Best Vehicle For Towing A Camper

Traveling with a camper is a fantastic way to spend a vacation. It can provide a unique sense of freedom, as you can park and camp almost anywhere. Choosing a camper that fits your needs and preferences is essential, but you should also spend time researching the type of vehicle you plan to tow. Our team at Kline's RV Center has compiled this guide outlining the essential things to consider when selecting the right vehicle to tow your camper.

Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can pull legally and safely. It's the most crucial factor when choosing the best option for towing your camper. The last thing you want is a lack of power and stability to carry you and your RV to your destination safely. While you can generally find the vehicle's towing capacity under the manufacturer's specifications in the owner's manual, other factors must be considered when determining if it fits your towing needs. 

First, that number represents the maximum weight the vehicle can pull. It includes the weight of you and your passengers, the gas in the tank, plus anything else you pack, such as food, camping accessories, and clothes. Remember to account for the extra weight you'll add when determining whether a vehicle's towing capacity is appropriate. 

Another determining factor is whether the vehicle has the proper equipment for towing. You may review the specs and see a towing capacity that fits your needs, but that number typically represents how much the vehicle can tow when you equip it with tow-specific features. These include special tow hitches that increase stability, integrated brake controllers that activate your RV's brakes, and electronic sway control features that prevent your camper from swinging side to side.

Vehicle Types

The vehicle you choose is also an essential factor. Some types are particularly suitable for towing.

Pickup Trucks

Since their primary purpose is to haul and tow heavy loads, pickups are the most appropriate vehicles for pulling large campers. Even light-duty trucks can usually tow over 10,000 pounds, which is more than enough for the heaviest campers. On the downside, you'll probably want to use your vehicle for purposes other than towing your camper, and it may be difficult to drive and park a large pickup in the area where you live. 

SUVs

An SUV may be more appropriate than larger trucks, as they're a better fit for everyday drives. However, you have to ensure it can tow your camper. Some SUVs have truck-like towing capacities and will easily pull any camper. For instance, the Jeep Wagoneer has an impressive 10,000-pound towing capacity, but smaller models can't tow that much. The various trims of an SUV can have different engines, which can significantly affect towing capacity. For example, the Ford Escape has a 3,500-pound towing capacity with its 250-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, but it shrinks to 1,500 pounds with a hybrid powertrain. 

Crossovers

Crossovers are ideal if you need to drive and park in crowded cities but also enjoy the occasional weekend adventure. While many are unsuitable for towing, a few can pull a medium-sized camper. For instance, the Dodge Durango can tow up to 8,700 pounds with the proper equipment. This is more of an exception than a rule, as most can only handle light campers.

Power and Performance

A vehicle's power and performance figures can significantly affect its towing abilities. These are the fundamental factors you need to consider:

• Engine power: A powerful engine generally increases a vehicle's towing capacity. It allows you to gain more acceleration when pulling a heavy load, providing a seamless and safe driving experience.
• Torque: This is even more important than horsepower. A high-torque engine generates high power at a low rpm, which is essential when towing heavy loads.

Safety Features

Modern vehicles have active safety technologies that help protect you and your passengers when towing heavy loads. In addition to electronic sway control, these are other useful features:

• Backup camera: You'll eventually have to reverse with your camper attached, and a backup camera makes this task much easier.
• Blind-spot monitoring: Your blind spots are larger when towing a camper, so having a system to alert you if a vehicle enters areas outside your range of vision helps to prevent accidents.
• Active rollover protection: If your trailer rolls over due to a sudden maneuver, it can lead to serious accidents. This system detects an imminent rollover and instantly applies the brakes.

Fuel Efficiency

Towing a heavy camper will impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency. The amount of extra fuel you'll need depends on many factors, including your vehicle's engine power and the weight of your camper. As a general rule, every 100 pounds of extra weight will reduce your fuel economy by 2%.

Additional Considerations

While we've covered the essential factors that can help you choose the right vehicle to tow your trailer, there are other factors to consider. For instance, two-wheel-drive models usually have a higher towing capacity than their four-wheel-drive counterparts, mainly due to the extra weight of the powertrain. However, the four-wheel-drive system will provide more stability if you plan to take your camper on unpaved roads. You can also enhance your vehicle's towing ability with aftermarket parts that upgrade key components, such as the suspension, brakes, and cooling system. 

Choose Your Ideal Camper at Kline's RV Center

Determining the best vehicle for towing a camper depends on many factors, and it's essential for your pleasure and safety. Our team at Kline's RV Center in Warren, Michigan, is here to advise you on how to have a safe and memorable RV experience. Contact us today, or visit our dealership to check out our wide selection of vehicles and RVs.

black SUV and white trailer by Benjamin Zanatta is licensed with Unsplash License