How to Find the Right Vehicle to Tow Your RV

RV Basics, RV News

how-to-find-the-right-vehicle-to-tow-your-rv

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Here are a few tips to help you load your trailer for safe towing

Follow the 60/40 rule. Place 60% of the loaded weight in front of your trailer’s center axle and the remaining 40% behind it. Travel with empty holding tanks. One gallon of water weighs over eight pounds. Most RV freshwater tanks hold anywhere from 20-100 gallons. Depending on your model, that means you’ll carry an extra 160-800 pounds, just in freshwater weight. Alternatively, you can carry extra water in a portable water container. Pack efficiently. Carry only what you absolutely need for your trip. The more weight you tow, the more it will affect your gas mileage. Read more trailer-loading tips. Ensuring the safety of your towable RV starts by choosing the right tow vehicle. So here are a few more helpful resources:

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Drop them in the comments below!

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Check out our online towing guide!

Travel trailers and fifth wheels come in many sizes. Some can be pulled by SUVs or mid-size trucks. Others need a heavy-duty pickup truck.

Before you head to your local Camping World dealership to shop around, find out how much your vehicle can tow with Camping World’s tow calculator.

Let’s talk towing and help you find the best vehicle for towing a camper.

Know Your Trailer’s Weight Ratings

Every RV has a vehicle identification sticker to give you basic information about your trailer, including weight ratings, tire size, and more. Here are a few key terms to know.

  • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) = This is the total weight the RV can handle based on its axles and tire ratings.
  • Gross combined weight rating (GCWR) = The maximum weight allowed for the tow vehicle and the trailer when fully loaded.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) = How much the trailer weighs as it rolls off the assembly line.
  • UVW includes any of the basic amenities inside – like the dinette, sleeper sofa, theater seating, and kitchen appliances – as well as the weight of batteries and LP containers. It does not include the weight of the passengers or cargo you’ll add, nor does it factor in the liquid weight you may carry with full holding tanks.
  • Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) = The maximum amount of weight you can load into your RV. Calculate it by subtracting the unloaded vehicle weight from the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR – UVW = CCC).
  • As an example, let’s say the GVWR is 3,500 pounds, and the UVW is 2,500 pounds. 3,500 – 2,500 = 1,000 pounds of cargo carrying capacity Any accessories added to a dramatic RV renovation, plus your camping gear, will reduce your RV’s cargo-carrying capacity. This is why we often preach the importance of lightweight materials and packing only what you need.
  • Hitch weight – also known as tongue weight – or pin weight (for 5th wheels) = The amount of weight exerted on your tow vehicle’s hitch ball or fifth wheel hitch.
  • Payload capacity = The amount of cargo weight your tow vehicle can hold. This includes the weight of all passengers and cargo inside the vehicle, plus the hitch weight of your trailer or fifth wheel.
  • Rear axle weight rating (RAWR) = The amount of weight your vehicle’s rear suspension is rated to handle.

The Bottom Line

Understanding all RV weight ratings is important, but you can find the best vehicle for towing your desired camper by looking closely at a trailer’s GVWR and hitch weight. Let’s take the 2023 Keystone Cougar Sport 2100RK, for example. The trailer’s GVWR is 8,500 pounds, and the hitch weight is 1,120 pounds. To avoid making the tow vehicle work to its maximum capacity at all times, it is recommended to have a towing capacity of at least 1.25 times the RV’s GVWR. Since the Cougar has a GVWR of 8,500 pounds, multiplied by 1.25 means we want a tow vehicle with a towing capacity of more than 10,625 pounds. 

The 2023 Ford F-150, for example, offers an average towing capacity of up to 11,300 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,238 pounds. This would be acceptable for towing the Cougar Sport and handling its pin weight, provided you don’t load more than another 1,118 pounds on the truck’s rear axle. In short, your tow vehicle should be rated to tow more than your trailer’s GVWR, and the whole combination – when fully loaded – must not exceed either vehicle’s GCWR. Your tow vehicle’s RAWR must also exceed the trailer’s hitch weight, plus any cargo in the truck bed or trunk that rests directly on the rear suspension. 

Input a tow vehicle’s year, make, model, and trim (or VIN) into Camping World’s tow calculator to view its maximum towing capacity and find RVs your vehicle can tow.

Find a Compatible Tow Vehicle

Smaller travel trailers, like pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, and lightweight towables, can sometimes be pulled by smaller vehicles. Family SUVs, minivans, and mid-size trucks are great options. You’ll need a full-size or heavy-duty pickup truck to handle larger trailers and fifth wheels and the extra weight placed on the rear suspension.

For fifth wheel towing, you need to know the pin weight of the fifth wheel and ensure it doesn’t exceed your tow vehicle’s RAWR. Most heavy-duty trucks have a RAWR somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds. The pin weight of most larger fifth wheel trailers averages around 3,500 pounds. So there’s usually more than enough capacity to handle the weight. With that said, let’s look at some of the best vehicles for towing a camper and their weight ratings.

SUVs for Towing a Camper

The listed weights below are for 2023 models only. Actual ratings vary based on year, make, model, and trim. Please consult vehicle manufacturers for the most up-to-date tow vehicle weight ratings.

SUV Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Up to 6,200 Up to 1,575
Dodge Durango SRT 392 Up to 8,700 Up to 1,722
Ford Expedition Up to 9,300 Up to 1,827
Chevrolet Tahoe Up to 8,400 Up to 1,927
GMC Yukon Up to 7,900 Up to 1,910
Nissan Armada Up to 8,500 Up to 1,649
Toyota Sequoia Up to 9,520 Up to 1,730
Audi Q8 Up to 7,700 Up to 1,500

Compact and Mid-Size Trucks for Towing a Camper

Mid-Size Truck Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Jeep Gladiator Overland Up to 4,500 Up to 1,200
Ford Maverick Up to 4,000 Up to 1,564
Hyundai Santa Cruz Up to 5,000 Up to 1,749
Honda Ridgeline Up to 5,000 Up to 1,583
Ford Ranger Up to 7,500 Up to 1,905
Nissan Frontier Up to 6,720 Up to 1,697
Toyota Tacoma Up to 6,800 Up to 1,685
Chevrolet Colorado Up to 6,000 Up to 1,610
GMC Canyon Up to 6,000 Up to 1,670
GMC Hummer EV Up to 7,500 Up to 1,487

Diesel or Gas?

There’s a lot of heat in the gas versus diesel debate. Diesel engines offer excellent towing power, and they’re geared to handle big tow loads. You can take inclines with a loaded fifth wheel while hardly slowing down. It was once true that diesel tow vehicles had much higher maintenance costs, but newer gasoline models can be just as expensive. Newer gas engines also still pack plenty of power. Their gear ratios may mean you slow down more on steep inclines, but many see nothing wrong with that. For some, it simply comes down to the difference in their region’s gas and diesel fuel prices. It also comes down to what you’re most comfortable driving. Find a tow vehicle that will pull your RV and one you’re comfortable driving. The last thing anyone wants is an unsafe (and uncomfortable) RVer on the road.

How to Safely Load a Travel Trailer

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Here are a few tips to help you load your trailer for safe towing

Follow the 60/40 rule. Place 60% of the loaded weight in front of your trailer’s center axle and the remaining 40% behind it. Travel with empty holding tanks. One gallon of water weighs over eight pounds. Most RV freshwater tanks hold anywhere from 20-100 gallons. Depending on your model, that means you’ll carry an extra 160-800 pounds, just in freshwater weight. Alternatively, you can carry extra water in a portable water container. Pack efficiently. Carry only what you absolutely need for your trip. The more weight you tow, the more it will affect your gas mileage. Read more trailer-loading tips. Ensuring the safety of your towable RV starts by choosing the right tow vehicle. So here are a few more helpful resources:

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Drop them in the comments below!

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Check out our online towing guide!

Full-Size Trucks for Towing a Camper<
Full-Size Truck Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Ford F-150 Up to 11,300 Up to 2,238
Ford F-150 Lightning Up to 10,000 Up to 2,235
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Up to 9,500 Up to 2,300
GMC Sierra 1500 Up to 9,400 Up to 2,270
RAM 1500 Up to 8,320 Up to 2,335
Toyota Tundra Up to 12,000 Up to 1,940
Rivian R1T Up to 11,000 Up to 1,384
Nissan Titan XD Up to 10,900 Up to 2,406

Heavy-Duty Trucks for Towing a Camper

Full-Size Truck Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Ford F-250 Up to 22,000 Up to 4,323
Ford F-350 Up to 23,900 Up to 4,713
Ford F-450 Up to 30,000 Up to 6,288
Chevy Silverado 2500 Up to 14,500 Up to 3,900
Chevy Silverado 3500 Up to 14,500 Up to 4,572
GMC Sierra 2500 Up to 14,500 Up to 3,900
GMC Sierra 3500 Up to 14,500 Up to 4,572
RAM 2500 Up to 15,530 Up to 3,999
RAM 3500 Up to 15,130 Up to 4,644

Diesel or Gas?

There’s a lot of heat in the gas versus diesel debate. Diesel engines offer excellent towing power, and they’re geared to handle big tow loads. You can take inclines with a loaded fifth wheel while hardly slowing down. It was once true that diesel tow vehicles had much higher maintenance costs, but newer gasoline models can be just as expensive. Newer gas engines also still pack plenty of power. Their gear ratios may mean you slow down more on steep inclines, but many see nothing wrong with that. For some, it simply comes down to the difference in their region’s gas and diesel fuel prices. It also comes down to what you’re most comfortable driving. Find a tow vehicle that will pull your RV and one you’re comfortable driving. The last thing anyone wants is an unsafe (and uncomfortable) RVer on the road.

How to Safely Load a Travel Trailer

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Here are a few tips to help you load your trailer for safe towing

Follow the 60/40 rule. Place 60% of the loaded weight in front of your trailer’s center axle and the remaining 40% behind it. Travel with empty holding tanks. One gallon of water weighs over eight pounds. Most RV freshwater tanks hold anywhere from 20-100 gallons. Depending on your model, that means you’ll carry an extra 160-800 pounds, just in freshwater weight. Alternatively, you can carry extra water in a portable water container. Pack efficiently. Carry only what you absolutely need for your trip. The more weight you tow, the more it will affect your gas mileage. Read more trailer-loading tips. Ensuring the safety of your towable RV starts by choosing the right tow vehicle. So here are a few more helpful resources:

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Drop them in the comments below!

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Check out our online towing guide!

Source: How to Find the Right Vehicle to Tow Your RV

Travel trailers and fifth wheels come in many sizes. Some can be pulled by SUVs or mid-size trucks. Others need a heavy-duty pickup truck.

Before you head to your local Camping World dealership to shop around, find out how much your vehicle can tow with Camping World’s tow calculator.

Let’s talk towing and help you find the best vehicle for towing a camper.

Know Your Trailer’s Weight Ratings

Every RV has a vehicle identification sticker to give you basic information about your trailer, including weight ratings, tire size, and more. Here are a few key terms to know.

  • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) = This is the total weight the RV can handle based on its axles and tire ratings.
  • Gross combined weight rating (GCWR) = The maximum weight allowed for the tow vehicle and the trailer when fully loaded.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) = How much the trailer weighs as it rolls off the assembly line.
  • UVW includes any of the basic amenities inside – like the dinette, sleeper sofa, theater seating, and kitchen appliances – as well as the weight of batteries and LP containers. It does not include the weight of the passengers or cargo you’ll add, nor does it factor in the liquid weight you may carry with full holding tanks.
  • Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) = The maximum amount of weight you can load into your RV. Calculate it by subtracting the unloaded vehicle weight from the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR – UVW = CCC).
  • As an example, let’s say the GVWR is 3,500 pounds, and the UVW is 2,500 pounds. 3,500 – 2,500 = 1,000 pounds of cargo carrying capacity Any accessories added to a dramatic RV renovation, plus your camping gear, will reduce your RV’s cargo-carrying capacity. This is why we often preach the importance of lightweight materials and packing only what you need.
  • Hitch weight – also known as tongue weight – or pin weight (for 5th wheels) = The amount of weight exerted on your tow vehicle’s hitch ball or fifth wheel hitch.
  • Payload capacity = The amount of cargo weight your tow vehicle can hold. This includes the weight of all passengers and cargo inside the vehicle, plus the hitch weight of your trailer or fifth wheel.
  • Rear axle weight rating (RAWR) = The amount of weight your vehicle’s rear suspension is rated to handle.

The Bottom Line

Understanding all RV weight ratings is important, but you can find the best vehicle for towing your desired camper by looking closely at a trailer’s GVWR and hitch weight. Let’s take the 2023 Keystone Cougar Sport 2100RK, for example. The trailer’s GVWR is 8,500 pounds, and the hitch weight is 1,120 pounds. To avoid making the tow vehicle work to its maximum capacity at all times, it is recommended to have a towing capacity of at least 1.25 times the RV’s GVWR. Since the Cougar has a GVWR of 8,500 pounds, multiplied by 1.25 means we want a tow vehicle with a towing capacity of more than 10,625 pounds. 

The 2023 Ford F-150, for example, offers an average towing capacity of up to 11,300 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,238 pounds. This would be acceptable for towing the Cougar Sport and handling its pin weight, provided you don’t load more than another 1,118 pounds on the truck’s rear axle. In short, your tow vehicle should be rated to tow more than your trailer’s GVWR, and the whole combination – when fully loaded – must not exceed either vehicle’s GCWR. Your tow vehicle’s RAWR must also exceed the trailer’s hitch weight, plus any cargo in the truck bed or trunk that rests directly on the rear suspension. 

Input a tow vehicle’s year, make, model, and trim (or VIN) into Camping World’s tow calculator to view its maximum towing capacity and find RVs your vehicle can tow.

Find a Compatible Tow Vehicle

Smaller travel trailers, like pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, and lightweight towables, can sometimes be pulled by smaller vehicles. Family SUVs, minivans, and mid-size trucks are great options. You’ll need a full-size or heavy-duty pickup truck to handle larger trailers and fifth wheels and the extra weight placed on the rear suspension.

For fifth wheel towing, you need to know the pin weight of the fifth wheel and ensure it doesn’t exceed your tow vehicle’s RAWR. Most heavy-duty trucks have a RAWR somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds. The pin weight of most larger fifth wheel trailers averages around 3,500 pounds. So there’s usually more than enough capacity to handle the weight. With that said, let’s look at some of the best vehicles for towing a camper and their weight ratings.

SUVs for Towing a Camper

The listed weights below are for 2023 models only. Actual ratings vary based on year, make, model, and trim. Please consult vehicle manufacturers for the most up-to-date tow vehicle weight ratings.

SUV Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Up to 6,200 Up to 1,575
Dodge Durango SRT 392 Up to 8,700 Up to 1,722
Ford Expedition Up to 9,300 Up to 1,827
Chevrolet Tahoe Up to 8,400 Up to 1,927
GMC Yukon Up to 7,900 Up to 1,910
Nissan Armada Up to 8,500 Up to 1,649
Toyota Sequoia Up to 9,520 Up to 1,730
Audi Q8 Up to 7,700 Up to 1,500

Compact and Mid-Size Trucks for Towing a Camper

Mid-Size Truck Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Jeep Gladiator Overland Up to 4,500 Up to 1,200
Ford Maverick Up to 4,000 Up to 1,564
Hyundai Santa Cruz Up to 5,000 Up to 1,749
Honda Ridgeline Up to 5,000 Up to 1,583
Ford Ranger Up to 7,500 Up to 1,905
Nissan Frontier Up to 6,720 Up to 1,697
Toyota Tacoma Up to 6,800 Up to 1,685
Chevrolet Colorado Up to 6,000 Up to 1,610
GMC Canyon Up to 6,000 Up to 1,670
GMC Hummer EV Up to 7,500 Up to 1,487

Diesel or Gas?

There’s a lot of heat in the gas versus diesel debate. Diesel engines offer excellent towing power, and they’re geared to handle big tow loads. You can take inclines with a loaded fifth wheel while hardly slowing down. It was once true that diesel tow vehicles had much higher maintenance costs, but newer gasoline models can be just as expensive. Newer gas engines also still pack plenty of power. Their gear ratios may mean you slow down more on steep inclines, but many see nothing wrong with that. For some, it simply comes down to the difference in their region’s gas and diesel fuel prices. It also comes down to what you’re most comfortable driving. Find a tow vehicle that will pull your RV and one you’re comfortable driving. The last thing anyone wants is an unsafe (and uncomfortable) RVer on the road.

How to Safely Load a Travel Trailer

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Here are a few tips to help you load your trailer for safe towing

Follow the 60/40 rule. Place 60% of the loaded weight in front of your trailer’s center axle and the remaining 40% behind it. Travel with empty holding tanks. One gallon of water weighs over eight pounds. Most RV freshwater tanks hold anywhere from 20-100 gallons. Depending on your model, that means you’ll carry an extra 160-800 pounds, just in freshwater weight. Alternatively, you can carry extra water in a portable water container. Pack efficiently. Carry only what you absolutely need for your trip. The more weight you tow, the more it will affect your gas mileage. Read more trailer-loading tips. Ensuring the safety of your towable RV starts by choosing the right tow vehicle. So here are a few more helpful resources:

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Drop them in the comments below!

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Check out our online towing guide!

Full-Size Trucks for Towing a Camper<
Full-Size Truck Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Ford F-150 Up to 11,300 Up to 2,238
Ford F-150 Lightning Up to 10,000 Up to 2,235
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Up to 9,500 Up to 2,300
GMC Sierra 1500 Up to 9,400 Up to 2,270
RAM 1500 Up to 8,320 Up to 2,335
Toyota Tundra Up to 12,000 Up to 1,940
Rivian R1T Up to 11,000 Up to 1,384
Nissan Titan XD Up to 10,900 Up to 2,406

Heavy-Duty Trucks for Towing a Camper

Full-Size Truck Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Ford F-250 Up to 22,000 Up to 4,323
Ford F-350 Up to 23,900 Up to 4,713
Ford F-450 Up to 30,000 Up to 6,288
Chevy Silverado 2500 Up to 14,500 Up to 3,900
Chevy Silverado 3500 Up to 14,500 Up to 4,572
GMC Sierra 2500 Up to 14,500 Up to 3,900
GMC Sierra 3500 Up to 14,500 Up to 4,572
RAM 2500 Up to 15,530 Up to 3,999
RAM 3500 Up to 15,130 Up to 4,644

Diesel or Gas?

There’s a lot of heat in the gas versus diesel debate. Diesel engines offer excellent towing power, and they’re geared to handle big tow loads. You can take inclines with a loaded fifth wheel while hardly slowing down. It was once true that diesel tow vehicles had much higher maintenance costs, but newer gasoline models can be just as expensive. Newer gas engines also still pack plenty of power. Their gear ratios may mean you slow down more on steep inclines, but many see nothing wrong with that. For some, it simply comes down to the difference in their region’s gas and diesel fuel prices. It also comes down to what you’re most comfortable driving. Find a tow vehicle that will pull your RV and one you’re comfortable driving. The last thing anyone wants is an unsafe (and uncomfortable) RVer on the road.

How to Safely Load a Travel Trailer

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Here are a few tips to help you load your trailer for safe towing

Follow the 60/40 rule. Place 60% of the loaded weight in front of your trailer’s center axle and the remaining 40% behind it. Travel with empty holding tanks. One gallon of water weighs over eight pounds. Most RV freshwater tanks hold anywhere from 20-100 gallons. Depending on your model, that means you’ll carry an extra 160-800 pounds, just in freshwater weight. Alternatively, you can carry extra water in a portable water container. Pack efficiently. Carry only what you absolutely need for your trip. The more weight you tow, the more it will affect your gas mileage. Read more trailer-loading tips. Ensuring the safety of your towable RV starts by choosing the right tow vehicle. So here are a few more helpful resources:

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Drop them in the comments below!

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Check out our online towing guide!

Travel trailers and fifth wheels come in many sizes. Some can be pulled by SUVs or mid-size trucks. Others need a heavy-duty pickup truck.

Before you head to your local Camping World dealership to shop around, find out how much your vehicle can tow with Camping World’s tow calculator.

Let’s talk towing and help you find the best vehicle for towing a camper.

Know Your Trailer’s Weight Ratings

Every RV has a vehicle identification sticker to give you basic information about your trailer, including weight ratings, tire size, and more. Here are a few key terms to know.

  • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) = This is the total weight the RV can handle based on its axles and tire ratings.
  • Gross combined weight rating (GCWR) = The maximum weight allowed for the tow vehicle and the trailer when fully loaded.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) = How much the trailer weighs as it rolls off the assembly line.
  • UVW includes any of the basic amenities inside – like the dinette, sleeper sofa, theater seating, and kitchen appliances – as well as the weight of batteries and LP containers. It does not include the weight of the passengers or cargo you’ll add, nor does it factor in the liquid weight you may carry with full holding tanks.
  • Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) = The maximum amount of weight you can load into your RV. Calculate it by subtracting the unloaded vehicle weight from the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR – UVW = CCC).
  • As an example, let’s say the GVWR is 3,500 pounds, and the UVW is 2,500 pounds. 3,500 – 2,500 = 1,000 pounds of cargo carrying capacity Any accessories added to a dramatic RV renovation, plus your camping gear, will reduce your RV’s cargo-carrying capacity. This is why we often preach the importance of lightweight materials and packing only what you need.
  • Hitch weight – also known as tongue weight – or pin weight (for 5th wheels) = The amount of weight exerted on your tow vehicle’s hitch ball or fifth wheel hitch.
  • Payload capacity = The amount of cargo weight your tow vehicle can hold. This includes the weight of all passengers and cargo inside the vehicle, plus the hitch weight of your trailer or fifth wheel.
  • Rear axle weight rating (RAWR) = The amount of weight your vehicle’s rear suspension is rated to handle.

The Bottom Line

Understanding all RV weight ratings is important, but you can find the best vehicle for towing your desired camper by looking closely at a trailer’s GVWR and hitch weight. Let’s take the 2023 Keystone Cougar Sport 2100RK, for example. The trailer’s GVWR is 8,500 pounds, and the hitch weight is 1,120 pounds. To avoid making the tow vehicle work to its maximum capacity at all times, it is recommended to have a towing capacity of at least 1.25 times the RV’s GVWR. Since the Cougar has a GVWR of 8,500 pounds, multiplied by 1.25 means we want a tow vehicle with a towing capacity of more than 10,625 pounds. 

The 2023 Ford F-150, for example, offers an average towing capacity of up to 11,300 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,238 pounds. This would be acceptable for towing the Cougar Sport and handling its pin weight, provided you don’t load more than another 1,118 pounds on the truck’s rear axle. In short, your tow vehicle should be rated to tow more than your trailer’s GVWR, and the whole combination – when fully loaded – must not exceed either vehicle’s GCWR. Your tow vehicle’s RAWR must also exceed the trailer’s hitch weight, plus any cargo in the truck bed or trunk that rests directly on the rear suspension. 

Input a tow vehicle’s year, make, model, and trim (or VIN) into Camping World’s tow calculator to view its maximum towing capacity and find RVs your vehicle can tow.

Find a Compatible Tow Vehicle

Smaller travel trailers, like pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, and lightweight towables, can sometimes be pulled by smaller vehicles. Family SUVs, minivans, and mid-size trucks are great options. You’ll need a full-size or heavy-duty pickup truck to handle larger trailers and fifth wheels and the extra weight placed on the rear suspension.

For fifth wheel towing, you need to know the pin weight of the fifth wheel and ensure it doesn’t exceed your tow vehicle’s RAWR. Most heavy-duty trucks have a RAWR somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds. The pin weight of most larger fifth wheel trailers averages around 3,500 pounds. So there’s usually more than enough capacity to handle the weight. With that said, let’s look at some of the best vehicles for towing a camper and their weight ratings.

SUVs for Towing a Camper

The listed weights below are for 2023 models only. Actual ratings vary based on year, make, model, and trim. Please consult vehicle manufacturers for the most up-to-date tow vehicle weight ratings.

SUV Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Up to 6,200 Up to 1,575
Dodge Durango SRT 392 Up to 8,700 Up to 1,722
Ford Expedition Up to 9,300 Up to 1,827
Chevrolet Tahoe Up to 8,400 Up to 1,927
GMC Yukon Up to 7,900 Up to 1,910
Nissan Armada Up to 8,500 Up to 1,649
Toyota Sequoia Up to 9,520 Up to 1,730
Audi Q8 Up to 7,700 Up to 1,500

Compact and Mid-Size Trucks for Towing a Camper

Mid-Size Truck Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Jeep Gladiator Overland Up to 4,500 Up to 1,200
Ford Maverick Up to 4,000 Up to 1,564
Hyundai Santa Cruz Up to 5,000 Up to 1,749
Honda Ridgeline Up to 5,000 Up to 1,583
Ford Ranger Up to 7,500 Up to 1,905
Nissan Frontier Up to 6,720 Up to 1,697
Toyota Tacoma Up to 6,800 Up to 1,685
Chevrolet Colorado Up to 6,000 Up to 1,610
GMC Canyon Up to 6,000 Up to 1,670
GMC Hummer EV Up to 7,500 Up to 1,487

Diesel or Gas?

There’s a lot of heat in the gas versus diesel debate. Diesel engines offer excellent towing power, and they’re geared to handle big tow loads. You can take inclines with a loaded fifth wheel while hardly slowing down. It was once true that diesel tow vehicles had much higher maintenance costs, but newer gasoline models can be just as expensive. Newer gas engines also still pack plenty of power. Their gear ratios may mean you slow down more on steep inclines, but many see nothing wrong with that. For some, it simply comes down to the difference in their region’s gas and diesel fuel prices. It also comes down to what you’re most comfortable driving. Find a tow vehicle that will pull your RV and one you’re comfortable driving. The last thing anyone wants is an unsafe (and uncomfortable) RVer on the road.

How to Safely Load a Travel Trailer

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Here are a few tips to help you load your trailer for safe towing

Follow the 60/40 rule. Place 60% of the loaded weight in front of your trailer’s center axle and the remaining 40% behind it. Travel with empty holding tanks. One gallon of water weighs over eight pounds. Most RV freshwater tanks hold anywhere from 20-100 gallons. Depending on your model, that means you’ll carry an extra 160-800 pounds, just in freshwater weight. Alternatively, you can carry extra water in a portable water container. Pack efficiently. Carry only what you absolutely need for your trip. The more weight you tow, the more it will affect your gas mileage. Read more trailer-loading tips. Ensuring the safety of your towable RV starts by choosing the right tow vehicle. So here are a few more helpful resources:

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Drop them in the comments below!

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Check out our online towing guide!

Full-Size Trucks for Towing a Camper<
Full-Size Truck Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Ford F-150 Up to 11,300 Up to 2,238
Ford F-150 Lightning Up to 10,000 Up to 2,235
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Up to 9,500 Up to 2,300
GMC Sierra 1500 Up to 9,400 Up to 2,270
RAM 1500 Up to 8,320 Up to 2,335
Toyota Tundra Up to 12,000 Up to 1,940
Rivian R1T Up to 11,000 Up to 1,384
Nissan Titan XD Up to 10,900 Up to 2,406

Heavy-Duty Trucks for Towing a Camper

Full-Size Truck Towing Capacity (lbs) Payload Capacity (lbs)
Ford F-250 Up to 22,000 Up to 4,323
Ford F-350 Up to 23,900 Up to 4,713
Ford F-450 Up to 30,000 Up to 6,288
Chevy Silverado 2500 Up to 14,500 Up to 3,900
Chevy Silverado 3500 Up to 14,500 Up to 4,572
GMC Sierra 2500 Up to 14,500 Up to 3,900
GMC Sierra 3500 Up to 14,500 Up to 4,572
RAM 2500 Up to 15,530 Up to 3,999
RAM 3500 Up to 15,130 Up to 4,644

Diesel or Gas?

There’s a lot of heat in the gas versus diesel debate. Diesel engines offer excellent towing power, and they’re geared to handle big tow loads. You can take inclines with a loaded fifth wheel while hardly slowing down. It was once true that diesel tow vehicles had much higher maintenance costs, but newer gasoline models can be just as expensive. Newer gas engines also still pack plenty of power. Their gear ratios may mean you slow down more on steep inclines, but many see nothing wrong with that. For some, it simply comes down to the difference in their region’s gas and diesel fuel prices. It also comes down to what you’re most comfortable driving. Find a tow vehicle that will pull your RV and one you’re comfortable driving. The last thing anyone wants is an unsafe (and uncomfortable) RVer on the road.

How to Safely Load a Travel Trailer

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Here are a few tips to help you load your trailer for safe towing

Follow the 60/40 rule. Place 60% of the loaded weight in front of your trailer’s center axle and the remaining 40% behind it. Travel with empty holding tanks. One gallon of water weighs over eight pounds. Most RV freshwater tanks hold anywhere from 20-100 gallons. Depending on your model, that means you’ll carry an extra 160-800 pounds, just in freshwater weight. Alternatively, you can carry extra water in a portable water container. Pack efficiently. Carry only what you absolutely need for your trip. The more weight you tow, the more it will affect your gas mileage. Read more trailer-loading tips. Ensuring the safety of your towable RV starts by choosing the right tow vehicle. So here are a few more helpful resources:

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Drop them in the comments below!

Have questions about what kind of vehicle you should get to tow your RV? Check out our online towing guide!

Source: How to Find the Right Vehicle to Tow Your RV
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