Riding in a camper is one of the best ways to see Mother Nature. Before you hit the road, it’s essential to ensure you have the right car, truck or SUV for your trailer. What’s the best vehicle for towing a camper?
Here’s the ultimate guide to using a trailer, RV or camper for your outdoor adventures.
Introduction to Towing Campers
Campers range in shape and size and can fit your whole crew. From a solo adventure to a family getaway, they get the job done. Your towing selection depends on how many people and how much stuff you bring, so pack wisely and pick a suitable vehicle and camper.
What Makes a Vehicle Ideal for Towing Campers?
When you get a car, SUV or truck for towing a camper, it should have the following unique characteristics:
- Hitch: Using a car to tow a trailer starts with a hitch, the device connected to the rear.
- Torque: Modern vehicles get up to 1,000 lb-ft of torque, thus allowing easier movement.
- Weight rating: The best vehicle for towing a camper depends on the weight rating. A higher gross combined weight rating (GCWR) means you can haul more.
Top Considerations When Choosing a Towing Vehicle
The best vehicle to pull a camper or tow an RV depends on your needs. Here are a few things to consider:
- Weight comparisons: Your towing vehicle should outweigh what it’s towing, so account for interior accessories in the weight.
- Vehicle type: Trucks have high towing capacities, while sedans are ideal for smaller hauls.
- Towing package: Some manufacturers offer towing packages with brake controllers and improved cooling systems.
Truck Features for Towing Travel Trailers
Small and large trailers need a stable vehicle to tow them. Here are a few criteria when selecting the best trucks for hauling your travel trailers:
- Tongue weight: Gauge the proper tongue weight, which is the force your trailer exerts on your hitch.
- Wheelbase: Your truck needs a long wheelbase to improve stability while driving.
- Powerful transmission: You need a quality transmission to ensure towing doesn’t put too much stress on your truck.
Best Pickup Trucks for Towing Travel Trailers
Here are the best pickup options for towing a travel trailer:
- Ford F-150: Ford is famous for powerful engines and high towing capacities.
- Chevrolet Silverado: The Silverado’s Trail Boss trim is terrific for going off-road with your trailer.
- Ram 1500: Ram’s truck lineup is underrated, yet it performs well when towing.
Best Vehicles for Towing Travel Trailers
These SUVs and minivans compete with the best trucks for hauling travel trailers:
- Nissan Armada: The Armada is a popular value pick that still provides great towing performance.
- GMC Yukon: GMC Yukons feature the Max Trailering Package to make towing even easier.
- Chrysler Pacifica: Get the Tow Group to boost your Pacifica’s capacity and bring peace of mind.
Comparing Trucks for Towing Campers
It’s OK to be selective when considering your next truck. Use the following considerations to determine the best heavy-duty vehicle for towing a camper:
- Suspension: Heavy-duty suspensions are necessary to support your gear, passengers and camper.
- Exhaust brakes: If you have a diesel-powered truck, exhaust brakes assist in navigating steep declines.
- Controller: Get a truck with a quality controller to activate the brakes more easily.
High-Performance Trucks for Hauling Campers
Here are a few excellent choices for the best trucks to pull a camper:
- GMC Sierra 1500: Sierra trucks are a slightly more luxurious option than its Silverado counterpart.
- Nissan Titan: Nissan Titans combine power and versatility with strong frames and sway control.
- Jeep Gladiator: A towing capacity of 7,700 pounds makes the Jeep Gladiator excellent for carrying campers.
Choosing the Best Vehicle to Pull a Camper
From SUVs to minivans, the following vehicles are powerful enough to pull campers:
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer: The Grand Wagoneer is terrific if you need more space in your vehicle’s interior.
- Chevrolet Suburban: A General Motors engine and a strong chassis make the Suburban fit for towing campers.
- Honda Odyssey: The Odyssey gives you Honda’s reliable engines with a certified towing package.
Best Vehicles for Towing an RV
The best vehicle for towing a camper or RV isn’t always a truck. Here are a few SUVs and minivans for your next trip:
- Toyota Sequoia: The Sequoia can tow over 9,500 pounds, making it terrific for RVs.
- Ford Expedition: The Expedition’s heavy-duty package makes RV towing a breeze.
- Dodge Grand Caravan: Minivans aren’t just for taking kids to soccer practice — the Dodge Grand Caravan is a powerful towing machine.
Top Picks: Trucks to Pull RVs
What’s the best truck for pulling your RV? Here are the top picks for pickup trucks:
- Ford F-250: This truck takes Ford’s innovation to the next level with even better towing and hauling.
- Ram 2500: Ruggedness and bigger cabs make the Ram 2500 one of the best trucks for towing RVs.
- Chevrolet Silverado EV: Many RVs are switching to electric motors, and your truck could do the same with the Silverado EV.
Best Trucks for Towing RVs
Towing an RV can be challenging, so prioritize these three underrated factors when choosing your truck:
- Side mirrors: You need extended mirrors to increase your visibility.
- Rear axle ratio: A lower ratio means towing is easier on your adventures.
- Trailer light check: This feature means you can check the trailer lights without walking behind the attachment.
Cars That Can Tow Trailers
Sedans aren’t famous for their towing capacity. However, these three vehicles get the job done:
- Chrysler 300: This full-size sedan can tow up to 1,000 pounds and has a spacious interior.
- BMW 540i: BMW’s sedan lineup can tow small trailers to your next destination.
- Ford Fusion: Ford’s older sedans could tow up to 2,000 pounds, depending on the specs.
Tips for Safely Towing Your Camper
Getting your towing vehicle is half the battle — now, you have to arrive at your destination safely. Here are a few tips for efficient trips:
- Conduct frequent oil changes: The new standard for oil changes is service every 5,000 miles, so check your odometer during your trip.
- Check tire condition: Check your tires to ensure they’re properly inflated according to the owner’s manual.
- Perform brake checks: Experts say hard stops can harm your brakes, so inspect the brake pads during your daily stops.
Find the Perfect Towing Vehicle for Your Adventures
Towing-capable vehicles can get you from point A to point B. However, you must consider the best vehicle for towing a camper based on your family’s needs. Check the weight of your camper and all of your belongings before deciding. Then, you can drive to your favorite spot and enjoy Mother Nature at its finest.