Are you dreaming of hitting the open road with a travel trailer in tow, ready to explore the great outdoors? If so, you’re likely wondering what type of vehicle you need to safely and efficiently tow your travel trailer. Choosing the right tow vehicle is critical for a smooth and enjoyable adventure, and we’re here to help you make the right decision.
Understanding Your Towing Needs
How Much Does a Camper Weigh?
The first step in determining the type of vehicle you need is understanding how much your camper weighs. Travel trailers come in a variety of sizes and weights, from lightweight models suitable for small SUVs to larger, more luxurious options that require heavy-duty trucks. Knowing the weight of your camper is crucial because it affects the vehicle’s towing capacity and overall performance.
The weight of a camper can be divided into two main categories:
Dry Weight: This is the weight of the travel trailer when it is empty, with no water, propane, or personal belongings inside.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum weight the travel trailer can safely carry, including water, propane, and all your gear.
Ensure you have an accurate understanding of your camper’s dry weight and GVWR, as this will impact your choice of tow vehicle.
Towing Capacity and Payload
Once you know the weight of your camper, you need to consider the towing capacity and payload rating of potential tow vehicles. The towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can tow safely, while the payload rating is the maximum weight the vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s hitch weight.
It’s important to choose a vehicle with a towing capacity that exceeds your trailer’s GVWR to ensure a safety margin. Additionally, consider the payload rating to ensure your vehicle can handle the combined weight of passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight.
Choosing the Right Type of Vehicle
SUVs
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are popular choices for towing travel trailers due to their versatility and cargo capacity. Many mid-size and full-size SUVs offer substantial towing capabilities, making them suitable for a variety of trailers.
Examples of SUVs with good towing capacities include:
Ford Expedition: Known for its powerful engine options and impressive towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds.
Chevrolet Tahoe: Another robust option with a towing capacity of up to 8,600 pounds.
Toyota Sequoia: Offers a towing capacity of around 7,400 pounds, making it suitable for mid-size travel trailers.
Pickup Trucks
Thanks to their powerful engines, high towing capacities, and spacious cargo beds, pickup trucks are often the go-to choice for towing travel trailers. Both light-duty and heavy-duty trucks can be great options, depending on the weight and size of your trailer.
Some top picks for pickup trucks include:
Ford F-150: This popular light-duty truck, when properly equipped, boasts a towing capacity of up to 13,200 pounds.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500: With a maximum towing capacity of 12,500 pounds, the Silverado 1500 is a reliable choice for towing a travel trailer.
Ram 2500: If you need even more towing power, the heavy-duty Ram 2500 offers a maximum towing capacity of around 19,680 pounds.
Crossovers and Compact SUVs
For those with smaller travel trailers or pop-up campers, crossovers and compact SUVs can be a practical and fuel-efficient option. While these vehicles typically have lower towing capacities, they are well-suited for lightweight trailers and provide a comfortable ride.
Popular crossovers and compact SUVs for towing include:
Toyota RAV4: Offers a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, making it suitable for small travel trailers.
Honda CR-V: With a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, the CR-V is ideal for lightweight campers and pop-up trailers.
Subaru Outback: With a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, the Outback is a versatile and capable choice for small to medium-sized travel trailers.
Important Features to Look For
Towing Package
When selecting a tow vehicle, look for models that come with a towing package. A towing package typically includes features such as a hitch receiver, upgraded cooling systems, and wiring for trailer lights and brakes. These enhancements ensure your vehicle is better equipped to handle the demands of towing a travel trailer.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Consider the transmission and drivetrain of the tow vehicle. Vehicles with automatic transmissions often offer better towing performance, as they are designed to handle the increased strain. Additionally, four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) can provide extra traction and stability, especially when driving on uneven terrain.
Brake Controller
A brake controller is an essential feature for towing larger travel trailers. It synchronizes the trailer’s brakes with the tow vehicle’s brakes, providing smoother and safer braking. Many modern tow vehicles come with integrated brake controllers, but you can also have one installed aftermarket if needed.
Finding Your Perfect Tow Vehicle
Now that you understand the key factors to consider, it’s time to find your perfect tow vehicle. Whether you prefer the versatility of an SUV, the power of a pickup truck, or the efficiency of a compact SUV, there’s a tow vehicle out there that will meet your needs.
At Rowley White RV, we’re passionate about helping our customers find the perfect travel trailer and tow vehicle combination. We offer a wide selection of new and used RVs from top brands such as Eclipse Stellar, Iconic and Attitude, Pacific Coachworks Powerlite, Genesis Supreme, and Forest River Stealth and Sandstorm. Our expert team can help you find the ideal travel trailer that matches your lifestyle and towing requirements.
Ready to embark on your next adventure with a travel trailer in tow? Visit Rowley White RV, your favorite new and used RV dealer in Arizona! We are proud to offer new Eclipse Stellar, Iconic and Attitude, Pacific Coachworks Powerlite, Genesis Supreme and Forest River Stealth and Sandstorm toy haulers and new travel trailers by Eclipse RV, Pacific Coachworks, and Forest River. We also have a large selection of quality used toy haulers and travel trailers.
Need financing? We work with the top banks and credit unions to get you approved for the best rates and terms available! Unlike other dealers, we won’t nickel and dime you on fees. As RV owners and users, we understand your passion and often run into our customers at the dunes, the races, or Rocky Point. Plus, we sell for less – every time! Make sure you check us out before buying elsewhere; we will save you thousands!
If you have any questions or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information. Let us help you find the perfect travel trailer and tow vehicle for your next great adventure!
