Small Pickup Trucks: Camper-Capable Or Not?

When it comes to towing a camper, choosing the right truck is essential. Several factors determine whether a small pickup truck can pull a small camper, including the weight of the camper, the towing capacity of the truck, the type of hitch, and the terrain.

Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that the truck's towing capacity exceeds the weight of the camper, both when empty and fully loaded. Most small campers weigh between 1,250 and 8,500 lbs, while a half-ton pickup truck can typically tow between 8,000 and 10,000 lbs. Therefore, a small pickup truck should be able to pull a small camper, provided the weight limits are not exceeded.

Secondly, different types of RVs require different hitches. While some campers use a standard trailer hitch, others require a fifth-wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. It is important to check the hitch requirements of the specific camper before purchasing or towing.

Additionally, the type of terrain you'll be travelling on can impact the truck's performance. Towing an RV on hilly or rugged terrain will demand more power and torque from the truck.

By considering these factors and matching the truck's capabilities to the camper's requirements, you can determine if a small pickup truck can safely and efficiently pull a small camper.

Towing capacity of the truck and weight of the camper

When deciding whether a small pickup truck can pull a small camper, the most important factors to consider are the towing capacity of the truck and the weight of the camper.

The towing capacity of a vehicle refers to the maximum amount of weight it can safely pull. This capacity is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and takes into account various factors such as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), and more. It's important to note that the towing capacity assumes the vehicle is only carrying the driver and no additional passengers or cargo. Therefore, when calculating the towing capacity needed for your trip, you should include the weight of passengers, cargo, and any other equipment.

To determine the towing capacity of your vehicle, you can refer to the owner's manual, the driver-side door jamb, or the manufacturer's website. It's crucial to stay within the specified towing capacity as exceeding it can be dangerous and damage the vehicle. As a rule of thumb, it's recommended to keep the trailer weight within 80% of the truck's towing capacity to account for miscalculations and shifting loads.

When considering the weight of the camper, you should take into account its dry weight, which is the weight of the camper without any liquids, passengers, or cargo. You should also consider the gross vehicle weight, which includes the camper's dry weight, liquids, passengers, and cargo. Additionally, the tongue weight, or the weight placed on the hitch when the trailer is coupled to the truck, should be within 10-15% of the camper's gross vehicle weight.

By matching the towing capacity of the truck with the weight of the camper, you can ensure a safe and efficient towing experience. It's important to remember that exceeding the truck's towing capacity can compromise safety and performance, so careful consideration of these factors is essential.

Hitch compatibility

Types of Hitches:

There are several types of hitches available, but the most common ones are receiver hitches, 5th wheel hitches, and gooseneck hitches.

• Receiver hitches: These are the most common and are divided into five classes based on maximum weight capacity. They are typically bolted onto the frame of the towing vehicle.
• 5th Wheel Hitches: These heavy-duty hitches attach to the bed of a truck and couple with a 5th wheel kingpin.
• Gooseneck Hitches: These are also heavy-duty hitches that attach to the bed of a truck but couple with a hitch ball instead of a kingpin.

Choosing the Right Hitch:

When selecting a hitch for a small pickup truck and a small camper, consider the following:

• Weight of the camper: Ensure that the hitch is rated to handle the weight of your camper, both when it's empty and fully loaded.
• Hitch requirements: Some campers require a 5th wheel hitch, while others can be towed with a standard receiver hitch. Check the specific requirements of your camper.
• Towing capacity: The hitch's maximum towing capacity should exceed the weight of your camper.
• Vehicle compatibility: Not all hitch classes are available for every vehicle. Ensure that the hitch you choose is compatible with your small pickup truck.
• Hitch size: Standard hitch sizes include 1-1/4", 2", 2-1/2", and 3". Using a standard size makes it easier to find compatible towing accessories.

Installation and Safety:

Once you've selected the appropriate hitch, consider the following:

• Installation: You may need professional help to install the hitch correctly and safely.
• Weight distribution: Ensure that the weight of the camper is distributed evenly to maintain control and maneuverability.
• Safety features: Consider adding safety features such as a weight distribution hitch or trailer brake controls to improve stability and reduce stress on the towing components.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as lubricating the hitch, is essential to keep it in good condition and ensure smooth operation.

By carefully considering the hitch compatibility and following the necessary installation and safety guidelines, you can safely and efficiently pair a small pickup truck with a small camper for your adventures on the road.

Truck engine type

When it comes to the engine type of a truck that can pull a small camper, there are a few options to consider.

Firstly, it is important to understand the weight of the camper you intend to tow. Small campers typically weigh between 1,250 and 6,000 pounds, and a truck with a towing capacity of at least 5,000 pounds should be sufficient for towing a small camper.

For a small pickup truck to safely pull a small camper, it is recommended to have a towing capacity that is at least 125% of the camper's weight. This ensures that the truck is not working at its maximum capacity all the time, which can lead to safety issues and decreased performance.

In terms of engine type, both gasoline and diesel engines can be suitable for towing a small camper. Gasoline engines are more common and widely available at fuel stations. They also tend to have a lower initial purchase price. Diesel engines, on the other hand, offer better fuel efficiency and low-end torque, making them more suitable for towing heavy loads. However, diesel engines are usually more expensive and may not be available at all gas stations.

When choosing a truck to pull a small camper, it is important to consider not only the engine type but also the towing capacity, hitch compatibility, axle ratio, and other factors to ensure a safe and stable towing experience.

Gasoline engines:

• Ford F-150: The F-150 is a popular choice for towing small campers. The 3.5L Ecoboost engine boasts a towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds.
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Equipped with a 6.2L V8 engine, the Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds.
• Ram 1500: Along with the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado, the Ram 1500 is a capable half-ton truck for towing small campers.

Diesel engines:

• Ford Super Duty F-250: The F-250 offers a powerful diesel engine with a towing capacity of up to 18,200 pounds, suitable for heavier small campers.
• Chevrolet Silverado 2500: The Silverado 2500 is a three-quarter-ton truck with a diesel engine, providing superior torque for towing.
• Ram 2500: The Ram 2500 offers a choice between a gasoline 6.4L V8 engine and a 6.7L 6-cylinder diesel engine, allowing for flexibility in fuel type.

Trailer weight ratings

When it comes to trailer weight ratings, there are several key terms and calculations to be aware of. Firstly, it's important to understand the weight of your trailer, which can vary depending on whether it's loaded or unloaded. This is known as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and refers to the maximum allowable weight for a fully loaded trailer, including passengers and cargo. It is crucial to ensure that the GVWR does not exceed the weight rating of your tow vehicle.

Another important consideration is the tongue weight, which refers to the amount of trailer weight pressing down on the trailer hitch. Tongue weight should typically be around 10-15% of the total trailer weight, although some sources suggest a range of 15-20%. Insufficient tongue weight can lead to reduced rear-wheel traction and instability, while excessive tongue weight can impact the suspension and handling of the tow vehicle.

To determine if your tow vehicle can handle the weight of your trailer, you need to calculate the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). This is the maximum allowable weight of the tow vehicle and loaded trailer, including cargo and passengers. It is calculated by adding the GVWR of the trailer to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the tow vehicle. It's important to ensure that the GCWR does not exceed the rating provided by the tow vehicle manufacturer.

When calculating the GCWR, you also need to consider the payload capacity of the tow vehicle, which includes the weight of passengers, cargo, and the trailer tongue weight. By subtracting the payload weight from the GVWR of the tow vehicle, you can determine how much additional weight it can safely handle.

It's worth noting that trailer weight can vary significantly depending on the type, size, and material of the trailer. For example, lightweight trailers made from aluminium will have lower weight ratings than heavier steel trailers. Additionally, double-axle trailers will generally have higher weight ratings than single-axle trailers. Therefore, it's essential to refer to the specific weight ratings provided by the trailer manufacturer to ensure safe operation.

Truck maintenance and safety

When pulling a camper, it is important to ensure that your truck is well-maintained and that you take the necessary safety precautions. Here are some tips for truck maintenance and safety:

• Choose the right truck: Select a truck that can handle the weight of your camper and has sufficient towing capacity. Consider the type of terrain you'll be travelling on and any additional cargo you'll be carrying.
• Check hitch compatibility: Ensure that your truck's hitch is compatible with the camper's hitching system. Confirm that the hitch's maximum towing capacity exceeds the camper's weight.
• Maintain proper towing capacity: Do not exceed your truck's towing capacity. As a rule of thumb, you should never put more than 80% of your truck's towing capacity on the back.
• Balance the load: Distribute the weight of your camper and cargo evenly to ensure safe towing capabilities and avoid straining your truck's suspension.
• Cross-connect safety chains: Cross-connect the safety chains of your camper in an "X" shape to the back of your truck for added security.
• Test wiring harness: Check the wiring harness components for corrosion or other issues before each trip to ensure that all brake lights and indicators are functioning correctly.
• Legal requirements and regulations: Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements and regulations for towing a camper in your area. This includes items such as registration, insurance, and maximum capacity.
• Consider special features: Look for features such as heavy-duty shocks or springs, a universal receiver hitch, transmission oil coolers, trailer brake controls, and a secondary fuel tank to enhance your truck's towing performance and safety.
• Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on your truck, including checking fluid levels, tire pressure, brake pads, and engine performance to ensure it is in optimal condition for towing.
• Be weather-wise: Plan your trip according to the weather and road conditions. Windy conditions and challenging terrain can make towing more difficult and increase the risk of accidents.

Frequently asked questions