Renting A Car To Pull Your Camper: Is It Possible?

Renting a truck to pull a camper can be a complicated process, but it is possible. Before renting a truck, it is important to consider the weight of your camper, the style of hitch needed, the cost of renting, and the legal implications of towing. Most rental companies will allow you to use their vehicles for towing, but it is essential to follow their specific guidelines and disclose your plans to tow. Some popular options for truck rental companies include U-Haul, Budget, and Enterprise Truck Rental.

Rental car companies that allow towing

While most car rental companies prohibit towing using their vehicles, several truck rental companies allow it. These companies rent vehicles like pickup trucks, moving trucks, and cargo trailers. Some also allow you to rent towing accessories like car carriers and tow dollies that can be attached to your own car, SUV, or truck. Others will require you to use your own towing equipment.

• U-Haul: U-Haul offers eight-foot pickup trucks and moving trucks ranging from 10' to 26' in length. They also provide a wide range of trailers, including cargo (closed-top) and utility (open-top) trailers, tow dollies, car carriers, and motorcycle trailers. You can attach these to your car, SUV, truck, or another vehicle. U-Haul is the only rental company that allows you to use its vehicles to tow your personal trailer or use your personal vehicle to tow its trailers.
• Penske Truck Rental: Penske offers 16', 22', and 26' moving trucks and provides car carriers and tow dollies as towing accessories. However, you can only use these accessories with a Penske-rented truck, and you cannot tow your own trailer.
• Budget Truck Rental: Budget offers 16' and 26' moving trucks, and you can rent a car carrier or tow dolly with your truck reservation. They do not offer separate rentals of these accessories. Budget Truck is the second-largest truck rental company in the US, with over 2,800 locations and 32,000 trucks.
• Enterprise Truck Rental: Enterprise allows towing accessories to be hitched to some of their rental pickup trucks, including the Ford F250 and F350, Ram 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500. They do not provide trailers, and you must supply your own towing equipment. Enterprise Truck Rental is based in Clayton, Missouri, and is owned by Enterprise Holdings, which also owns Alamo Rent a Car and National Car Rental.

Weighing your camper

Firstly, it is important to understand why weighing your camper is crucial. An overweight RV is the leading cause of tire blowouts, which can be dangerous and lead to accidents. Knowing the weight of your camper also helps you set the correct tire pressure, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance braking performance. Additionally, understanding your camper's weight distribution helps prevent overloading and ensures proper weight distribution, reducing the risk of tire blowouts and other issues.

Where to Weigh Your Camper?

There are several options for weighing your camper:

• CAT Scales at Truck Stops: These are the most common and easily accessible option. You can find them at truck stops and gas stations along highways. Look for certified automotive truck (CAT) scales to ensure accuracy. The cost is typically between $10 and $20.
• RVSEF (RV Safety and Education Foundation): This non-profit organization has developed specialised weighing techniques that are widely accepted. However, they have limited locations and operate on schedules, so you'll need to check their website for availability.
• Gas Stations: Some gas stations, such as Loves, have weighing scales for trucks that you can use for your camper. Inform the weighing master about your RV type before proceeding.
• Local Weighing Points: If you can't find any of the above options, you can try gravel and concrete companies or state scales. Some local businesses may have private scales, but these can be challenging to find.

• Download the CAT Scale Mobile App: Search for the "WeighMyTruck" app and install it on your device. This app will help you locate nearby CAT scales and provide weight data.
• Fully Load Your Camper: Ensure your RV is fully loaded with all the items you plan to take on your trip. This includes filling up fuel and water tanks and packing all necessary gear.
• Locate the Nearest CAT Scale: Use the app to find the nearest certified CAT scale.
• Position Your Camper Properly: Drive your RV onto the scale, ensuring all tire positions are correct. For travel trailers, you can weigh the towing vehicle and trailer separately and together.
• Open the App and Accept the Location: Once your RV is in position, open the app and accept the identified CAT location.
• Provide RV Information: Input data such as RV type and any other required details.
• Start the Weighing Process: Initiate the weighing process on the app, which will then need to be accepted by the station master.
• Make the Payment: After the weighing is complete, make the payment, which is typically around $10 to $20.
• Receive Weight Data: You will receive the weight data for your RV on the app and via email. CAT provides a guarantee for the measured weights.
• Analyse and Adjust: Use the weight data to understand your RV's weight distribution. Adjust tire pressure, redistribute weight, or remove unnecessary items to ensure safe weight limits and proper distribution.

Additional Tips:

• Weighing by Wheel Position: While CAT scales provide axle weights, they may not offer individual wheel weights. Weighing by wheel position is ideal as it helps determine the exact weight on each wheel, allowing for precise tire pressure adjustments and weight redistribution.
• Weighing Travel Trailers: If you have a travel trailer, you can weigh the towing vehicle and trailer separately and together. This will help you understand the trailer tongue weight, which is critical for safe towing.
• Use Weighing Apps and Stations: Take advantage of mobile apps like Weigh My Truck and RV-specific weighing stations like RVSEF. These provide more accurate and detailed weight data than truck stop scales.
• Be Aware of Weight Ratings: Familiarise yourself with weight ratings like GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) to understand your RV's weight limits.

Towing capacity of the rental car

When renting a car, it's important to consider the towing capacity of the vehicle, especially if you plan on pulling a camper or trailer. Most rental companies allow their vehicles to be used for towing, but it's crucial to follow their specific guidelines and understand your towing needs beforehand.

• Rental Company Policies: Before renting, check the rental company's website and policies. Some companies, like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, do not allow towing or hitching of any kind with their standard rental cars. However, they offer towing options with select pickup trucks at their truck rental locations.
• Vehicle Options: Rental companies typically provide different vehicle options based on your towing needs. For lighter loads, a standard pickup truck may suffice, while heavier loads might require a full-sized moving truck or a heavier-duty pickup truck.
• Towing Packages: Some rental companies offer towing packages that include necessary equipment such as tow dollies, receiver hitches, and safety chains. These packages can help you meet your towing needs and ensure you have the right tools for the job.
• Weight Considerations: Determine the weight of the item you plan to tow. This will help you choose the proper weight and size of the rental truck. Rental companies often offer different pickup truck options, ranging from half-ton to one-ton capacity, depending on the load.
• Truck Bed Length: Consider the length of the truck bed. A smaller bed may require multiple trips, while a longer bed can be heavier and more challenging to transport. Weigh the pros and cons to decide which bed size is most suitable for your needs.
• Towing Charges: Be aware that some rental companies may charge additional fees for towing. For example, Enterprise Truck Rental offers towing on 3/4 ton and 1-ton pickup trucks, but an extra towing charge may apply.
• Hitch Availability: Check if the rental truck comes with a hitch. While some trucks come standard with a receiver, others may include a hitch. For instance, Enterprise Truck Rental's 3/4 ton and 1-ton pickup trucks can hitch a gooseneck-style trailer.
• Maximum Towing Capacity: Pay attention to the maximum towing capacity specified by the rental company and the vehicle manufacturer. For example, Enterprise Truck Rental's website mentions maximum conventional towing capacities of 10,000 lbs. for certain Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ram pickup truck models.
• Location Availability: Keep in mind that towing options might vary depending on the rental company's location. Some vehicles and towing packages may only be available at select locations.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about the towing capacity of the rental car and choose the right vehicle for your needs. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety precautions when towing.

Truck bed length

When renting a truck to pull a camper, one of the most important factors to consider is the bed size of the pickup truck. The length of the truck bed will determine whether you need to make multiple trips or if you can transport everything in one go.

A small truck bed may result in multiple trips, which means spending more time and money. On the other hand, a longer truck bed can be heavier and more challenging to transport. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

Pickup truck beds can range from 60" for compact beds up to 98" for long bed options. In general, they vary from about 6 to 8 feet. When deciding on the right truck bed length, consider the size and weight of the items you'll be transporting, as well as the difficulty of manoeuvring a longer truck.

It's also worth noting that advertised lengths can differ from actual lengths, so if you need exact dimensions, it's best to measure the truck bed yourself. To do this, extend a tape measure from the bulkhead to the interior edge of the tailgate. Additionally, you can refer to your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for the advertised truck bed length.

When choosing a rental truck, it's important to consider not only the bed length but also other factors such as towing capacity, weight, and fit compatibility with your camper.

Towing equipment and accessories

When pulling a camper with a rental car, you will likely need towing equipment and accessories. Here are some essential considerations:

Tow Dollies, Receiver Hitches, and Safety Chains

First, you will need to ensure you have the correct equipment to connect the camper to the rental car. This typically includes receiver hitches, which are standard on some rental trucks, and safety chains to secure the connection. If your camper uses a fifth-wheel hitch, finding a suitable rental truck may be more challenging, as these hitches are usually installed on heavy-duty trucks.

Towing Capacity and Weight

It is crucial to consider the towing capacity of the rental car and the weight of your camper. Always choose a rental vehicle with a towing capacity well above the weight of your camper when fully loaded. The towing capacity information is usually available for different truck makes and models.

Brake Controller

Although not always necessary, installing a brake controller in the rental car is recommended for added safety. A brake controller allows you to control the electronic brakes in your camper, giving you more control and peace of mind while on the road.

Tow Mirrors

Tow mirrors are an essential accessory to extend your field of vision when towing. They attach to the side mirrors of the rental vehicle and can be adjusted to provide a better view of the surrounding traffic.

Backup Camera

While not mandatory, a backup camera can be incredibly useful, especially for beginners. Backing up and parking a camper can be challenging, and a backup camera can make this task much more manageable.

Frequently asked questions