We all know that campers can be a great way to explore the outdoors.
The problem, however, is that most travel trailers, especially larger ones, require a larger tow vehicle to pull them, with at least a V6 if not a V8 engine.
But did you know that there are actually campers out there that you can pull with a 4-cylinder, specifically designed for smaller tow vehicles?
Well, the good news is that there definitely are.
And in this blog post, we’re going to be highlighting 8 of the most popular options that you can pull with a four-cylinder.
How Much Can a Four-Cylinder Tow?
Before we get started though, it’s important that we talk briefly about 4-cylinder towing capacities on compact SUVs and sedans.
As not every 4-cylinder vehicle will have the same towing capacity.
In fact, towing capacity from one 4-cylinder vehicle to the next can be quite varied, due to numerous factors, including chassis size and type, suspension, drivetrain, and brakes.
In general, though, most 4-cylinder vehicles will have a towing capacity ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds.
With 4-cylinder SUVs being able to pull more compared to 4-cylinder cars.
As 4-cylinder SUVs can typically tow between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds.
While 4-cylinder cars usually only have a max tow rating of up to 1,000 pounds, and that’s if the car is even rated for towing.
As many four-cylinder cars are not designed or rated for towing at all.
If you’re curious what a specific 4-cylinder vehicle can tow though, check out the below table, which highlights some of the most popular four-cylinder vehicles and their max tow capacities.
Popular 4-Cylinders and Their Max Tow Capacities (Lowest to Highest)
| Make/Model | Max Tow Capacity |
|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | 500 – 5,000 lbs |
| Toyota Camry | 925 – 1,100 lbs |
| Honda Civic | 1,000 lbs |
| Nissan Altima | 1,000 lbs |
| Dodge Charger | 1,000 lbs |
| Ford Fusion | 1,000 – 2,000 lbs |
| Hond CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
| Nissan Rogue | 1,500 lbs |
| GMC Terrain | 1,500 lbs |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 1,500 lbs |
| Kia Sportage | 1,653 lbs |
| Subaru Forester | 1,500 – 3,000 lbs |
| Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 – 3,500 lbs |
| Ford Escape | 1,500 – 3,500 lbs |
| Tesla Model 3 | 2,000 lbs |
| Jeep Wrangler | 2,000 – 3,500 lbs |
| Kia Sorento | 2,000 – 3,500 lbs |
| Subaru Outback | 2,700 – 3,500 lbs |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3,500 – 6,800 lbs |
Know Before You Tow
As you can see not all 4-cylinder vehicles are created equal when it comes to towing capability and capacities.
Even on the same vehicle.
As many 4-cylinder vehicles have a max tow range as opposed to a single max tow capacity.
Due to different trim levels and options on the vehicle, which can affect its max tow capacity.
So before towing anything with a 4-cylinder, it’s important you know the specific tow capacity of the vehicle.
To prevent exceeding the vehicle’s max tow capacity.
What is the 80 Rule for Towing and How Does it Affect Tow Capacity?
The final thing worth mentioning that you also need to keep in mind when choosing a camper for a 4-cylinder tow vehicle is the 80 rule for towing.
Which states that you should ideally never tow more than 80 percent of your vehicle’s max tow capacity, especially long term.
As this will help to ensure you’re not overloading your tow vehicle, which can lead to all sorts of problems, including increased wear and tear.
For more information on the 80 rule for towing, check out our blog post “How the 80 Rule for Towing Affects Max Tow Capacity“.
Popular Campers You Can Pull with a 4-Cylinder (Lightest to Heaviest)
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics around towing, let’s get into the campers.
Starting with the lightest campers and working our way up to the heaviest.
| Make/Model/Trim | Dry Weight | Average Loaded Weight | Length | Sleeps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Little Guy Trailers MyPod | 840 lbs | 1,340 lbs | 11′ 6″ | 2 |
| 2. Sylvansport Go Trailer | 840 lbs | 1,340 lbs | 11′ 11″ | 4 |
| 3. Timberleaf Pika | 1,025 lbs | 1,525 lbs | 12′ | 2 |
| 4. inTech Flyer Chase | 1,025 lbs | 1,525 lbs | 12′ 5″ | 2 |
| 5. Happier Camper HC1 | 1,100 lbs | 1,600 lbs | 13′ | 4 |
| 6. Aliner Scout Lite | 1,180 lbs | 1,680 lbs | 13′ | 3 |
| 7. 13-Foot Scamp Trailer | 1,200 lbs | 1,700 lbs | 13′ | 4 |
| 8. nuCamp TAB 320 S | 1,946 lbs | 2,446 lbs | 15′ 3″ | 2 |
1. Little Guy Trailers MyPod
Quick Specs
- Price: $13,500
- Dry Weight: 840 Pounds
- Average Loaded Weight: 1,340 Pounds
- Length: 11 Feet 6 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 (5 with Optional Screen Room Tent)
- Bathroom: N/A
One of the lightest campers on the market today is the Little Guy Trailers MyPod.
As this small camper only weighs 840 pounds dry, with a typical loaded weight of around 1,340 pounds.
Once the camper is loaded with supplies and gear.
This means that pretty much any 4-cylinder SUV should be able to tow this small camper.
Beyond its extremely lightweight though, the MyPod is also one of the smallest campers as well, with a length of only 11 feet 6 inches.
Making it easy to maneuver and store when not in use, as it will fit any standard garage.
Despite its lighter weight and smaller size though, the MyPod is still surprisingly well-equipped.
As this compact camper offers an entertainment center with a TV, 12V and 110 power, air conditioning, and a three-speed Fantastic fan.
As well as a molded fiberglass body, a protective gravel guard, and various accessories that can add even more functionality and versatility to the camper trailer.
The MyPod also offers a two-person sleeping capacity with a full-size bed.
But if you need even more sleeping capacity, the MyPod can be outfitted with an optional screen room tent, which allows the camper to sleep up to five!
For more information on the Little Guy Trailers MyPod, be sure to check out Little Guy Trailer’s website by clicking here.
2. Sylvansport Go Trailer
Quick Specs
- Price: $11,995
- Dry Weight: 840 Pounds
- Average Loaded Weight: 1,340 Pounds
- Length: 11 Feet 11 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: N/A
Another lightweight camper that can be pulled by the majority of 4-cylinder SUVs is the Sylvansport Go Trailer.
Which has a very similar weight and length compared to the MyPod, with a dry weight of 840 pounds and a length of 11 feet 11 inches.
This is where the similarities end though between these two similar-sized campers.
Because while the MyPod offers a more traditional teardrop design, the Go Trailer offers a unique pop-up toy hauler design.
Which features a tent pod, an upper equipment rack, a front exterior storage box, and a 48-inch by 84-inch tilting gear deck that can hold up to 810 pounds.
Allowing you to bring all your favorite outdoor gear and toys with you while camping, including bikes, kayaks, and even dirt bikes or an ATV.
Just keep in mind that the weight you’re adding to the camper in toys needs to be accounted for when deciding whether your particular four-cylinder can safely pull the camper.
Because the Sylvansport Go Trailer might have a dry weight of just 840 pounds, but once you start loading outdoor gear and toys onto the camper, you can easily add over 1,000 pounds of weight to the trailer.
Beyond its toy hauler capability though, the Go Trailer also has a sleeping capacity for up to four, thanks to its tent pod.
Making the trailer ideal for families looking for a lightweight camper that can sleep four.
To see other lightweight campers that can sleep four, check out our blog post “12 Best Small Travel Trailers for a Family of 4“.
For more information on the Sylvansport Go Trailer, be sure to check out Sylvansport’s website by clicking here.
3. Timberleaf Pika
Quick Specs
- Price: $14,500
- Dry Weight: 1,025 Pounds
- Average Loaded Weight: 1,525 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: N/A
For those that like to get off the beaten path, one of the best options out there is the Timberleaf Pika.
As this lightweight teardrop trailer is loaded with off-road friendly features.
Including an over-built welded steel frame, enamel-baked aluminum sides, a 2,000-pound torsion axle, 15-inch aluminum rims, and rugged aluminum fenders.
If you’re looking for even more ruggedness and offroad capability though, no problem.
As Timberleaf also offers an All-Road and Off-Road package for the Pika that provides even more offroad capability.
As these off-road packages offer features like all-terrain tires, electric drum brakes, a 4-inch lift kit, rock sliders, and an articulating Max-Coupler hitch.
It’s not all about off-road capability though with this well-built premium teardrop camper, as the Pika also offers lots of comfort features and amenities as well.
Including such comforts as a spacious two-person sleeping cabin with a double-sized mattress, lots of interior storage, LED lighting, USB ports and GFI outlets, a simple outdoor kitchen, and doors and windows on both sides of the camper.
Which not only provides excellent ventilation but also makes it much easier to get in and out of the small camper.
For more information on the Timberleaf Pika, make sure to check out Timerleaf’s website by clicking here.
4. inTech Flyer Chase
Quick Specs
- Price: $13,000
- Dry Weight: 1,025 Pounds
- Average Loaded Weight: 1,525 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet 5 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 (5 with Optional Add-A-Room Tent)
- Bathroom: N/A
Another lightweight toy hauler that a four-cylinder can pull is the inTech Flyer Chase.
Which offers a unique blend of versatility, utility, and style all at an affordable price.
As the Flyer Chase is one of the most affordable toy haulers you can buy, with an average price of only $13,000.
To see other affordable toy haulers, check out our blog post “The 10 Cheapest Toy Haulers You Can Buy“.
Beyond its affordable price though, one of the best things about the inTech Flyer Chase is its dual functionality.
As the Flyer Chase can be used as a traditional teardrop camper, due to its versatile interior, full-size mattress, ample storage space, LED lighting, and USB and 110 outlets.
As well as an enclosed toy hauler, thanks to the camper’s open interior and double door design.
Which makes loading and unloading the camper a breeze.
And if you’re looking for even more comfort and functionality, the Flyer Chase has you covered.
As the camper can also be optioned with a roof-top AC with heat, a straight or 270-degree awning, a roof rack, electric brakes, and even an add-a-room tent, which gives the camper up to a five-person sleeping capacity.
For more information on the inTech Flyer Chase, check out inTech RV’s website by clicking here.
5. Happier Camper HC1
Quick Specs
- Price: $34,450
- Dry Weight: 1,100 Pounds
- Average Loaded Weight: 1,600 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: Porta Potty (Optional)
One of the lightest stand-up campers on the market today is the premium Happier Camper HC1.
As this premium camper has a dry weight of only 1,100 pounds and an average loaded weight of 1,600 pounds.
Despite its lightweight design though, the Happier Camper HC1 is still packed with features and amenities.
In addition, the HC1 is fully customizable, thanks to its ADAPTIV™ floorplan, allowing it to be equipped with a variety of ADAPTIV™ components.
Including everything from bench and bed cubes to table tops and a kitchenette cube.
The HC1 can even be equipped with a small porta potty.
Making it the first camper on this list to offer any kind of bathroom.
To see small lightweight campers with a full bathroom, check out our blog post “10 Smallest Travel Trailers with a Dry Bath“.
Another unique benefit of the Happier Camper HC1 is that all the interior components of the camper can be removed.
Leaving you with an empty trailer that makes a great enclosed utility trailer or toy hauler.
And thanks to the HC1’s double door design and large rear flip-up hatch, loading and unloading the camper is a breeze.
You might have noticed though, that all this functionality and versatility doesn’t come cheap.
As the Happier Camper HC1 is one of the most expensive compact campers you can buy, with a starting price of $34,450.
For those with the budget and means though, it’s hard to beat the HC1’s versatility and functionality.
For additional info on the Happier Camper HC1, be sure to check out their website by clicking here.
6. Aliner Scout Lite
Quick Specs
- Price: $15,000
- Dry Weight: 1,180 Pounds
- Average Loaded Weight: 1,680 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: N/A
The Aliner Scout Lite is what’s considered a hard-sided or A-frame camper.
As this unique pop-up offers solid fiberglass walls as opposed to soft canvas walls found on most pop-up campers.
Allowing the camper to offer several distinctive benefits, including improved insulation or R-value as well as better sound deadening.
One of the best things about this hard-sided pop-up though is how easy the camper is to set up and take down.
As the Aliner Sout Lite can be converted from travel mode to camp mode or vice versa in about two minutes.
Allowing you to spend less time setting up and taking down camp and more time enjoying nature.
Another great thing about the Scout Lite is that it’s packed with creature comforts and amenities, despite its small size.
As the Scout Lite offers high-density foam hypoallergenic mattresses, a convertible dinette booth, and a small kitchenette.
As well as an onboard battery with a solar port, LED lighting, and a Fantastic fan.
And for even more comfort, the Aliner Scout Lite can also be optioned with a side mount air conditioner with a heat pump, a front soft dormer for extra interior space, and a high wind lift assist that makes setting up the camper even easier.
For more information on the Aliner Scout Lite, check out Aliner’s website by clicking here.
7. 13-Foot Scamp Trailer
Quick Specs
- Price: $15,000
- Dry Weight: 1,200 Pounds
- Average Loaded Weight: 1,700 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 or 4 (Depending on Floorplan)
- Bathroom: Available 3-Piece Wet Bath
One of the more stylish campers you can pull with a four-cylinder is the 13-Foot Scamp, which is the smallest and lightest version of the Scamp trailer.
As Scamp also makes a 16-foot version and even a 19-foot 5th wheel version of the popular Scamp trailer.
For those looking for the most compact and lightweight version though, the 13-footer is the way to go.
As this tiny camper has a starting weight of just 1,200 pounds, allowing it to be easily pulled by many small crossover SUVs and minivans.
Despite its small size though, the Scamp 13 doesn’t skimp on features or creature comforts.
As the 13-Foot Scamp offers a variety of different floorplans in standard and deluxe versions, that offer either bunk beds and a four-person sleeping capacity or a wet bath and a two-person sleeping capacity.
Regardless of which floorplan you choose though, all 13-Foot Scamp Trailers offer a convertible dinette booth, lots of interior cabinetry, and a galley kitchen with a sink, mini fridge, and two burner stove.
And for those looking for even more comfort, the Scamp 13 can also be optioned with a roof-mounted air conditioner, a furnace, an upgraded battery pack, an 8-foot awning, and a TV package.
For additional info on the 13-Foot Scamp Trailer and to see its different floorplan options, check out Scamp’s website by clicking here.
8. nuCamp TAB 320 S
Quick Specs
- Price: $30,000
- Dry Weight: 1,946 Pounds
- Average Loaded Weight: 2,446 Pounds
- Length: 15 Feet 3 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath
The last camper on this list that you can potentially pull with a 4-cylinder is the nuCamp TAB 320 S, which has a dry weight of 1,946 pounds and an average loaded weight of 2,446 pounds.
Making this camper the heaviest camper on this list by far.
With this extra weight though, you get features and amenities not found on the smaller and lighter campers.
In fact, the nuCamp TAB 320 S is one of the most well-equipped campers you can buy for its size.
And the only camper on this list that is completely self-contained in all configurations.
As the TAB 320 S offers a standard layout that offers a rear convertible dinette, a fully-equipped kitchen with a sink, propane stove, and microwave, and a three-piece wet bath.
In addition, this camper is one of the few campers on this list that offers a walkable interior.
Making the camper much more comfortable to use, especially on longer camping trips.
And if you’re someone that likes to boondock the TAB 320 S has you covered.
As the camper offers a 19-gallon freshwater tank, an 18-gallon gray water tank, onboard batteries and propane, and an optional solar roof package for off-grid power.
For more info on the nuCamp TAB 320 S and to see its floorplan, check out nuCamp’s website by clicking here.
To see other teardrop campers with walkable interiors, check out our blog post, “10 Must See Teardrop Trailers You Can Stand Up In“.
FAQs
A 4-cylinder can pull a lightweight camper or trailer as long as it has the towing capacity and the proper towing equipment, including a tow hitch, a wiring harness, and a brake controller if the camper is equipped with brakes.
Four-cylinder vehicles typically have limited towing capacities ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds. Because of this, they’re only capable of towing small lightweight trailers. Such as small open or enclosed utility trailers and small campers like teardrop trailers or stand-up campers.
Most cars are not rated for towing, due to their smaller engine sizes and drivetrains and less capable suspensions and brakes.
However, there are a few cars out there that have very limited towing capacities of around 1,000 pounds, which would allow you to tow ultra lightweight campers.
Before towing anything with a car though, it’s important to know the specific towing capacity of that particular vehicle to ensure you don’t exceed its max towing capacity.
Four-cylinder trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado have max towing capacities that start at around 3,500 pounds. This means they can pull a wide range of trailers and campers, including small to mid-size utility trailers as well as lightweight campers, such as teardrop, pop-up, and stand-up campers.
Wrap Up
So there you have it, eight must-see campers you can pull with a four-cylinder.
And while this list is certainly not exhaustive, it should give you a good idea of what’s available in the lightweight camper space that can be pulled by smaller less capable tow vehicles.
No matter which lightweight travel trailer you choose though, we hope you enjoy years of exploring and traveling in your camper.
Happy Camping!
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