Hey there! If you’ve got a vehicle with a towing capacity of around 4,000 pounds, you might be wondering what kinds of things you can safely tow behind it.
While 4,000 lbs is considered a light to medium towing capacity, there are still plenty of options for hauling all sorts of fun stuff.
What Can I Tow With 4,000 lbs Capacity?
In this article, we’ll explore what you can realistically tow with a 4,000 lb capacity and check out some specific vehicle models that can handle the job.
Let’s dive in!
What Can You Actually Tow with 4,000 lbs?
So, what’s possible to pull with a 4,000 pound towing capacity? Quite a bit, it turns out! Here are some common items:
- Small travel trailers
- Utility and cargo trailers
- Flatbed trailers
- Teardrop and A-frame campers
- Compact cars on a tow dolly
- Motorcycles, ATVs, and small boats
- Canoes and kayaks
Now, there are a few things to keep in mind. The total weight of what you’re towing needs to stay under that 4,000 lb limit. So if your cute little camper weighs 2,700 lbs empty, you’ll need to factor in the additional weight of any gear, water, propane, food, and supplies you load into it.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution and keep the total weight comfortably below your vehicle’s max towing capacity. Overloading can put a lot of strain on your vehicle and make towing less safe. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to use a vehicle scale to weigh your fully loaded trailer and make sure you’re good to go.
Alright, now let’s check out some specific examples of what you can realistically tow!
Travel Trailers: Forest River R-Pod
The Forest River R-Pod is a popular line of lightweight travel trailers that are a great match for vehicles with a 4,000 lb towing capacity. Despite their compact size, R-Pods pack in a surprising amount of amenities, like:
- Sleeping space for 2-4 people
- Bathroom with toilet and shower
- Mini kitchen with fridge, microwave, stove and sink
- Dining area that converts to sleeping space
- Air conditioning and heating
Some R-Pod models even come with cool features like solar panels and outdoor kitchens for off-grid adventures. With a range of floor plans available, you can pick the perfect layout for your needs. Just be sure to keep an eye on the total weight with all your supplies loaded up.
Boats: Boston Whaler Montauk
Love getting out on the water? With a 4,000 lb towing capacity, you can pull a small or medium-sized boat like the Boston Whaler Montauk. These unsinkable boats are perfect for fishing, watersports, and cruising around your local lakes or coastal waterways.
Boston Whalers are known for a few key things:
- Super durable construction filled with buoyant foam
- Reliable, fuel-efficient outboard motors
- Plenty of fishing-friendly features like rod holders and livewells
- Comfy seating for family and friends
With their stable, lightweight designs, Boston Whaler Montauks in the 16-19 foot range is a solid choice for 4,000 lb towing.
Cargo Trailers: Wells Cargo
Need to haul some bulky stuff like furniture, motorcycles, or landscaping equipment? An enclosed cargo trailer like the ones made by Wells Cargo might be just the ticket. Wells Cargo offers trailers in a variety of sizes, from little 4×6 utility trailers up to big 8.5×24 tandem axle monsters. For 4,000 lb towing, something in the 4×6 to 6×12 range would work well.
Some highlights of Wells Cargo trailers:
- Durable, lightweight aluminum frames
- Weatherproof exterior to protect your stuff
- Secure doors with locks for peace of mind
- Optional ramp door for easy loading/unloading
- Customizable options for shelving, lights, etc.
A cargo trailer is super handy for hauling gear on road trips, moving your worldly possessions, or shuttling stuff for your business. Just be sure you’ve got a vehicle with the proper hitch setup to tow it safely.
Flatbed Trailers: Big Tex 70CH
For hauling awkwardly shaped items that won’t fit in an enclosed trailer, a flatbed utility trailer like the Big Tex 70CH is a great solution. You can find these trailers in various sizes; the 70CH18 model with an 18 foot deck and 7,000 lb GVWR is a good match for a 4,000 lb tow vehicle.
Here’s what’s awesome about Big Tex flatbed trailers:
- Heavy duty steel frame for durability
- Flat deck for easy loading of pallets, machinery, lumber, etc.
- Dual or tandem axle options for stability
- Stake pockets for attaching sides if needed
- Electric brakes, safety chains, and powder-coated finish
With a versatile flatbed trailer, you can tackle all sorts of hauling tasks with ease. From helping friends move to picking up supplies for your latest DIY project, a flatbed trailer is a must-have for any weekend warrior.
Tow Dolly: Master Tow 80THD
Want to tow your compact car behind your vehicle? A tow dolly like the Master Tow 80THD is a safe and affordable solution. It allows you to load up your car and tow it on its front wheels, which is easier than using a full trailer.
Some key features of the 80THD:
- Lightweight, durable steel construction
- Fits most cars, SUVs, and small trucks
- Adjustable ramps and tire straps for easy loading
- 3,600 lb max weight capacity
- Disc brakes and DOT-approved lights
Using a tow dolly is a great way to transport a vehicle for a move, bring your commuter car on vacation, or help a friend relocate cross-country. Just be sure to get the right size dolly for your vehicle and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Teardrop Camper: NuCamp TAB 320
Teardrop campers are a stylish and lightweight camping option that’s easy to tow with a 4,000 lb capacity vehicle. One popular model is the NuCamp TAB 320, which packs a ton of features into its iconic teardrop shape:
- Sleeps 2-3 adults on queen-size bed
- Convertible dinette for dining/extra sleeping
- Wet bath with toilet and shower
- Large rear galley with fridge, sink, and stove
- A/C, heat, hot water, and TV with DVD player
The TAB 320 weighs around 2,800 lbs fully loaded, so it’s a breeze to pull behind a small SUV or minivan. And with its classic style and cozy interior, it’s sure to turn heads at the campground.
What Vehicles Can Tow 4,000 lbs?
So what kinds of vehicles can handle towing up to 4,000 lbs? Here’s a quick rundown of some popular models:
| Vehicle Model | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ford Explorer 4WD | 5,000 lbs |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD | 6,200 lbs |
| Dodge Durango RWD | 6,200 lbs |
| Chevy Colorado 4WD | 7,000 lbs |
| Toyota Tacoma 4WD | 6,800 lbs |
| Subaru Outback | 3,500 lbs |
| Nissan Pathfinder 4WD | 6,000 lbs |
As you can see, most midsize SUVs and pickups can comfortably handle towing up to 4,000 lbs when properly equipped.
Some smaller SUVs and crossovers like the Subaru Outback are also rated for light towing.
Just be sure to consult your vehicle’s owner manual for specific towing guidelines, and invest in the proper hitch and wiring setup for safe towing.
Also Check:
- What is The Cost To Install A Gooseneck Hitch
- What is a Tow Package
- How Do I Measure For A Drop Hitch
- How to Check Towing Capacity by VIN
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – a quick guide to what you can tow with a 4,000 lb capacity vehicle!
From teardrop campers to cargo trailers to boats, there’s a wide range of options for getting your gear from Point A to Point B.
The key is to choose a tow vehicle and trailer combo that fits your needs and stays within your vehicle’s towing limits.
With a little research and preparation, you’ll be ready to hit the road on all sorts of adventures.
Happy towing, my friend! And remember – when in doubt, always err on the side of safety.
A successful towing trip is one where everyone and everything arrives in one piece. Now get out there and explore!
