well, the uni-frame is incredibly thin, making twisting a possibility at the attachment points.

Hey, I totally more-than-one-hundred-percent agree with this. X10 bro.

[firemachine69]

If ever I need to HAUL something, I either rent a truck, or borrow one. Really.

Our manual in Canada is rated at 70lbs tongue (which feels like nothing, literally), and a 700lbs max load. Most small trailers already eat up 100-200 pounds.

Do the math on how easy it would be to exceed the rated maximum. The Yaris is just not made to tow, from the flimsy sheet metal, to the ultra-soft suspension, to the super-short wheelbase, to the low-traction stock tires... You get the idea...


Like I said, the liability is just not worth it.



Like Mike Holmes says: "Do it right the first time." The Yaris is NOT doing it right, it's half-assing it... Like trying to build a house with a multi-tool.

[ddongbap]

Toyotas can take pretty big tow loads.

IRL LOL right there.

[nemelek]

I had a 88 Toyota truck in which I over-loaded it a few times untill the rubber stops hit the frame. It was scarey to drive over 40 mph, it felt like there was no steering control.

[thebarber]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/BlackFlys236/baf64f5c.jpg

[churp]

The US gov. also recommends no sex till you're married.....doesn't stop too many people, especially politicians.

I've towed 1,000 lbs easily...but feel 700 is a comfortable limit. I have a 4x8 tilt trailer, it's very handy with the lawn tractor etc.

In the early 90's, Buick proudly advertized 4,500 towing capacity with their Roadmasters (same as Caprices)....that seems to be 'nearly' equal tow capacity to vehicle weight.

[the_boss]

I saw a yaris with a trailer today with a snowblower going up hill I woulnd't be afraid of towing on a short distance with a trailer but on a cross canada trip might be a different story

[papsman]

Please do not forget that car companies (as per MOST "intelligent" companies), ALWAYS give less possibilites than the REAL amount. Thus, if the Yaris is "allowed" 800 lbs towing capacity, then it CAN tow that much 99.9% SURE (not 100% sure, especially with the acceleration pedal recall!). I am logically assuming that a max weight amount is probably about 75% of the real amount. I just cannot imagine a car copany stating the "REAL" max amount, then getting sued for recommending that weight... of course they will "allow" much less than the car can actually tow!

[ryota]

Nice truck. Is that a 2002? Any mods for it? My brother in law has put $15,000 into his Dodge. We have a 04 CTD with no mods used to pull a 5,000 pound trailer.


have you ever tried parking that yaris in the back of that truck?

[supmet]

Home depot has trucks you can rent for 20 bucks, pretty sure Uhaul is about that price too - so do what you want, I'll be here laughing when you come back dragging your tranny on the ground.

[127.0.0.1]

curt 11050 hitch is the best design for slapping on a yaris HB so far

go one to hold a yakima double down rack for me bikes

[eric81]

There is a Tundra here that can pull 10,000 lbs on it's hitch, and over 8 tons on the goose neck. Of course, they all pull at least 8,000 lbs off the hitch and do 8 tons on a goose neck, so it's not that big of a deal, right?

As for a Yaris, I can't say "Yes, do the towing!", but I personally would trust it for a short distance, at slower speeds, with less than 800 lbs. Just get the trailer height right and balance the load center on the trailer tires so as to not over stress the Yaris engine, tranny, suspension, and brakes. Heck, I bet it's tough enough to pull two or even three times that if the conditions are right and you went slow and steady enough, but just watch your car and be careful, and you should be fine.

[ctrj]

When I was little, my family of 4 would go camping for a week in a 1981 Toyota Starlet, towing a 4x8 Harbor Freight loaded to the top. That car has 50-something hp and yet it managed to tow the small trailer just fine. I'm sure a modern Yaris with double the HP could tow a light 4x8 trailer just fine.

[Sodium Duck]

One other thing that needs to be considered as well is that these hitches bolt to the transportation tie-downs in the rear of the vehicle.

What? No it doesn't. You remove two of the bolts that the bumper attaches to and replace it with beefier longer bolts. Reference my install thread:
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21071

And seriously, if you don't have a trailer hitch installed on your Yaris, then stop posting all your legal, read the manual it says not to, go get a truck baloney. I tow a 4' X 4' trailer every weekend loaded up with my trash. It equals the weight of two adults in my back seat. I can't even tell its back there -- even when I had a Christmas tree on it, 2 heavy trash bags, all my recycling, and bins.

The car tows fine, just like any other small passenger car in America. There is no reason why anyone can't tow with a Yaris -- just because the manual says you can't isn't a valid reason. My mommy and daddy say I shouldn't drink beer, either.

As far as towing 1,100 lbs? Come on, don't be dumb. That's why people start posting all this legal crap. In my own REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES towing with this vehicle, I wouldn't feel comfortable towing more than 500 lbs. total weight. That's just me though.

[fmicle]

A truck would do a better job

Oh really? :eyebulge: Who would have thought? :iono:

[fmicle]

The HITCH itself is rated for that much: the vehicle may NOT legally tow anything IN THE UNITED STATES do to liability reasons. If you HAVE AN ACCIDENT (and only then) will you be legally held criminally responsible for someone's death, and if not, expect to be sued for everything you own.

Judge: "Your manual specifically states that towing is NOT recommended, why did you so believe you could go against the recommendation?"

Defendant: "Because I'm a hard-headed idiot?"


As well, the uni-frame is incredibly thin, making twisting a possibility at the attachment points.

:bs:

Defendant: I'm Canadian and the manual says for Canadian customers it's alright to tow up to 700 lbs!

So I guess if you kill someone while towing with a truck you'll be fine, no one will sue you for everything you own, right?

[yaris2010RS]

wow, this is getting mean.... lol. check it out....i've done my fair share of stupidness.... that includes anything from pulling out tree's (my moms 01 Camry, thats was funny but it did better then the ford!!) to towing a fully loaded 21 footer camper trailer with an 89 corolla.... that was funny.... lol. the only thing i did with yaris so far was pull a car out of a ditch and towed it home (jsut around the corner.)

the chances of the frame twisting or the hitch getting ripped out is dependant of the install. installed correctly the yaris can tow 1200LB or rolling weight np. i dont recomend pulling out a tree (dead weight) with the yaris. i believe the reason for the weight eating is simply the breaking power.....get an extra 1200lb of weight behind u and good luck! lol, do it safely, stay away from hills and stay off the clutch u will be fine.

jsut dont end up like this guy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox_1nl6SBMg

and dont get wrong, towing the extra weight is added wear and tear on the tinny car.... be prepared for that before towing.

[Sodium Duck]

People talking about twisting... give me a break. Why would there be any twisting of the frame???

I'd be more concerned about twisting the frame when being towed by that stupid passenger side tow hook we have int he front (got towed this winter after getting stuck). How is pulling something from the dead center of the rear of the car any concern for twisting the unibody? Whoever came up with that... well whatever.

[fmicle]

^ +1, I mean, look at it this way, if the Toyota engineers didn't worry about frame twisting when they designed an off-center tow hook, maybe that means there is no frame twisting risk...

[Sodium Duck]

Makes more sense to me than, "because the manual says so..."

[127.0.0.1]

What? No it doesn't. You remove two of the bolts that the bumper attaches to and replace it with beefier longer bolts. Reference my install thread:
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21071

And seriously, if you don't have a trailer hitch installed on your Yaris, then stop posting all your legal, read the manual it says not to, go get a truck baloney. I tow a 4' X 4' trailer every weekend loaded up with my trash. It equals the weight of two adults in my back seat. I can't even tell its back there -- even when I had a Christmas tree on it, 2 heavy trash bags, all my recycling, and bins.

The car tows fine, just like any other small passenger car in America. There is no reason why anyone can't tow with a Yaris -- just because the manual says you can't isn't a valid reason. My mommy and daddy say I shouldn't drink beer, either.

As far as towing 1,100 lbs? Come on, don't be dumb. That's why people start posting all this legal crap. In my own REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES towing with this vehicle, I wouldn't feel comfortable towing more than 500 lbs. total weight. That's just me though.

The Yaris transport tie downs are in front of the back wheels. nothing on earth will ever attach there once the Yaris is off the boat.


maybe the Draw Tite hitch is a more convoluted install requiring bumper removal....

the Curt 11050 hitch does not attach to bumper bolts nor require any bumper removal. just pop open 2 bumper clips, bend one unused metal tab, and it bolts onto the tow hook holes (also these are used as post-delivery tie-downs) on both sides. pretty sano install, and if you ever need to be towed or pulled out of a ditch, the hitch itself it what they will yank on.

and I agree with the 500lb part. no matter what you stick back there the Yaris steering rack, rods, balls and also brakes
can only do so much

[Sodium Duck]

It's quite possible to install the DrawTite without taking the bumper off, I just like to make things as complicated as possible when doing something.

[exit90a]

I'll be seeing how bad I can F-up the install myself when my hitch comes in. I plan on towing between 500 & 700lbs on 400 - 500 mile round trips a couple times a month once the weather warms. IMO, as long as you keep fresh oil in the engine, good brake pads and don't try to set any speed records, you will be able to tow up to 1000lbs easily and often. We shall see.

[nemelek]

Good Luck.

[robertplattbell]

Check out this e-Bay listing (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1989-Casita-17-Camper-AC-SHOWER-12V-110VLIGHTS-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem255abf2be8QQitemZ16043 6268008QQptZRVsQ5fCampers#v4-33) showing a Yaris towing a 2500 lb. camper. I have a similar camper and tow it with an X5.

The big problem is not only engine power, but braking ability. Even with trailer brakes, a rig like this could get away from you down a long grade.

And talk about the tail wagging the dog!

I towed a 3500 lb camper with a Toyota mini-pickup once. Talk about white knuckles driving...

[MUSKOKA800]

Hi,

I did some searches on the forum and there's been various discussions regarding the Yaris towing up to 700lbs (for Canada). I was wondering how a company like Curt can market something for the Yaris that can hitch 2,000 lbs trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight:

CLASS 1 & 2 HITCH
Product: 11050

I was thinking about getting this trailer which is about 1100 lbs:

http://www.aliner.com/design/Xterior/products_detail.php?Type=PRODUCTS&prodid=4&sectid=5

But it looks like I might have to get something much smaller like this one at 450 lbs:

http://www.aliner.com/design/Xterior/products_detail.php?Type=PRODUCTS&prodid=6&sectid=5

What do you guys think?

George

We see it all the time. Class II rated vehicles with Class IV or V hitches installed and hugely over-weight trailers in tow. Retailers will sell/install anything regardless of ratings.
I once advertised a used class II hitch from our 2000 Windstar. A fellow called about it with questions. I advised that his Windstar was only rated to pull 1500# and not his large house trailer. He scoffed at that suggestion.
Some folks just don't give a rat's ass about safety. Neither theirs, their families or the surrounding motorists/pedestrians. Too bad there's no inforcement until after the carnage occurs.

[fe550]

I guess everyone has their opinion. I had a 2005 echo hatchback. Now I have a 2008 Yaris sedan and a 2006 Dodge Diesel 3/4 ton. 1st thing i bought for both toyota cars was a hitch. I have a 4 x 6 trailer with a wood deck (much like the one pictured above). I tow my dirt bike everywhere with the car. sometimes 2 dirt bikes. I'm at max capacity with 2 bikes and trailer. car drives fine. last weekend on the Hwy with 2 bikes, 2 guys, fuel and gear....120km/h (70m/h) no problems. I love my yaris and trailer set-up. easier to load than the truck and cheaper to drive. trailer was $300 at Canadian tire. hitch was $120 at ehitch.com. A perfect set-up for taking a load to the dump or picking up some wood if you have no truck... a must have in my opinion.

[Kongo-Otto]

That is how my hitch is mounted:

http://i49.tinypic.com/w8lu1x.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/zx46k2.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2hsad6g.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2uxwaqt.jpg

Its detachable and mounted directly to the subframe. It fits into the mounting points which are already prepared by Toyota themself. (Toyota sells a tow hitch here with their original accessoires).

Its very massive and also stabilizing the subframe, too.

[birdman]

That type of trailer hitch is common on all sizes of cars all over Europe. What is it about Americans that makes Toyota so paranoid? I have an American made one on mine which is no where near as well made as yours is. Go wonder.

[attickt]

I use a trailer I got from Harbor frieght. I have found it great for Home Depot runs.http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90153

you fail sir that is a lowes truck behind you.

[07 flint mica]

The most I would consider towing with my yaris is 500 lbs. Anything after that would be considered unsafe.

[marcus]

i just drove with 4 guys on the yaris.

me = 162 lbs
2nd guy= 165 lbs
3rd guy = 185 lbs
4rt guy = 205 lbs
5th guy = 170 lbs

total 887 lbs being dragged by a stock yaris.. slight rub on dips with trd springs.

[Idahotom]

I use a trailer I got from Harbor frieght. I have found it great for Home Depot runs.http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90153

While that is a reasonable load for the Yaris to haul, making your child ride back there is probably not a good idea. I think it says that somewhere in the owners guide. :thumbup: At the very least, get a seatbelt back there. Remember, safety first!:laughabove:

[tk1971]

Here's my harbor freight trailer. Just made a quick scaffold last night to keep the patio door upright. I picked up a patio door in the morning. The trailer has a 1000 lbs capacity. The sliding glass door with frame is probably a couple hundred pounds.

Drove at or under the speed limit on the streets for about 20 miles.

No problems.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb282/tk1971/trailer2.jpg

[41magmag41]

That is how my hitch is mounted:

http://i49.tinypic.com/w8lu1x.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/zx46k2.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2hsad6g.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2uxwaqt.jpg

Its detachable and mounted directly to the subframe. It fits into the mounting points which are already prepared by Toyota themself. (Toyota sells a tow hitch here with their original accessoires).

Its very massive and also stabilizing the subframe, too.

Part number and where can I get it? Do they make one for the sedan?

[Kongo-Otto]

I am from Germany so there is no hitch for a sedan. We don`t have the sedan here.

Have a look at this:

http://www.toyota-tech.eu/legacy/Toy/aimuploads/%7B73297947-473E-A7BC-0C62-DF84066B473E%7D/Detachable%20towing%20hitch%20AIM%20000%20330-2%20PZ408-B9552-00.pdf

Thats the installation manual for the towing hitch which is sold by Toyota here. Its nearly the same as mine.

[41magmag41]

I am from Germany so there is no hitch for a sedan. We don`t have the sedan here.

Have a look at this:

http://www.toyota-tech.eu/legacy/Toy/aimuploads/%7B73297947-473E-A7BC-0C62-DF84066B473E%7D/Detachable%20towing%20hitch%20AIM%20000%20330-2%20PZ408-B9552-00.pdf

Thats the installation manual for the towing hitch which is sold by Toyota here. Its nearly the same as mine.

thank you for the reply.

[nemelek]

Here's my harbor freight trailer. Just made a quick scaffold last night to keep the patio door upright. I picked up a patio door in the morning. The trailer has a 1000 lbs capacity. The sliding glass door with frame is probably a couple hundred pounds.

Drove at or under the speed limit on the streets for about 20 miles.

No problems.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb282/tk1971/trailer2.jpg

Great little set up.

[Midnightsun]

I would be worried doing something like this in the states. To many sue happy lawyers wanting to eat anything alive for free. In Canada, I would certainly do it if needed. We are not talking hauling a camper long distances on a regular basis. More like I need to haul some materials from the local home depot once in a blue moon. The car is actually rated to take 1200lbs towing capacity in Europe and by adding brakes to the trailer you up that to over 1500lbs. This basically says the weak point is only braking up to 1200 lbs and then other weaknesses kick in after 1500lbs if you take care of the braking. My wife's Nissan cube is rated for 0 and so is the Versa. This is most likely based on the cvt tranny and it's 10 year 200,000 mile warranty :eek: That being said, we do have a hitch on the cube and we do occasionally tow the PWC in summer and the sled in winter. We do not tow across country, longest distance ever covered is about an hour. If the tranny does ever have problems on the cube and they ask about the hitch, no problem, we are avid cyclists and do have a bike rack for the hitch. We never tow anything as this is not allowed. :rolleyes:

[Midnight Drifter]

I'll follow the european tow limits (equal to vehicle weight) since I actually know how to drive a trailer.:rolleyes:


I towed a Uhaul 5x8 recently to Albany, NY, loaded it up with about 800 lbs. of stuff, then towed the full trailer back home. 55 MPH both ways - no drama. Just kept it in 4th gear and 3rd on some of the steeper climbs.

I don't see what the big tow scare is.:iono:

[Idahotom]

I'll follow the european tow limits (equal to vehicle weight) since I actually know how to drive a trailer.:rolleyes:


I towed a Uhaul 5x8 recently to Albany, NY, loaded it up with about 800 lbs. of stuff, then towed the full trailer back home. 55 MPH both ways - no drama. Just kept it in 4th gear and 3rd on some of the steeper climbs.

I don't see what the big tow scare is.:iono:

:smile::thumbup:

[SKurj]

Has anyone ordered that toyota trailer hitch from overseas? I like the way that one attaches.

I am considering a trailer to tow a streetbike every once in a while, its good to know that the yaris's limits are actually higher elsewhere when its the same car! My bike is 600lbs easily so add trailer and I will be at the canadian limit and then some.

[Yankee Spy]

I've got an 08 Yaris HB 5 speed. I'm towing 854lbs (trailer and load) , (3.5x5 Carry On cargo trailer from Lowes). I've tested this rig on very steep gravel roads, freeway, winding country roads etc. I don't exceed the 1585lb. GVWR. My advice? 1) Balance your load. 2) Stay at 65mph. 3) Keep the trailer profile below the back hatch window.
4) Keep your tires, brakes, struts/shocks in good condition. 5) Change your oil every 3000 miles. I'll give update about any problems I encounter. So far so good. Slow down, pay attention and enjoy your Yaris.

[Woodsman]

Here's my harbor freight trailer. Just made a quick scaffold last night to keep the patio door upright. I picked up a patio door in the morning. The trailer has a 1000 lbs capacity. The sliding glass door with frame is probably a couple hundred pounds.

Drove at or under the speed limit on the streets for about 20 miles.

No problems.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb282/tk1971/trailer2.jpg
At least you drove slowly for only a short distance with that set-up.
The overall weights are not a problem but with the window so far back on the trailer your tongue weight would not be enough based on total weight of trailer & load.
I also haul a trailer occasionally with my Yaris & if the weights stay reasonable with the proper tongue weight you hardly know it's there.

[Bluevitz-rs]

Pulling heavy things with any small car usually isn't a problem. Stopping it is. But the Yaris and Echo have pretty good brakes, so an extra 1000lbs should be in it realm of capabilities.

Think about it, you put 4 250lbs guys in it plus a trunk full of beer on the way to the cottage and you're well over the GVWR but the car isn't going to fail.

And Yankee Spy, GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (meaning the total weight of everything, including the car, fuel, luggage and passengers). The car itself weighs in at over 2300 lbs, so I think your 1585 lbs is a little shy. If you meant 1585Kg, >3494 lbs, then you might be right.

[Got Mine]

Whether it be towing my bike to the shop or hauling lawn mowers between jobs I have had no serious issues.
Watch your weight and balance like other have previously mentioned and if at all possible stick to smooth roads, bumpy roads and heavy trailers make a very unhappy Yaris.

[Connoisseur_of_fine_cars]

curt 11050 hitch is the best design for slapping on a yaris HB so far

go one to hold a yakima double down rack for me bikes


I've been researching the 11050 hitch. It does seem to be vastly superior than the DrawTite and Hidden. But I just took a peek at the but-t of my Yaris, and it seems to me the 11050 would be a pain to install. Has anyone experience with installing the 11050?

[yaris2010RS]

keep in mind for all people towing with a yaris, the limit set in your region will be the limit on the ownership and in the government database.

in canada if the mto officer knows any specific towing details on the yaris and see's u with something that yes your car is capable of but is prob over the listed limit he(or she) will pull you over and pull out the portable scales and weigh your load. keep that in mind

sources: tow truck driver, we gets calls all the time from mto and opp to tow an unsafe trailer (in reality the trailer is more then safe but its over the towing limit of the car) also some tow trucks caught (a Ford F350 suspension/engine can hold and tow a fully loaded cube van but not according to mto)

[tk1971]

At least you drove slowly for only a short distance with that set-up.
The overall weights are not a problem but with the window so far back on the trailer your tongue weight would not be enough based on total weight of trailer & load.
I also haul a trailer occasionally with my Yaris & if the weights stay reasonable with the proper tongue weight you hardly know it's there.

A little common sense will go a long way to safely handling any motored vehicle, regardless of configuration.

I've seen people towing U-Haul trailers passing people on the freeway as if the trailer wasn't there (narrowly missing cars they are trying to pass).

Just be aware and drive within the limits of the load, vehicle and the driver.

Regarding my patio door, why would I want to go any faster and/or go on the freeway? The point is to get a new unbroken door with windows home to replace a broken one. The last thing I needed was to make another trip and spend another $400.

[Woodsman]

Regarding my patio door, why would I want to go any faster and/or go on the freeway? The point is to get a new unbroken door with windows home to replace a broken one. The last thing I needed was to make another trip and spend another $400.
It seems like you missed my point.
They way you loaded your patio door on the trailer created an unsafe situation by having more weight behind the wheels than in front of them. Your tongue weight would not be near 10% of your trailer & load weight.
This makes the trailer unstable even at legal road speeds.

[billfires]

When my Yaris is out of warranty I will put a trailer hitch on it and not look back. I had a 1983 Dodge Colt 4dr HB with a 1.4 litre engine and a 4 speed Twin Stick transmission (that gave it a 15 percent under drive) that had a hitch mounted to the bumper. I regularly towed a 15 foot fiberglass Sears boat with a 40 hp motor and also used it twice to tow a 6 x 9 trailer loaded with 2x6 by 8' lumber that was the lower level framing for a 28' x 50' modular house. I don't know the exact weight but would think it was at least 2000 pounds. The Yaris engine is definitely more powerful and I am pretty certain the brakes are stronger also. It is up to each individual to make (and live with) their own choice in this regard. Bill C

[tk1971]

It seems like you missed my point.
They way you loaded your patio door on the trailer created an unsafe situation by having more weight behind the wheels than in front of them. Your tongue weight would not be near 10% of your trailer & load weight.
This makes the trailer unstable even at legal road speeds.


Not trying to argue here, but wow, you can tell all this from a single picture?

Looking at just the picture, I can't even tell if the middle of the patio door was right on top of the trailer's axle or 18" behind the axle. All I can see is a patio door extending out of the trailer.

If you don't want anyone to tow with a Yaris, just say that the owner's manual specifically says not to. No need to pull a CSI from a single picture when you weren't even there.

Unsafe situation? I'm glad I made it home alive... :bow:

[Bluevitz-rs]

It's fairly obvious that there's more sticking out behind the wheel than in front but sometimes you just have to do it.

[ramaz]

wow, sorry for that car. much weight

[Snyprwlf47]

I had a friends 7500Lb 2005 F150 FX4 break down on our way to the shop, so what did I do? I hooked my towstrap to it of course! I pulled him approximately 6 miles at speeds up to 45 mph. The big struggle was having to stop at a stoplight on a 10% grade which I thought was going to completely burn the clutch out >.<
I have a curt class 1 hitch and regularly pull my ATV trailer with it and have moved from WV to GA towing a 1900 pound U-haul trailer with little incident as long as I kept at 65 and ensured massive stopping distance when any sort of water was on the roads. I think Garm posted a grainy picture of it awhile back on here.
Yes, I would say a yaris can tow a small trailer

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/390930_308676169158913_100000495982942_1309171_167 6072058_n.jpg

[Bluevitz-rs]

Haha sick! But next time don't worry about slipping the clutch, just let your tires peel out until you can get going. It's a hell-of-a-lot cheaper to change two tires than to change a clutch.

[Snyprwlf47]

Haha sick! But next time don't worry about slipping the clutch, just let your tires peel out until you can get going. It's a hell-of-a-lot cheaper to change two tires than to change a clutch.

I'll keep that in mind :laugh:

[Ataristyle]

Here's what I tow behind my manual 2011 yaris. Under 1,000lbs. I've had 5 people and a dog in the car when towing this boat, but that was just a couple blocks to the launch. Boat pulls good and when coming out of the water I have everyone get out of the car when pulling it up and works just fine. Ive hauled 1,000lbs of scrap on a 4x8 harbor freight trailer and would be the most I want to pull with this car. I wouldnt hesitate to drive the car a distance with the boat because it really does pull well. Just give yourself extra stopping distance if you have extra people in the car with you. As to a previous post whats the difference if weight is in the car or being pulled. It is the same to me.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/Ataristyle/Boating/IMAG0574.jpg

My boat I just sold(about 150 lighter boat, much lighter 100lbs? Trailer also). I did notice this was a little less strain on pulling the boat out...but not bad.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/Ataristyle/IMAG0331.jpg

[nookandcrannycar]

That type of trailer hitch is common on all sizes of cars all over Europe. What is it about Americans that makes Toyota so paranoid? I have an American made one on mine which is no where near as well made as yours is. Go wonder.

^^^^^^
"What is it about Americans that makes Toyota so paranoid?"........two words: lawsuit happy. We don't have 'loser pays' as a default concept. Many other countries do. Loser pays means that if you bring a lawsuit against another entity and you lose then you pay the legal bills incurred by the other party. This helps cut down on frivolous lawsuits. Some people almost manage to make a business out of bringing lawsuits and sometimes the only recourse against such a person is getting the person declared a vexatious litigant if the criteria fit, but that can be a difficult task.

[Ataristyle]

Figured I'd give and update as to towing stuff behind a yaris. I have used the 4x8 harbor freight trailer to haul counter tops.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/Ataristyle/Yaris/IMAG0022_zpsf8bf122f.jpg

Here is 24 sheets of drywall approx 1250lbs worth plus trailer weight. Trailer had a decent tongue weight and take off and stopping didn't feel bad. I did anticipate stops and accelerate slow. Slipping of the clutch was minimal.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/Ataristyle/Yaris/20130103_162112.jpg

Now for the largest load behind this yaris was 8 used railroad ties (previously rained on). These things are heavy!! I do not know what the weight is but would estimate close to 1500lbs plus trailer. This would be the most I would want behind the yaris. Clutch was more noticeable to slip to get the car going. Once rolling it was fine. It was a short ride with this and plenty of anticipating stops and put hazards on when climbing a hill to be safe along with limiting speed. Being wet out did make me slow down more than usual.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/Ataristyle/Yaris/IMAG1167_zpsf2d5e35b.jpg

Yaris is perfect for towing and when hauling a large load I just travel by myself. Now if anyone is wanting to try this near mountain areas get trailer brakes or even better don't attempt it! I would not attempt this far travels unless only hauling a lighter load. The drywall 1250lbs did feel very comfortable for a far travel but to be safe I would only want 900lbs on the back so that I don't stress the trailer and have a better stopping distance. Obviously if there were 3 large guys in the car with me when towing I would just tow less. Be safe!

[yaris2010RS]

^ have u thought of getting a pick up truck? you do alot of hauling, Cool to see the Yaris could do it.

What were your MPGs durring those hauls?

[Ataristyle]

I used to have a S10. I sold that and shortly after I needed a car for a different job. I like pickups but I like saving at the pump more. MPGs for the above hauls I'm not sure of. If I was going to guess 30+mpg easy. The above hauls were just over 5 miles loaded so to get an accurate reading would be hard. When hauling the trailer far distances with a small to medium load I'm getting 35+mpg consistently. Actually here is from a few months ago helped a buddy get this home:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/Ataristyle/Yaris/IMAG1219_zpsd18d0043.jpg

Going to pick this up 100 miles away plus coming back 100 miles with the ski hooked to the yaris got me 40.4 mpg overall. That is with two adults in the car traveling 60-65mph to destination and keeping a slow 60mph in the right lane coming back. I did not feel unsafe when traveling and was very easy to pull this wave runner.

Driving the Yaris compared to my vw camper with full drum brakes is complete night and day. I can stop the yaris with 1000 lbs behind it a lot quicker than I can the vw without anything behind it.

[Idahotom]

I agree, the Yaris can tow no problem, just drive it accordingly like you do, and ignore the lawyers! That jet ski looks pretty cool behind the Yaris! Since I have a 2000 RAV4 with a hitch, and a 1 ton Dodge flatbed, I havn't towed with my Yaris yet, but heck yeah, occasional use, flatter ground, driven right, I wouldn't hesitate.

This is coming from someone who used to carry 50 lb bags of dog food, 10 gallon propane tanks, a folding full size mt. bike, and lots of other gear usually not seen on a Goldwing. I got the same thing: get a pickup! I had one, it got 11 mpg, the Goldwing got 35, the Yaris gets 40+.

[agent00ry]

I towed this motorcycle (plus gear , we're talking about 600 lbs) from NY to CA, averaged 28 - 35 mpg with zero issues, just slip the clutch when starting, keep the RPMs a little higher on acceleration and be smart about braking downshifting (think driving a mini semi) and you'll have no problems, I used the bolt on curt hitch. I want a truck but it's hard to justify when you have a perfectly good trailer and can get mpg that a pick up can only dream of.

[mazilla]

I witnessed a yaris pulling a (estimated) 16' fiberglass boat with a 25hp outboard a couple of weeks ago.

[charles nelson]

:iono:I have a small, light-weight utility trailer I would like to tow. How do you tap into the Yaris to hook up a trailer wiring harness? I have removed both tail light panels. There is absolutely no slack in the wires to pigtail. Even a 3M wire tap connector will not fit correctly!
I would appreciate a reply (maybe with photos) on how you were able to tap into the Yaris' wiring.

[CTScott]

:iono:I have a small, light-weight utility trailer I would like to tow. How do you tap into the Yaris to hook up a trailer wiring harness? I have removed both tail light panels. There is absolutely no slack in the wires to pigtail. Even a 3M wire tap connector will not fit correctly!
I would appreciate a reply (maybe with photos) on how you were able to tap into the Yaris' wiring.

There is a nice DIY on here that SodiumDuck did back in 2009 on wiring for a trailer,

[Scubaru Steve]

the way i look at it is the car is rated for 5 adults 200lbs each, thats 1000 there, then gas and whatever you can stuff in the back. wouldn't you rather have the weight behind you and not on the suspension? and as for the hitch mounting on the tie downs, i use this one right on the frame. Hidden Hitch (http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/products.aspx?lvl=3&parentid=0&catID=1005&part=60209)

the hitch is rated for 2000lbs 200 tongue, so why not?

http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w357/scubarusteve/image8_zpsb4b20c12.jpeg (http://s523.photobucket.com/user/scubarusteve/media/image8_zpsb4b20c12.jpeg.html)
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w357/scubarusteve/photo10-1_zps5b030794.jpg (http://s523.photobucket.com/user/scubarusteve/media/photo10-1_zps5b030794.jpg.html)

[Idahotom]

You guys are making me wish I didn't have the Rav4 (I carried two 3'0" prehung doors and 2 3x3 windows in it the other day, only the drivers seat in it) and the Dodge flatbed! I would be eyeballing some all aluminum flatbed trailers that are out there, expensive yeah but nice and light.http://www.fthr.com/atv-trailers-recreational-trailers/model1693-atv-trailer/ Good on you for getting the most out of your Yaris, keep the pictures coming!

The other day I had a 245 watt solar panel to deliver 100 miles away, 65" x 40", I used the Rav and got 26+ mpg, I had it in the Yaris earlier but it was a real tight squeeze, I had to move the drivers seat up way far and no room for the dog. BTW I'm not bragging about that 26 mpg, but complaining.... I would have saved 12 bucks taking the Yaris!

[CrankyOldMan]

:iono:I have a small, light-weight utility trailer I would like to tow. How do you tap into the Yaris to hook up a trailer wiring harness? I have removed both tail light panels. There is absolutely no slack in the wires to pigtail. Even a 3M wire tap connector will not fit correctly!
I would appreciate a reply (maybe with photos) on how you were able to tap into the Yaris' wiring.

It's about twice the cost of a solder/splice unit, but there's one on etrailer.com that has OEM plugs: http://www.etrailer.com/new_review.aspx?pc=118517&oid=2096071

I bought one so that I can swap the hitch/harness over to the wife's sedan if need be, without chopping up the wires. I'll post up how it works out when it gets here.

[cruzerbotz]

Yaris towing???? Shouldn't be a problem if a VW Bug with half the HP can go around the world towing a trailer. Small trailer, but seems there was no problem.

http://herbiesworldtour.com/herbies-world-tour/

[Idahotom]

Herbies trip should put an end to the naysayers re: small cars towing trailers. Damn, that is pretty impressive!

[Bluevitz-rs]

Pulling is usually never the issue. It's stopping.

[nookandcrannycar]

Yaris towing???? Shouldn't be a problem if a VW Bug with half the HP can go around the world towing a trailer. Small trailer, but seems there was no problem.

http://herbiesworldtour.com/herbies-world-tour/

I am just about spellbound by what they are doing. I have one friend who has traveled 'off the beaten path' as much as they have, but by the time they are finished they will surpass him. Plus my friend did very little driving during his trips. The driving the Herbie couple did appeals more to me. I (at some point) want to look at parts of their path (in a map scale that shows far more re specifics) and emulate some of it. I think a rare combination of the girl, the car, the languages they speak (I would imagine both speak English and German and she might speak Arabic (and one of them might speak one romance language, which would help with the others. I would also guess that he is probably pretty handy re fixing air cooled and probably other VWs all contributed to their safety and ability to continue. I wonder if they got permission fron Disney? Somehow I doubt it, but I think Disney would garner negative publicity if they went after the couple.

[jayeh]

As for the original post... This was the first thing that came to mind..

http://i.imgur.com/YJNA9BC.gif

http://i.imgur.com/CRmWT4C.gif

I towed this motorcycle (plus gear , we're talking about 600 lbs) from NY to CA, averaged 28 - 35 mpg with zero issues, just slip the clutch when starting, keep the RPMs a little higher on acceleration and be smart about braking downshifting (think driving a mini semi) and you'll have no problems, I used the bolt on curt hitch. I want a truck but it's hard to justify when you have a perfectly good trailer and can get mpg that a pick up can only dream of.

Which Route did you take?

[padre1964]

Been towing this trailer for several years. First with my 09 yaris and now with my 2012.

[nookandcrannycar]

I am just about spellbound by what they are doing. I have one friend who has traveled 'off the beaten path' as much as they have, but by the time they are finished they will surpass him. Plus my friend did very little driving during his trips. The driving the Herbie couple did appeals more to me. I (at some point) want to look at parts of their path (in a map scale that shows far more re specifics) and emulate some of it. I think a rare combination of the girl, the car, the languages they speak (I would imagine both speak English and German and she might speak Arabic (and one of them might speak one romance language, which would help with the others. I would also guess that he is probably pretty handy re fixing air cooled and probably other VWs all contributed to their safety and ability to continue. I wonder if they got permission fron Disney? Somehow I doubt it, but I think Disney would garner negative publicity if they went after the couple.

Last night I read the text on the 'Herbie's World Tour' site (rather than skimming it :redface:). The marked routes on the maps the couple highlighted show Herbie's entire journey, but not the couple's entire journey during that period. For example, they sent Herbie on a boat from Chennai, India to Melbourne, Australia and they backpacked through Southeast Asia while Herbie was on the boat.

[CTScott]

Been towing this trailer for several years. First with my 09 yaris and now with my 2012.

I like how your wheels and stripes match the trailer.

[nookandcrannycar]

I like how your wheels and stripes match the trailer.

Ditto. Just needs (IMO) Clazzio covers to cover up the light colored seat inserts.

[BIGTAZ351]

Exactly what I'm planning on putting behind mine w/600lb Quad on the trailer...Prolly still get mid 30's (at 37-40 now)
So what brand hitch?
I like the Curt's mounting better than the Drawtite's, what do ya think?

I'm gonna Paint My trailer Blazin' Blue (or as close as I can)

Looks nice,
I'd Paint the white wheels on the trailer black w/red accent stripe and some chrome or stainless lug nutz...Hell Yeah!

[CrankyOldMan]

So what brand hitch?
I like the Curt's mounting better than the Drawtite's, what do ya think?

The Draw-tite style is MUCH harder to install unless you have tiny hands and a ratcheting 13mm wrench. I'm not sure what structural difference it makes, since they're both attached to the same basic points on the car. The Curt style indicates that you have to use additional straps for a bike or cargo rack, so there could be some torsional issues with the Curt style.

[BIGTAZ351]

I was curious, as the Curt attaches to the transport tie downs (vertical tabs running parallel with the car), and the Draw-tite looks like it attaches to the rear bumper shocks...Its the shearing of a bolt vs. stretching a bolt theory? (The DT looks like it would be a PITA to install too) Probably the steel of the car that would fail before a bolt, LOL

[6273909]

http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj586/deoncarpenter/YarisCamper.jpg

Here is my 2007 Yaris towing our 1989 Skamper Pop Up camper. I also added a bike rack to the camper. You can see from the photo, if you look close, I had to add some extra weight to the tongue of the trailer to reduce sway. The bikes take too much weight off the tongue. The car is packed for the camping trip too. It tows great but on big hills I drop it down into "3" for some added power. The car likes to go 70 but the trailer likes 60 better. I tow this trailer in the middle of summer, 99 degrees, up to 150 miles without any problems. Their are not a lot of hills in South Alabama and North Florida, I wouldn't want to take it into the mountains. I have a Draw-Tite Hitch and it was easy to install. I plan to add two kayak racks for two kayaks to the top of the camper this summer. I have no idea how much the camper weighs but I tested it hard locally before making a long trip. When the wind is blowing or it is raining I keep it at 55mph or less. On our last trip we averaged exactly 25 mpg. Oh, and it tows so easy I sometimes forget it is back there.

[jayeh]

http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj586/deoncarpenter/YarisCamper.jpg

Here is my 2007 Yaris towing our 1989 Skamper Pop Up camper. I also added a bike rack to the camper. You can see from the photo, if you look close, I had to add some extra weight to the tongue of the trailer to reduce sway. The bikes take too much weight off the tongue. The car is packed for the camping trip too. It tows great but on big hills I drop it down into "3" for some added power. The car likes to go 70 but the trailer likes 60 better. I tow this trailer in the middle of summer, 99 degrees, up to 150 miles without any problems. Their are not a lot of hills in South Alabama and North Florida, I wouldn't want to take it into the mountains. I have a Draw-Tite Hitch and it was easy to install. I plan to add two kayak racks for two kayaks to the top of the camper this summer. I have no idea how much the camper weighs but I tested it hard locally before making a long trip. When the wind is blowing or it is raining I keep it at 55mph or less. On our last trip we averaged exactly 25 mpg. Oh, and it tows so easy I sometimes forget it is back there.

Do you have brakes on that trailer?

[6273909]

No trailer brakes. It stops fine but I don't tailgate.

[screenprintr]

Wow that's amazing. Little cars can go.

[CKaelin]

Been towing this trailer for several years. First with my 09 yaris and now with my 2012.

Is that the Norther Tools 4x8 trailer? http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200356493_200356493

I'm thinking of getting it to use with the Curt hitch.

http://www.hitchanything.com/2008-Toyota-Yaris-Hatchback-Trailer-Hitch-Kit-Curt-11050-and-56175.html

[padre1964]

:thumbsup:

Is that the Norther Tools 4x8 trailer? http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200356493_200356493

I'm thinking of getting it to use with the Curt hitch.

http://www.hitchanything.com/2008-Toyota-Yaris-Hatchback-Trailer-Hitch-Kit-Curt-11050-and-56175.html

[CKaelin]

I ended up going with the Lowes 5x8 utility trailer and the Curt hitch. So far so good. Also ordered a wheel chock and plan on putting plywood down and mounting the chock. I will report back and post picks once I pick up the new Honda CRF250X and do some towing.. =)

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv265/CKaelin36/IMG_20130610_174403_9621.jpg

[racerb]

Planning on buying this hitch for my Yaris, mostly to tow a 4'x4' autocross tire trailer......
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Toyota/Yaris/2010/24819.html?vehicleid=2010203616

And this is the trailer I'm planning on getting for use as the above mentioned autocross tire trailer, maybe Track Day event use too!
http://www.harborfreight.com/870-lb-capacity-40-inch-x-49-inch-heavy-duty-utility-trailer-with-8-inch-wheels-and-tires-42708.html

racerb :thumbsup:

[CrankyOldMan]

Planning on buying this hitch for my Yaris, mostly to tow a 4'x4' autocross tire trailer......
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Toyota/Yaris/2010/24819.html?vehicleid=2010203616

And this is the trailer I'm planning on getting for use as the above mentioned autocross tire trailer, maybe Track Day event use too!
http://www.harborfreight.com/870-lb-capacity-40-inch-x-49-inch-heavy-duty-utility-trailer-with-8-inch-wheels-and-tires-42708.html

racerb :thumbsup:

That's the exact setup I'm using, but with the 12" tires. A few words of advice:

- Get a 13mm ratcheting box-end wrench for installing the hitch. The clearance between the bolt heads and the rear bumper beam is too small for a socket wrench. Have someone with VERY small hands start the threads.

- Finding a ball mount can be tough if you don't have a dedicated trailer store nearby. I found a solid 1-1/4" bar with a 5" rise and that makes the trailer pretty level with a 2" suspension drop.

- If you plan on running tires over 205 width and/or rims over 7" wide, you will need to mount the tires above the trailer frame. I have 205's on 7" wheels and it just barely clears the bolt heads on the rear of the suspension after mounting the bolts with the split pins facing out.

- Seriously consider the 12" wheel model. Larger tires = lower bearing speeds.

- Remove the bearings from the hubs so that you can clean and re-pack them. It took me the better part of 2 hours to do that because I didn't have a solvent tank or a suitable brush to get at the "grease" they shipped with.

- Remove at least the bottom leaf from the springs. Even with tires and a full tool box, the trailer jumps like a scared rabbit on sharp bumps. I'm considering removing the remaining captive leaf over the winter, but it requires a bit of engineering to replace the locating pin for the axle.

- Get about 10 star washers for the frame bolts. The ground connection is through the frame for the lights, but is non-existent because of the paint. Put a star washer on each side of the joint (bolt -> washer -> frame -> frame -> washer -> nut) to get continuity. You only need to do this on one bolt per rail joint, e.g. between the tongue and front rail, between the front rail and each side. The alternatives to this are to grind down to bare metal at the joints or run a separate ground wire loop.

- Tool boxes are a matter of preference and/or cost. I went with a 37" aluminum truck box from Tractor Supply Co. that just barely fits between the rails. I've found the box available online, but shipping was more than the cost of the box!

I should probably do a separate thread on all of this, no?

[racerb]

I'm doing mostly short distance tows, so really the 8" wheel/tire combo will work fine for me. I plan on breaking the hubs down, cleaning them in my parts washer, and re-packing them with synthetic bearing grease.

As for hitch, I'm just re-using the one I had for my '98 Rav4, it has just the right rise to it for my needs.

When it comes to the storage box, I bought a plastic storage locker from Wal-Mart a while back that will hold my aluminum race jack, jack stands, and a small toolbox. I plan on making a separate tie down setup for the air tank, mostly cause it's pretty big.

Thanks for the heads-up on the tire width issue, but I plan on running 205s max and maybe smaller at times.

To handle the grounding thing, I was going to tack weld the entire frame once assembled and squared up, so it shouldn't be a big deal.

I really kinda hate to buy another trailer, but for just hauling tires this makes the most sense. Right now I've got a 5'x8' utility, a 7.5'x 14' car hauler, and my 8.5'x20' enclosed race trailer, but hey what's one more!!

racerb :w00t:

[CrankyOldMan]

Ooh! You could put your Yaris in the race trailer with its own tire trailer!

Sounds like you've got the trailer well in hand. Most of the threads I've read about them are full of "oops" and "aw crap".

[racerb]

Yea here are 2 of my trailers......
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/racerb/media/My%20New%20Blazing%20Blue%20Yaris/MyNewBlazingBlueYaris019.jpg.html?sort=2&o=18

And here is the big mother (8.5x20)....
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/racerb/media/Bobs%20race%20shop/Race%20Shop%202012/MiscRaceShopPicsandTrailers033.jpg.html?sort=2&o=12

racerb

[racerb]

Ordered the Draw-Tite hitch for the Yaris tonight along with the wiring harness. Now to work on getting a trailer and prepping it for storage box and tire rack.

And the fun begins.....

racerb :laugh:

[JayPrimo]

Accoridng to my "tire sticker" my yaris says not to exceed 835 lbs. in passengers.....

Which makes me say, why the hell are you towing ANYTHING with a Yaris?!?!?!?!

lmao, all in jest bud, don't take offense :biggrin:

[racerb]

All Toyotas are rated under their true tow rating, it's to protect the newbie towers from themselves! My '01 Tundra is rated at 7,200 pounds of total trailer and gear, well I've towed closer to 9,000 maybe even 10,000 with it and no issues. I towed my 20' enclosed trailer with our Rav4 on board, then turned right around and towed a house full of furniture and boxes back, a round trip of close to 400 miles. Yaris should work just fine with a proper hitch installed!

racerb :biggrin:

[Bluevitz-rs]

Had to pick up two loads of sand-stone mix today. Not too far from home but I'm betting it weighed in around 1500lbs.

Here's the picture as proof LOL

PS: home built trailer and hitch

[Bluevitz-rs]

For some reason it only uploaded one photo...

[CrankyOldMan]

Were these taken in Australia, by chance?

[padre1964]

:biggrin: fixed for ya

[Bluevitz-rs]

Were these taken in Australia, by chance?

Australia!?! No, at home. Why do you ask?

[racerb]

Were these taken in Australia, by chance?

LMAO, that's just too damn funny!!

[CKaelin]

Ready to hit the track! =)

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv265/CKaelin36/IMG_20130618_104737_276.jpg (http://s690.photobucket.com/user/CKaelin36/media/IMG_20130618_104737_276.jpg.html)

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv265/CKaelin36/IMG_20130618_115853_769.jpg (http://s690.photobucket.com/user/CKaelin36/media/IMG_20130618_115853_769.jpg.html)

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv265/CKaelin36/IMG_20130618_115900_577.jpg (http://s690.photobucket.com/user/CKaelin36/media/IMG_20130618_115900_577.jpg.html)

[nookandcrannycar]

LMAO, that's just too damn funny!!

Yep.

[nookandcrannycar]

it's to protect the newbie towers from themselves!

....and to keep the attorneys at Toyota happy re helping to stem any tide of nuisance lawsuits :biggrin:.

[fybur]

Like Mike Holmes says: "Do it right the first time." The Yaris is NOT doing it right, it's half-assing it... Like trying to build a house with a multi-tool.

:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

[Bluevitz-rs]

^^ yeah we should all go out and spend $30000 on a vehicle to pull our trailers 4 times a year!!!!

[fybur]

You don't have to buy a car just to tow.

Borrow a friends/family members SUV or truck. I've done that countless times.

Rent an vehicle whenever you need to tow something, just don't tell the rental agency that.

[fybur]

^^ yeah we should all go out and spend $30000 on a vehicle to pull our trailers 4 times a year!!!!

If you are in Canada, your Yaris can tow (according to the manual). But for some reason the U.S. model cannot tow (according to the manual).

I do not want to lose my warranty and void my 3 years of free maintenance by not following the manual.

[Bluevitz-rs]

So I should borrow someone else's car/truck/SUV to pull my 350lbs motorcycle on road trips 400km away?

[fybur]

So I should borrow someone else's car/truck/SUV to pull my 350lbs motorcycle on road trips 400km away?

No, You are in Canada and because Canada is awesome Toyota says you can tow. So tow!!!

I feel that to tow 1000lbs, one should not use a yaris.

[screenprintr]

When you do tow, will you post a picture?

[racerb]

Got my Draw-Tite receiver hitch and installed it on the Yaris, hitch was only $92 from Etrailer. Ordered my 40"x49" Auto-X tire trailer from Harbor Freight, it was on sale for $182, but the Wife had a 25% on-line discount, so got the trailer for $137. HF is only charging us $6.99 to ship to our door!

racerb :w00t:

[yaris814]

Informative thread. I just ordered Curt tow hitch. Plan to tow a 5'x8' utility trailer for my go kart and tools.

[racerb]

Informative thread. I just ordered Curt tow hitch. Plan to tow a 5'x8' utility trailer for my go kart and tools.

I have a 5'x8' trailer already and I've towed it with the Yaris, no trouble at all! Is your car straight drive or automatic? If automatic, you might want to keep a closer eye on the trans fluid, if it ever starts to turn brown then you might be overloading. My old Rav4 had nearly the same tow rating as the Yaris and I never had any issues at all.

racerb :smile:

[yaris814]

I have a 5'x8' trailer already and I've towed it with the Yaris, no trouble at all! Is your car straight drive or automatic? If automatic, you might want to keep a closer eye on the trans fluid, if it ever starts to turn brown then you might be overloading. My old Rav4 had nearly the same tow rating as the Yaris and I never had any issues at all.

racerb :smile:

Thanks for the advise. I think I'm going to get a Harbor Freight foldable 4'x8' trailer instead, since the kart will fit (width wise). And it'll take up whole lot less space when folded and it's lighter. My Yaris is an automatic. I do occasional HPDE with it when my other car is out of commission, so I do drive it hard. So I'll eventually change the AT fluid after a few tow and check on the condition of the fluid.

[padre1964]

Just a word of advise on the HF folding trailers. They are extremely heavy to try and stand up on your own. I ended up installing an electric hoist near the ceiling to lift mine.

[racerb]

Just finished assembling my HF 40"x49" Auto-X tire trailer, got a few final tweeks to make but it turned out pretty nice. I'll post pictures of it with the Yaris in a few days.

racerb :thumbsup:

[screenprintr]

Can't wait to see the Pictures RacerB. Harbor Freight is awesome. Bought a bunch of stuff from them.

So they don't carry the trailers at your local Harbor Freight? Guess they don't have enough room. I'm surprised Harbor Freight doesn't carry Trailer Hitches too.

I want to get a trailer and hitch to carry a 3 wheel bicycle for advertising on the beach/shore. Problem is, I have no wear to store it.

Guess I could get a trailer hitch and rent the trailer when I need it.

[screenprintr]

One question. When you buy the Trailer 40" x 49" from Harbor Freight, do you have to register it and get a license plate, etc. ? How does that work?

[padre1964]

Yes you do. HF will give you all the necessary paperwork when you purchase it. My 4'x8' cost me $10 a year for a plate

[racerb]

Can't wait to see the Pictures RacerB. Harbor Freight is awesome. Bought a bunch of stuff from them.

So they don't carry the trailers at your local Harbor Freight? Guess they don't have enough room. I'm surprised Harbor Freight doesn't carry Trailer Hitches too.

I want to get a trailer and hitch to carry a 3 wheel bicycle for advertising on the beach/shore. Problem is, I have no wear to store it.

Guess I could get a trailer hitch and rent the trailer when I need it.

Sorry for the delay, here it is before I totally finished it, but it's all ready to go now.....

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/racerb/media/My%20New%20Blazing%20Blue%20Yaris/Auto-XSet-UpForYaris005_zps8964e0f9.jpg.html

racerb :w00t:

[screenprintr]

Thanks RacerB. That came out real nice.

[swidd]

I used a U-haul rental trailer yesterday. Empty weight 630 lbs, and I think I put about 300 lbs of wet garbage into it. It handled it very well. No highways, just two trips to the landfill.

It didn't accelerate too bad, actually quite normal when it was empty. The trailer was not in control of the car, and stopping distance wasn't very adversely affected. I'd say it handled just like when I load 7-800 lbs of stuff in the trunk.

[yaris814]

Installing the HF 4x8 folding trailer was pretty straightforward. Took me about 4hrs to assemble, not including a second trip to the store for missing parts and quick dinner. Apparently someone raided the box and took some key parts from it. So I did the same thing to another box.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/edwin814/yaris/147C0276-A053-4F70-9061-864825C2795D-19169-00000A41B3178E36_zps46fd91d9.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/edwin814/media/yaris/147C0276-A053-4F70-9061-864825C2795D-19169-00000A41B3178E36_zps46fd91d9.jpg.html)

Folding it by myself was simple. The trailer then got alot heavier with the plywood. So folding it by myself is still do-able but definitely requires more strength.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/edwin814/yaris/200A7A52-606D-480B-8037-39254D23B854-19169-00000A40E6BD7DB6_zps5c0f2b85.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/edwin814/media/yaris/200A7A52-606D-480B-8037-39254D23B854-19169-00000A40E6BD7DB6_zps5c0f2b85.jpg.html)

I'm going to repack the wheel bearings and add the tie down and wire up the trailer to the car. I'm gonna add the vertical stakes and fencing some other time, along with some nonslippery coating for the plywood. Right now, I'm just trying to get it functional so I can go pick up my go kart next week.

[yaris814]

towed my kart back yesterday. Plan to add rails this weekend. Need to get higher riser ball mount too.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/edwin814/9C5D0D44-BC59-44AB-A6EB-B0746B5C63E5-19884-00000AB187F3EBA0_zps6e5e0fbe.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/edwin814/media/9C5D0D44-BC59-44AB-A6EB-B0746B5C63E5-19884-00000AB187F3EBA0_zps6e5e0fbe.jpg.html)

[D&D]

Installing the HF 4x8 folding trailer was pretty straightforward. Took me about 4hrs to assemble, not including a second trip to the store for missing parts and quick dinner. Apparently someone raided the box and took some key parts from it. So I did the same thing to another box.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/edwin814/yaris/147C0276-A053-4F70-9061-864825C2795D-19169-00000A41B3178E36_zps46fd91d9.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/edwin814/media/yaris/147C0276-A053-4F70-9061-864825C2795D-19169-00000A41B3178E36_zps46fd91d9.jpg.html)

Folding it by myself was simple. The trailer then got alot heavier with the plywood. So folding it by myself is still do-able but definitely requires more strength.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/edwin814/yaris/200A7A52-606D-480B-8037-39254D23B854-19169-00000A40E6BD7DB6_zps5c0f2b85.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/edwin814/media/yaris/200A7A52-606D-480B-8037-39254D23B854-19169-00000A40E6BD7DB6_zps5c0f2b85.jpg.html)

I'm going to repack the wheel bearings and add the tie down and wire up the trailer to the car. I'm gonna add the vertical stakes and fencing some other time, along with some nonslippery coating for the plywood. Right now, I'm just trying to get it functional so I can go pick up my go kart next week.

NIIIIIIIIICE looking trailer! I've got the exact same one but it's a lot older and isn't setup to fold any longer. :/ Your pics make me want to go out and buy a new one! haha

[gboezio]

I'm Canadian and I bought my 2008 sedan Yaris new at the dealership, at the time the hitchs available were far from satisfying, one would bolt trough sheetmetal and extend to the tow hooks, while crawling under the car I saw the 3 M10 inserts on each side, I have mocked up cardboard templates and cut then in 1/4 inch steel plate. Then I cut my BMW hitch and welded it to death to the two plates, It bolted right up with 6 x M10 dipped in red loctite.

My 10 years old homebuilt 4,5 x 9 x 4 high trailer weight is about 400 lbs, it's balanced to zero so to add tongue weight I must move the load forward until I get about 50 lbs on the tongue or less if there is a lot of weight on the trunk.
I have done it all from light weight to overweight, I have abused the drivetrain, hitch, body and trailer but I have never abused the brakes so I don't know if they would overheat, I prefer to let this to others since I feel that I have made enough research.

My regular towing is trailer + quad, about 800 lbs, sportbike to the track 900 lbs, quad + camping gear 1100 lbs over about 5000 km on about 105 000 km total, I'm still waiting on something to break, no slack or bearing noise in the tranny, I have changed twice the oil with synthetic and filtered it, nothing. That said I'm convinced that if it was an automatic it would have overheated and broke down for the same driving, if the automatic clutches start to slip on a sustained pull, the trans go down quickly.

Here's my rules :
Plan ahead, as little clutch as needed, I coast to traffic lights and engage the clutch rolling.
Use the brakes to slow down not to avoid kids and other cars.
For common sense sake when you know that your braking is impaired and risk is present: slow down, this way you will stop even faster than a car alone going at the permitted speed.
When going downhill, blip the throttle and downshift in a lower gear, I'm barely braking and I keep my brakes cold all the time in case of an emergency.
Never forget that the trailer is driven by the rear wheels of the car, the more weight on them the more stable the trailer will be, same goes for the tongue length, the longer, the more control you have on the trailer, attach the load so it wont shift to the rear of the trailer and suddenly unload the rear wheels, add the panic braking from having the trailer swerving and you are looking for a disaster. If the trailer feels unstable, slowly stop, move some load in the trunk or weight forward on the trailer, you will feel a world of difference.
Try to center the weight in the middle of the trailer not to the far ends, this add to the stability because even if the trailer is properly balanced, it have more rotation inertia.
Dont't loose traction, never WOT the first gear, the traction loss sends very bad shocks on the front end and will destroy almost everything.

I had 2 BRP Spiders that were going to 70-80 on single lane and about 100 on double for an hour at Baie St-Paul I decided to pass them uphill, I have held the engine in second gear WOT at 6000RPM for about 10 minutes and there is no way to break this thing or overheat it.

On a logging road I have pulled over 2000 lbs of wood, at 70 km/h the trailer would become unstable, by moving 3 big logs in the trunk the unstable speed became 90 km/h
Do half this and you will never have a problem.
Trailer center axle to center ball 105", track 2" wider than my car, CoG 1" before axle center, if someone need to build a stable trailer.
Yes I drove semi trucks for over 1,5 million kms without the slightest incident.
Yes, my next car will be heavier, but now the Yaris is simply the best all around car ever, 6l/100km 95% of time, 8 to 10 l/100km when I need it.
If you don't feel safe towing, don't tow

[D&D]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Great post! Thanks for chiming in with your experiences!
Got any pics of those loads?

I pulled my trailer again this past weekend. We had 4 adults and 3 small dogs in the car, and a whole living room full of furniture in my 4x8 trailer (a 500-600 lb payload). My sister was one of the passengers and was all "are you sure your car can handle this?". She had no idea what our little Yari could do!

[gboezio]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Great post! Thanks for chiming in with your experiences!
Got any pics of those loads?

I pulled my trailer again this past weekend. We had 4 adults and 3 small dogs in the car, and a whole living room full of furniture in my 4x8 trailer (a 500-600 lb payload). My sister was one of the passengers and was all "are you sure your car can handle this?". She had no idea what our little Yari could do!

Nice, My trailer is quite big and people keep asking me for help when moving and I'm always there for help, two row of furnitures mattress in the middle, I ask friends to put clothes in garbage bags and I stuff it between the furnitures so they won't scratch each other. I moved at least 5 times with this trailer and I moved about 20 friends the last 10 years. As you said this is no biggie for the Yaris.

On a side note if I was building cars, I would rate the car way less than it can handle to avoid lawsuits, at some point one will manage to launch one downhill, of course loaded by an idiot and driven by an idiot, then they will all turn to the builder and ask why can't we recover from a 360° with a trailer or why the brakes can't bring a 1200 lbs trailer from 140 km/h to 0 downhill without setting brakes on fire ??
That little video with the camper is right on, hey can't climb a hill, let's get a good swing !!




The hitch pictures are 2008 car and trailer are now
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa145/gboezio/DSCN9699_zpsd52bea1e.jpg (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/gboezio/media/DSCN9699_zpsd52bea1e.jpg.html)
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa145/gboezio/DSCN9697_zps29d41165.jpg (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/gboezio/media/DSCN9697_zps29d41165.jpg.html)
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa145/gboezio/DSCN9711_zps3264db82.jpg (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/gboezio/media/DSCN9711_zps3264db82.jpg.html)
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa145/gboezio/DSCN9708_zps299bdeec.jpg (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/gboezio/media/DSCN9708_zps299bdeec.jpg.html)
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa145/gboezio/_DSC0063_zpsc961258f.jpg (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/gboezio/media/_DSC0063_zpsc961258f.jpg.html)

[CTScott]

Awesome job with that DIY hitch!

[nookandcrannycar]

My regular towing is trailer + quad, about 800 lbs, sportbike to the track 900 lbs, quad + camping gear 1100 lbs over about 5000 km on about 105 000 km total, I'm still waiting on something to break, no slack or bearing noise in the tranny, I have changed twice the oil with synthetic and filtered it, nothing. That said I'm convinced that if it was an automatic it would have overheated and broke down for the same driving, if the automatic clutches start to slip on a sustained pull, the trans go down quickly.

I know, different things work for different people in different situations, but :thumbsup:.

[CB Spoolmak]

This is my favourite thread on this forum by far! Here are my ?s:

gboezio: The templates are mirror image for right/left side or different because of the exhaust? 1 1/4" hitch or 2"?

Anyone here used the T-One plug&play trailer wiring harness available from etrailerdotcom? It says it fits the sedan only? I am thinking the sedan tail lights are different from the hatch,hence different connectors?

[yaris814]

Anyone here used the T-One plug&play trailer wiring harness available from etrailerdotcom? It says it fits the sedan only? I am thinking the sedan tail lights are different from the hatch,hence different connectors?

According to the Q&A section of that page, it says that the wiring connectors for hatchback and sedan are indeed different.

[CB Spoolmak]

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa145/gboezio/DSCN9697_zps29d41165.jpg (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/gboezio/media/DSCN9697_zps29d41165.jpg.html)


Can anyone confirm the thread size of the weld nuts (frame rail) in the pic (2008 Yaris sedan). I bought m10x1.0 & they're too big, so I tried a fine thread m8 I had & it's too small. Would these weld nuts be m10x1.25? Or maybe m9?

[gboezio]

I think they are M10 x 1,5.
As for mirror image, I have made them separately, but yes beside a hole on the right side, I'll check tomorow to see the exact reason.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa145/gboezio/DSCN9706_zpsf1b80756.jpg (http://s201.photobucket.com/user/gboezio/media/DSCN9706_zpsf1b80756.jpg.html)

[CB Spoolmak]

Can anyone confirm the thread size of the weld nuts (frame rail) in the pic (2008 Yaris sedan). I bought m10x1.0 & they're too big, so I tried a fine thread m8 I had & it's too small. Would these weld nuts be m10x1.25? Or maybe m9?

Just to confirm,the bolts required are in fact M10 X 1.25 x 25mm long. I picked them up @ my local Lordco. Thank you gboezio for the pics & info!

[gboezio]

No problems, so thread pitch was 1,25, it's been a while.
The hole on the right side was to clear the exhaust mount, I really suggest to make cardboard templates, they work awesome, if you use it for the holes you may use something harder.

[CB Spoolmak]

My Car: 2007 Yaris Sedan, 22000 original kms (senior couple trade in), mint save for the crappy undercoat some genius @ a dealership applied. This should be my ride for the next 10+ years unless I win the lottery.

Wiring harness: T One harness for Yaris sedans, plug & play except for a hot wire that connects to the battery.

My quandry: running that hot wire inside the car along the drivers side w/the factory harness means removing interior trim pieces to get to the factory harness path. Or running the wire out a trunk grommet & along the bottom of the car. Judging by how my Yaris is built,wires go inside the car until they reach their destination. My OCD & my gut tells me I should run the wire inside too.

My concern: If the amount of time it took me to remove the hard plastic threshold from the trunk latch area is any indication (two external pushpins, easy, EIGHT hidden death grip plastic fingers/pins) , I will be running out of swear words before I get the first interior piece out. I have stared @ the interior section of the service manual (microimage link) & am unsure how much interior I will have to remove along the driver side to get to the harness. I have removed the two fuzzy trunk liner pieces ( 5 push pins each, EASY) & I can see the wiring harness disappearing into the forward cabin on the drivers side. I have looked through a few interior/audio threads & saw a few pics w/all the interior out which I don't want to do if at all possible.

My time frame: I have all winter, my yaris is on blocks in the garage. I can take my time to do it right, no excuses!

My frame of reference: Last car I removed interior pieces from (everything but the head liner & dash) was a Datsun 240Z in the eighties. Lots of exposed pushpins or phillips screw heads w/a few hidden alignment pins holding everything in, barely.

My questions: Is the wiring harness just behind the carpeting along the inside of the door jam?

If I remove the front & rear driver side door sill plates (7 & 9 deathgrip clips!) can I get the carpet back to access the harness enough to fish the wire through or will I need to remove more plastic like the wheel well cover next to the back seat and the pillar cover directly below the front shoulder belt.

There seems to be interior differences between the hatch & sedan. My sedan has full plastic trim around the rear seat support frame adding complexity to removing the seat. Can I get the those rear side trim/wheel well pieces out without removing the rear seat?

When the factory manual says something like "disengage" (LOL) the panel pins/clips they mean sliding a putty knife or screwdriver under an edge & work painfully slowly to get the first pin/finger to pop & try not to destroy the panel in a fit of impatient rage because all the little plastic fingers/pins don't want to let go, correct?

This should be a poll: outside, path of least resistance, git er half arsed done, or inside, path of sorrows, but I will be able to sleep @ night because it makes sense to do it this way?

If you are still reading, Thanks in advance for all input!

[WeeYari]

This should be a poll: outside, path of least resistance, git er half arsed done, or inside, path of sorrows, but I will be able to sleep @ night because it makes sense to do it this way?


There is nothing wrong with running the wire along the underside. This has always been the way I've dealt with the power wire and never any issues. I usually chase it along the brake lines secured with zip ties.

Certainly not an issue to keep you awake at night. There are many more aspects of life reserved for that. :wink:

[Ronald Schmittburg]

To whom it conerns:

Concerning those who have towed with their Yaris. I'm thinking about towing 900 lbs worth of equipment (this includes the entire trailer setup) with my Toyota Yaris hatchback. It has a manual transmission. The trailer will have electric brakes and the tongue weight will be no more than 50 lbs. I drive like a granny (with all due respect), this being that I don't step on the gas or stomp on the brakes. I slowly go forward and cautiously slow down. I plan on regularly traveling across town with my 900 lbs worth of landscape equipment to do lawn jobs (perhaps 15-20 jobs per week). Does anyone have inpute concerning the matter?

Sincerely,
Ronald

[D&D]

To whom it conerns:

Concerning those who have towed with their Yaris. I'm thinking about towing 900 lbs worth of equipment (this includes the entire trailer setup) with my Toyota Yaris hatchback. It has a manual transmission. The trailer will have electric brakes and the tongue weight will be no more than 50 lbs. I drive like a granny (with all due respect), this being that I don't step on the gas or stomp on the brakes. I slowly go forward and cautiously slow down. I plan on regularly traveling across town with my 900 lbs worth of landscape equipment to do lawn jobs (perhaps 15-20 jobs per week). Does anyone have inpute concerning the matter?

Sincerely,
Ronald

Sounds like the ideal setup! Just take it easy on the clutch and you should be good to go!

[BIGTAZ351]

Well my 5/60000 mile warranty is now gone 2.5 years in.

My next mod on the list? A Curt Trailer hitch, screw the anti-tow Nazis!

[Bluevitz-rs]

... screw the anti-tow Nazis!

Amen sister!:evil:

[agent00ry]

haha, I took the southern route (no Rockies, i'm not that crazy :P). but I was driving through the Shenandoah park in Virginia (we're talking steep grades and tight bends) and I was able to keep up with traffic with no issues. as a followup still no issues on my car and I still keep the trailer for towing my motorcycle and when friend's need a tow (towed up to the size of a harley so I'm pulling heavier 600lbs stuff) zero issues and I'm still on the second set of brakes after 150,000 mi . Yaris FTW :)

[Snyprwlf47]

Been awhile since I was on YW and I come back to my favorite subject, Yaris towing.

I use a Curt Class 1 Sport hitch on my Yaris and moved from WV to GA towing a 1900 pound U-Haul trailer. The experience was not one I would recommend, it took some getting used to and despite my best efforts I did jackknife during an emergency stop on the interstate. I do however regularly tow my ATV and trailer weighing in at around 700lbs together with little effort.

The record for my towing? 6 miles over rolling hills including an on hill start towing a 2005 F150 FX4 weighing in at around 7300 pounds.

I am still on my original clutch at 140k miles and would consider 1000lbs within the realm of feasible towing on the Yaris. I would recommend an aftermarket intake of some sort however, it doesn't seem like much but the difference for me was a lot less downshifting on small highway hills.

I have attached a couple pictures I had on my pc of different towing with the yaris I have done, The one with my wifes scooter was also loaded down in the back to the max with the trip being just over 1k miles.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/390930_308676169158913_1676072058_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/248124_655880747771785_404664758_n.jpg

[BIGTAZ351]

Amen sister!:evil:

First of all, I am a Very LARGE DUDE!

and for the guy who thinks an FX4 F150 weighs 7300 Lbs,
ONLY if it had 1700+ Lbs of crap in the Box or Cab...My 2004 Reg Cab Long Box weighs 5000Lbs, My Brother's 2005 SuperCrew 5.5 box 5300Lbs...These are the New Style w/box frame like in your Photo.

But needless to say I am not afraid of towing with my Auto Equipped Yaris....Up to 1000Lbs

[Bluevitz-rs]

I did it again. This time with a bigger trailer and wet material. Trailer is totally bottomed out too and I put on my stock springs in the rear to carry the extra weight. Though it doesn't look like it LOL.


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c250/BLUEVITZ/Trailer/DFB850B2-3262-4D5A-9CD4-F6296A132078.jpg (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/BLUEVITZ/media/Trailer/DFB850B2-3262-4D5A-9CD4-F6296A132078.jpg.html)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c250/BLUEVITZ/Trailer/AC4C297A-A3DA-4642-A8E8-050DE6E74876.jpg (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/BLUEVITZ/media/Trailer/AC4C297A-A3DA-4642-A8E8-050DE6E74876.jpg.html)


Sent from my iPod Touch

[Koco]

These companies selling 2000lb trailers are totally :evil:!

BEWARE! I am moving Houston to Western Mass and was looking into a small uhaul trailer rental with high hopes. Of course I took a look at my owners manual and found:

Vehicle capacity weight
(occupants + luggage)
kg (lb.) 383 (845)
Towing capacity∗3
(trailer + cargo weight)
kg (lb.) 318 (700)
∗1: With P175/65R14 81S tires
∗2: With P185/60R15 84T tires
∗3: For Canada only

Not sure about the Canada only note.

I'm sure its safe to tow small items and I think a hitch could be convenient addition. Stay safe ya'll!

[DianaLyn]

I am handicapped but can still drive. It saddens me to read these post. I want to by hoverlift, but not for my hoverround wheelchair. I have a foldup that weights 48#. it won't fit in the trunk. So, the hoverlift wt. is 80#, Swing arm is 40#, and my chair is 48#. Total 168#. Hoverlift is not a trailer. I don't see why I couldn't use this. What is your opinions? Thank you

[CTScott]

I am handicapped but can still drive. It saddens me to read these post. I want to by hoverlift, but not for my hoverround wheelchair. I have a foldup that weights 48#. it won't fit in the trunk. So, the hoverlift wt. is 80#, Swing arm is 40#, and my chair is 48#. Total 168#. Hoverlift is not a trailer. I don't see why I couldn't use this. What is your opinions? Thank you

168 lbs on a hitch rack type device will be fine. I have a hitch mounted basket that I use to haul my trash cans to the dump/recycling center. I ofter have loads that are in excess of 150 lbs and I don't even feel line anything is back there.

[Ataristyle]

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/Ataristyle/Yaris/20141121_160054_zpsapisqcnj.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/Ataristyle/media/Yaris/20141121_160054_zpsapisqcnj.jpg.html)

Here's something to share. Picked this up end of last year. Its around 1,300 lbs. Just started to go through reconstruction phase with it. Its in desperate need of help. It was towed 50 miles back home and no problems along the way. It honestly felt great behind the Yaris. I had spotter vehicles in front and back of me incase something went wrong. It was sitting for a real long time and wood has lots of rot. Was just hoping it stayed in one piece to make it home which it did. :-) I feel comfortable to pull it again if I have to. However, because most likely I will be loading it up for camping, I will use a truck to get this task done. Gave into buying Truck so it will handle this very easy. I will use the yaris to haul locally if needed since I know the terrain and trailer won't be loaded up for that use. Be Safe!

[jayeh]

Anyone investigated adding a transmission temperature gauge?

[Ataristyle]

Temp gauge not needed on the manual transmission but will admit if my car was automatic I would not use it to tow.

[kevinj93]

Here in Australia my third gen Yaris manual lists maximum towing load as 900kg (1984 pounds) with trailer brakes, or 500kg (1216 pounds) without trailer brakes.

The manual also recommends not using 5th gear on a manual transmission and leaving an auto transmission in "3" while towing. This is to maintain engine braking and electrical charging efficiency...

The same limits are applied for both the 1NZ-FE and 2NZ-FE engines.

[jayeh]

Here in Australia my third gen Yaris manual lists maximum towing load as 900kg (1984 pounds) with trailer brakes, or 500kg (1216 pounds) without trailer brakes.

The manual also recommends not using 5th gear on a manual transmission and leaving an auto transmission in "3" while towing. This is to maintain engine braking and electrical charging efficiency...

The same limits are applied for both the 1NZ-FE and 2NZ-FE engines.

Electrical Charging Efficiency?

[kevinj93]

Exact wording from the manual is:-

"To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance when using engine braking, do not use the transmission in D (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or 5 (vehicles with a manual transmission)."

I may have misread this, it might only refer to times when using engine braking.

I think the idea is that there will be an additional load on the electrical system from the trailer lights. Here, large trailers (not sure of the exact size) and caravans are required to have additional "clearance lights" showing the width, length and height of the trailer, which would add additional current requirements at night.

[jayeh]

So, speaking of towing...

My Yaris hauled a 4x4 utility trailer from Ontario to B.C. without any issues. 4500 KM via the Canada route. Took it easy, I don't think I went over 107 kph the entire time and everything went fine. Still kind of surprised how such a tiny engine could still be pretty peppy uphill!

[haro]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/f679f385df45d0fb96c56a45cbe4e844.jpg

Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

[Bluevitz-rs]

Awesome!

[jeeper5usa]

I am looking to install a hitch, either Curt or Hidden. Do either of those require to cut the body to fit? The lady at the trailer place told me that in order to put a hitch on the back they had to cut bumper no matter which hitch I used. Is this true? I thought the Hidden hitch fits underneath the bumper?? Please help, I need to pick up my trailer next week and need something installed soon!

[ardvark2175]

I am looking to install a hitch, either Curt or Hidden. Do either of those require to cut the body to fit? The lady at the trailer place told me that in order to put a hitch on the back they had to cut bumper no matter which hitch I used. Is this true? I thought the Hidden hitch fits underneath the bumper?? Please help, I need to pick up my trailer next week and need something installed soon!
I installed hidden hitch on my 2012 Yaris. You DO NOT have to cut into bumper. It goes Underneath.


Sent from my ONE A2005 using Tapatalk

[billfires]

I put a Curt hitch on my 2010 HB and did not have to cut anything. Bill

[duende_80]

We tow a trailer-shop that weighs about 400kg (I do not know how many lbs are) and the truth is that when we find a slope up the car costs quite up, we did not consider buying a caravan for that problem, it is a 1.4 D4D of 90cv


Spanish:

Nosotros remolcamos un remolque tienda que pesa unos 400kg (no se cuantas libras son) y la verdad que cuando encontramos una cuesta hacia arriba el coche le cuesta bastante subir, no nos planteamos comprar una caravana por ese problema, es un 1.4 D4D de 90cv.

[jayeh]

We tow a trailer-shop that weighs about 400kg (I do not know how many lbs are) and the truth is that when we find a slope up the car costs quite up, we did not consider buying a caravan for that problem, it is a 1.4 D4D of 90cv


Spanish:

Nosotros remolcamos un remolque tienda que pesa unos 400kg (no se cuantas libras son) y la verdad que cuando encontramos una cuesta hacia arriba el coche le cuesta bastante subir, no nos planteamos comprar una caravana por ese problema, es un 1.4 D4D de 90cv.

I wish north america had Amber turn signals on trailers.

[NYC-SE]

I wish north america had Amber turn signals on trailers.

I wish North America had Amber turn signals on ALL vehicles.

[91mustang]

881 lbs

[jayeh]

I wish North America had Amber turn signals on ALL vehicles.

Agreed.

[JimKellyfan]

great story / I too, have carried way too much weight and been aboard friends that have done the same and once heard a leaf spring go cling clang as we turned the corner in his van with construction equipment for everything. I carried 68 doors thru an ice storm on a pickup meant for 32 doors, but hey, its ice, make one trip, not two.
I have towed about 2200 pounds with my Yaris, and nope, didn't like it, but did it. Just go slow.
I regularly tow the garbage to the dump in mine, and occasionally the oddity like 5 sliding door panels laid flat n hopin not to break the glass, etc and so on.
Gonna get me a boat soon, and while I will tow down the road, I will limit the slopes as to what my car drops in the water, so as to not get pulled back in, LOL.
But, my car tows up to 700 comfortably. 700-1200 a bit more tasked but still gets the job done. 1200-2200 very tasked and asking for tranny troubles in my mind. But, can get the job done, especially on more level terrain.
I will be gettin a hitch for the Camry, for the heavier duty or steeper inclined tasks as that has 268 HP to our 105-125 pending upgrades.
:clap:


Here's an article about towing (written by an xB owner) - it even mentions the Yaris. Look at the rest of the world, and read this. Then decide... :smile:

The Great American Anti-Towing Conspiracy
By Paul Niedermeyer
February 23, 2008 -

“Scion does not recommend towing a trailer… your vehicle was not designed for towing." Welcome to the great American anti-towing conspiracy. Manufacturers of anything less than a big SUV or pick-up are trying to take away our God-given right to tow with our cars. For a guy who’s towed everything from a Radio Flyer wagon behind a pedal-powered John Deere sidewalk tractor, to a three-bedroom house, I feel like I’m being singled out. Of course, there’s a possibility that I’m the cause as well as the target of this jihad. A lot of lawyers do drive the Ventura Freeway, and one of them may well have seen my spectacular stunt with a trailer.

Before I recount the creative maneuver with which I simultaneously occupied all four lanes of “the world’s busiest freeway” at sixty-five mph, let’s look at the prejudice American would-be towers are up against …

On Toyota’s UK website, the Yaris is credited with a towing capacity of 1050kg/2315lbs. That’s right in line with the old rule of thumb that a car can safely tow an amount equal to its own weight.

But here in the land of the (not so) free, the Yaris’ owner’s manual admonishes: “Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.” The unnamed author goes on to give a partial pass to our northern neighbors: “In Canada only, total weight of cargo and trailer not to exceed 700lbs.” Please leave your trailers at the border? Perhaps this partial exemption reflects Canada’s status as being somewhere between English and American. But the logic is lost on me.

Maybe it’s a blatant tactic by Toyota to meet Tundra sales goals, by forcing us tow-heads into buying that over-achieving tug (rated for 10,000+lbs). But Honda is in on the conspiracy too. The CRV weighs 3600lbs and offers 166hp, about the same as an old gen Explorer. In Europe, where folks often buy CUV’s specifically for their towing capacity, the CRV is rated to tow 2000kg/4400lbs. And in the tow-aphobic US? A measly 1500lbs!

It wasn’t always like this. In the sixties, you’d see 40hp VW Beetles pulling a trailer. In 1976, my VW Beetle died in Ohio heading back to Iowa, so we left it and hitch-hiked the rest of the way. My girlfriend’s Mom was driving a 70hp Corolla, which was rated to tow 1800lbs, exactly the weight of my VW. She generously offered it. Towing the Bug home, the Corolla never broke a sweat.

Which I can’t say for myself when I nearly shut down the 101.

It was 1986. We had just bought our first house, in Woodland Hills. I rented a big double-axle twelve-foot trailer to haul debris and junk to the dump. My Mexican helper was a zealous worker, loading lots of broken concrete into the back end of the trailer. I remember glancing at the warning sign about having 60 percent of the weight ahead of the axles. But any fleeting thought of relevancy or concern was quickly overpowered by the testosterone-fueled urge to PULL!

That trailer must have weighed about three times as much as the Jeep Cherokee tug. I managed to squeeze into the perpetually crowded Ventura freeway.

When our rig (finally) hit 65 in the right lane, the trailer began oscillating, which escalated exponentially. The next thing I knew, the Jeep was being swung wildly from side to side, like the tail on a dog. One moment, we were facing towards the shoulder, then across all the lanes facing the center divider. The Jeep was utterly out of control; there was nothing to do but hang on for dear life, waiting for the fishtailing trailer to roll and/or get creamed by the four lanes of traffic behind us.

Fortunately, the other drivers (and that corporate attorney) were on the ball and held back, in awe of our mad gyrations. When enough speed was scrubbed off and stability resumed, we found ourselves in the narrow left shoulder, where we sat bathed in sweat.

I had no choice but to steel myself, get back in the traffic, and fight my way across four lanes while keeping the speed below fifty. When we finally pulled off on the right shoulder, my ashen-faced helper tumbled out, got on his knees and crossed himself, before we started re-arranging the trailer’s load.

Having learned that cardinal lesson of towing, I’m a hair more cautious now. But I still believe that cars, by their nature, are “designed for towing.” So I always carry a tow rope in the old Ford pick-up instead of an AAA card. More than once, Stephanie has schlepped me home with the Forester. I don’t even want to know what its tow rating is; it’s survived just fine. And I’ve found an after-market hitch for the xB, rated for 2000lbs.

[toad]

just thought i'd add a quick story about towing with a yaris! today i took an old big-screen tv(think 55" console-style) to the recycling fair in town. i rented a uhaul 5x8 open trailer and performed all the trailer wiring myself last week. i installed a t-connector kit from reese that was made specifically for the yaris sedan(don't ask me why it's just made for the sedan- i think it just has to do with the length of the black wire that goes from the battery to the control module). i've had the hitch installed for many years, but was only using it to haul bikes.

it was actually kind of fun to do once i got the nervousness dealt with(i've never towed a trailer before)! just go slow, give yourself lots of room for braking, and take the turns carefully. i got lots of looks from people at the fair who probably have never seen a small car with such a big trailer!

[DarkShadowFox]

I wish North America had Amber turn signals on ALL vehicles.

you can add them to trailers for 20$

[nemoskull]

i tow at about 1300 pounds. no problems. trailer has brakes. full timing in a teardrop. pulls fine, tho you got to push it. 55 is a pain. 65 is much eaiser.