What do you need to know about towing a camper?
When towing a camper, the final tow-capacity number must include the weight of a camper full of supplies plus the weight of passengers and cargo that you’ll carry in the tow vehicle.
How can I determine the towing capacity of my RV?
Select your tow vehicle below and we’ll show you the RVs within your towing capacity. Understanding your vehicle’s tow rating capacity is critical to choosing the right RV for you and your family. Towing your next RV safely down the road will depend on having the right tow vehicle and RV combination.
How often should you check your towing capacity?
As an avid RV Camper for decades, I often end up trading for or buying a different camper every few years. Whenever I begin my search for that new camper, I have to not only know the towing specifications on my potential new camper, but I must also re-evaluate my towing vehicles capabilities.
Is it safe to tow a car behind an RV?
You must use all the same principles for car towing as with towing with an SUV or truck, by not exceeding the GVWR and tow capacity numbers, and by using a safe hitch system. Double Towing It is very common for RVers to tow another small vehicle or trailer behind their camper.
How big of an RV can I tow?
For purposes of Find an RV I can Tow, we’ve allowed 1000 lbs for RVs over 8000 lbs, 750 lbs for RVs under 8000 lbs, and 500 lbs for RVs under 5000 lbs for average Cargo Weight. Always confirm your specific tow vehicles towing capacity directly from your vehicle’s manufacturer before purchasing or towing an RV.
How can I find out what camper can my vehicle tow?
You can look it up here using the VIN. These versions of the window sticker will list out options but may not list standard equipment. Be cautious of dealer advertisements. Many will list tow package in the description but it may just have the hitch receiver and not the full tow package.
What should I know about towing a trailer?
There is a lot that goes into towing a trailer safely: Proper hitching, weight distribution, sway bars and speed to name a few. Let’s start with the tow vehicle. When we first started camping, we were pulling a tiny 16′ vintage trailer that weighed under 2,000 lbs, with a mini van.
What should I look for in a towing vehicle?
As long as the vehicle is rated to tow the weight and has the proper electrical hookup for lights, you should be good to go. Once you move onto bigger travel trailers, you will want to look for a vehicle that is specifically built for towing. Rather than adding on a hitch, look for vehicles that come with a factory installed tow package.