Towing is one of the more practical functions a car vehicle have. While most cars can’t tow as much as a pickup truck, many cars can still tow a significant amount. A 2,000-pound towing capacity is on the lower end of towing power of many small cars, but it will still allow folks to tow some stuff. Here’s a look at what you can pull with only a 2,000-pound towing capacity.

It’s essential to know how much your car can tow

Before your towing adventures begin, it’s important to know how much your car can tow. For some folks, this can be as simple as looking on the automaker’s website. Others may have to do some digging. Most automakers will advertise the car’s max towing capacity, which can differ from your specific car. 

Most small cars have a 2,000-pound towing capacity as a general rule, but it is possible the car has more or less than that. That’s why it’s a good idea to check to be sure. Some popular cars with a 2,000-pound towing capacity, include the likes of the Jeep Cherokee, Ford Bronco, and Tesla Model 3.

What you can tow with a 2,000-pound towing capacity

Even with a 2,000-pound towing capacity, folks can tow more than you think. According to RV and Playa, folks who like water sports will probably be able to tow around their gear, like two stand-up jet skis. They will also be able to tow around a small rowboat, a canoe, or four kayaks. 

It will also be enough for other water-based equipment, such as a small boat or a fishing boat. There are different sporting or recreational equipment a car with a 2,000-pound towing capacity can tow. It can include either two snowmobiles or a motorcycle. Of course, even with a 2,000-pound towing capacity, folks can tow campers and trailers. However, they will have to be small.

Like RV and Playa wrote, it’s important to remember that when you’re towing something, you will need to account for everything you’re towing. As such, a boat that weighs 1,900 pounds is probably too heavy, as things like the fuel and the trailer the boat is on may push you over the 2,000-pound limit. 

Why it’s dangerous to exceed your car’s towing capacity

Folks should not go over their car’s maximum towing capacity. It can endanger you and everyone else on the road. Some common myths about towing include the idea that it’s possible to boost a car’s towing capacity by buying and installing aftermarket items or you can increase it by changing the hitch. Neither are true, and folks should either make their cargo lighter or ask for help from others.

One of the more obvious reasons why exceeding your car’s capacity can be dangerous is that it can break your car. It’s possible to do a lot of damage to your car’s suspension if you overload it, either in terms of payload capacity or towing capacity. Another danger with overloading your car is that it can cause you to lose control of what you’re towing. This can cause you to get into an accident and cause other drivers to get into one.