The tow hitch remains a highly sought-after accessory in the Brazilian market. However, not all cars are suitable for towing, as this characteristic is intrinsically linked to the vehicle's design.
Determining whether or not a vehicle has towing capacity is not done randomly; to pull a trailer or other implements, the vehicle must be specifically designed for that function.
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The vehicle's own design defines the weight limit it can safely pull. Disregarding the towing capacity can cause significant financial losses to the driver and put them at risk.
In Brazil, there is a variety of vehicles certified for towing, including the subcompact Fiat Mobi, the mid-size sedan Toyota Corolla, GWM hybrid SUVs, and certain electric cars. On the other hand, there are models, such as those from Honda and the Chevrolet Montana pickup up to 2025, that do not allow the installation of the hitch.
According to General Motors engineering, this decision is made right at the beginning of a vehicle's development, based on a technical study that evaluates multiple aspects of the initial design.
The manufacturer clarifies that towing capacity is not limited only to engine power. It takes into account the engine, transmission, axle ratio, traction, tires, suspension, brakes, cooling system, hitch, optional accessories, number of passengers, and luggage.
In pickups with a separate chassis from the body, the towing capacity is higher because this configuration allows the hitch to be fixed directly to the frame rails.
When a car is approved for towing, it undergoes specific sizing of its brakes, transmission, cooling system, and suspension to support the extra weight. Furthermore, the area where the hitch is installed receives structural reinforcement.
This warning also applies when trying to exceed the vehicle's maximum limit. General Motors warns about the dangers of forcing the car in this way:
Using an unapproved vehicle or overloading beyond the stipulated capacity can compromise crucial systems such as structure, brakes, steering, suspension, tires, wheels, rear axle, engine, transmission, and driver assistance electronic systems. This increases the risk of loss of stability, reduced braking efficiency, overheating, premature wear of parts, and operational failures, impacting the safety of both occupants and other road users.
Installing a tow hitch on a car not designed for it is extremely dangerous. Problems begin with the absence of a reinforced mounting point, combined with the additional stresses imposed on the mechanics.
If the owner intends to install a hitch on their vehicle, it is essential to consult the manual to check if it accepts the accessory and what its maximum permitted capacity is.