Caravan for Volvo EX40 Australia: What Can It Tow?
Quick answer: Yes, within limits. The Volvo EX40 has a braked towing capacity of 1500kg. For real trip planning, a conservative loaded trailer target is 1200kg.
This guide is written for Australian EV owners searching for a caravan for Volvo EX40 or asking, “what can I tow with a Volvo EX40?” It focuses on published towing numbers, loaded camper weight, towball download and range efficiency.
Volvo EX40 towing capacity in Australia
| Item | Figure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Braked towing capacity | 1500kg | This is the headline legal towing figure. |
| Unbraked towing capacity | 750kg | Most campers use brakes, but this still shows the vehicle’s light-trailer category. |
| Towball download | Not published / not recommended | This must cover the weight pressing down on the towbar. |
| Conservative planning weight | 1200kg | A lower target helps protect range, handling and payload. |
EVDB lists the Volvo EX40 at 1500kg braked. Confirm the towbar download and variant-specific limits before ordering a camper.
Best camper recommendation for Volvo EX40
The JAG Glider is a comfortable paper fit. The JAG Teardrop Camper may fit at 1500kg ATM, but towball and payload must be confirmed for the exact vehicle.
| Camper / caravan | Tare | ATM / loaded limit | Towball | Fit for this EV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAG Glider | 550kg | 1020kg | 50kg | Yes on paper, with careful loading. |
| JAG Teardrop Camper | 850kg | 1500kg | 80kg | Yes on paper, but it uses more of the vehicle rating. |
| Lightweight teardrop camper | 500-900kg ideal | Up to vehicle limit | Confirm | Good category if towball and payload check out. |
Specific campers the Volvo EX40 can tow on paper
This table uses published camper figures where available and avoids unsupported recommendations. The important number is not only tare weight. ATM, towball download and loaded trip weight matter more.
| Camper / caravan | Tare | ATM / loaded limit | Towball | Fit for this EV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAG Glider | 550kg | 1020kg | 50kg | Yes on paper, with careful loading. |
| JAG Teardrop Camper | 850kg | 1500kg | 80kg | Yes on paper, but it uses more of the vehicle rating. |
| Lightweight teardrop camper | 500-900kg ideal | Up to vehicle limit | Confirm | Good category if towball and payload check out. |
Why aerodynamics matter for EV towing
EVs are efficient until you add weight and frontal drag. A tall, square caravan can cut range hard because the vehicle has to push more air at highway speed. A lower, rounded teardrop camper is usually a better EV match because it keeps frontal area and drag lower.
That is the reason lightweight teardrop campers often make more sense for electric vehicles than full-height caravans. The aim is not just to stay under the tow rating. It is to arrive with sensible range left.
Where JAG campers fit
JAG Glider
The JAG Glider is 550kg tare, 1020kg ATM and around 50kg towball. It is the better JAG option for EV owners who want the lowest weight and best efficiency margin. For the Volvo EX40: Yes on paper, with careful loading.
JAG Teardrop Camper
The JAG Teardrop Camper is 850kg tare, 1500kg ATM and around 80kg towball. It suits higher-rated EVs better than low-rated city EVs. For the Volvo EX40: Yes on paper, but it uses more of the vehicle rating.
Both JAG campers are Australian-made in Brisbane and are designed around lightweight, aerodynamic towing. You can also read the broader best caravans for EVs in Australia guide, or compare against the Tesla Model Y towing guide.
Can a camper charge from an EV?
Some EVs offer vehicle-to-load power, and some campers can be set up to accept external charging. JAG campers can be built with electrical systems designed to work sensibly around EV touring, but the correct setup depends on the vehicle, outlets, inverter limits and how you camp.
If you want an EV-friendly camper, ask about battery capacity, solar, charging input, appliance loads and emergency charging behaviour before ordering. The safest answer is vehicle-specific.
FAQ
Can the Volvo EX40 tow a caravan?
Yes, if the caravan or camper stays within the 1500kg braked towing rating and all towball and payload limits.
What is the best caravan for the Volvo EX40?
A lightweight, aerodynamic camper is the best category. The JAG Glider gives the most margin among JAG options.
Will towing reduce EV range?
Yes. Towing adds weight and aerodynamic drag. Lower, lighter campers usually reduce range less than tall, boxy caravans.
Sources
- Volvo EX40 Australia
- EVDB Volvo EX40 towing data
- JAG Glider specifications
- JAG Teardrop Camper specifications
If you are matching a specific EV to a camper, contact JAG Camper with your vehicle variant and towbar details.
