Choose A Car To Tow Your Pop-Up Camper

Pop-up campers are a great option for those who want a budget-friendly, compact, and easy-to-tow camping experience. But before you hit the road, it's crucial to ensure that your car can safely tow your pop-up camper. The key factors to consider are the weight capabilities of your car and the weight of the pop-up camper, including any equipment you plan to bring along.

First, you need to determine your car's towing capacity, which is typically provided in the owner's manual or on a sticker in the vehicle. It's important not to exceed this capacity, and it's recommended to stay within 80% to 85% of this limit. Additionally, you should be aware of the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your car, which includes the weight of passengers and luggage.

Next, you need to find out the weight of the pop-up camper. These campers typically weigh between 1,100 to 4,500 pounds, with an average of around 2,000 to 2,400 pounds. The weight can vary depending on the size, features, and materials used. When considering the weight, don't forget to account for the gear and supplies you'll be bringing along.

By comparing the towing capacity of your car with the weight of the pop-up camper and your additional equipment, you can make an informed decision about whether your car can safely tow the camper. It's also a good idea to consult a mechanic or a professional for specific advice regarding your vehicle and camper setup.

Calculating your car's towing capacity

Step 1: Understand the Terminology

First, familiarize yourself with the relevant terminology:

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum total weight a vehicle can safely carry, including passengers, fuel, cargo, and tongue weight of anything towed behind.
• Curb Weight: The weight of the vehicle itself with a full tank of fuel and other necessary fluids but without passengers or cargo.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The maximum weight of the vehicle when fully loaded with a trailer and all cargo.
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The maximum weight that can be placed over each axle.

Step 2: Find the Relevant Weights

Next, you'll need to gather some specific weights for your vehicle:

• Curb Weight: Refer to your owner's manual or look for a sticker in the driver's door jamb to find this information.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): This is the sum of the weight of your vehicle, the weight of the trailer you plan to tow, and the weight of all cargo and passengers.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): You can typically find this on a sticker inside the driver's side door frame.

Step 3: Calculate Towing Capacity

Now, you can calculate your vehicle's towing capacity using the following formula:

Towing Capacity = GCWR - Curb Weight

This calculation will give you the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow.

Step 4: Consider Other Factors

Keep in mind that the towing capacity is not the only factor to consider. You also need to ensure that:

• Your hitch can handle the weight: Refer to the hitch class and weight ratings to ensure it's suitable for the load.
• You don't exceed GVWR: The total weight of your vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of the trailer, must not exceed the GVWR.
• You have adequate trailer brakes: If the weight of the trailer exceeds 750 kg, it should have its own brakes to assist with stopping.

Step 5: Consult Manufacturer Recommendations

Always refer to the vehicle and trailer manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations. They may provide specific information about towing capacities, weight ratings, and other important considerations for your particular vehicle and trailer setup.

By following these steps and staying within the specified weight limits, you can confidently and safely tow a pop-up camper with your car.

Understanding weight terminology

When it comes to towing, there are several terms and weight ratings you need to be familiar with to ensure safe and proper towing practices. Here's a detailed explanation of some key weight terminologies:

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum loaded weight that your vehicle can handle, including passengers, cargo, and other fluids. It is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and takes into account the suspension system, frame, axles, and other components. Exceeding the GVWR can lead to serious damage to your vehicle's critical systems.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The GCWR is the maximum weight of your vehicle when combined with a trailer attached. It includes the weight of the tow vehicle, the trailer, and any cargo or passengers in both. The rating is determined based on the strength of the vehicle's frame, suspension, axles, and other towing-related components.
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The GAWR is the maximum weight that can be placed on each of your vehicle's axles, with separate ratings for the front (FR) and rear (RR) axles. This rating accounts for passengers, cargo, and the possibility of a trailer being towed. Exceeding the GAWR can be detrimental to your vehicle's axles.
• Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): The GTW refers to the total weight of the trailer and its cargo. It is a descriptive measurement rather than a prescribed rating. It is important to ensure that the GTW never exceeds the GVWR to maintain safe towing practices.
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: This term refers to the downward force exerted on the back of the tow vehicle by the trailer or the towable load. Properly managing tongue weight is crucial for maintaining good control of the vehicle during towing.
• Curb Weight: Curb weight refers to the total weight of your vehicle, excluding passengers, cargo, and non-factory items. It includes the weight of fluids necessary for operation, such as gasoline and oil. Think of it as the weight of your vehicle as it sits parked at a dealership.
• Dry Weight: Dry weight is similar to curb weight but excludes all fluids necessary for the operation of the vehicle. It gives you a measurement of the vehicle's weight without any fluids, and it is essential to compare it to the GVWR to ensure safe operation.
• Payload Capacity: Payload refers to the weight of your cargo and passengers. It is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry in its cab, bed, or cargo area. When towing a trailer, it's important to note that the payload weight includes the tongue weight of the trailer.

Understanding these weight terminologies and their implications is crucial for safe and effective towing. Always refer to your vehicle's manual or consult with a professional if you are unsure about your vehicle's capabilities or how to interpret these weight ratings.

Choosing the right hitch

• Vehicle Compatibility: Start by checking your vehicle's make, model, and year to determine the compatible hitches. Different hitches are designed for specific vehicle models, so it's essential to choose one that perfectly fits your car.
• Towing Capacity: Understand your vehicle's towing capacity, which is the maximum weight it can safely tow. This information can be found in your owner's manual or by contacting the manufacturer. Select a hitch with a towing capacity that meets or exceeds the weight of the pop-up camper you plan to tow.
• Hitch Class: Hitches are classified into different classes based on their weight capacities and receiver sizes. For towing a pop-up camper, you'll typically need a Class II or Class III hitch. Class I hitches are usually for smaller loads, while Class IV and Class V hitches are for heavy-duty applications.
• Tongue Weight: Consider the tongue weight, which is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. Ensure that the tongue weight is within the specified limits of the hitch and your vehicle. It's generally recommended to have a tongue weight of about 10%-15% of the total trailer weight.
• Safety and Stability: Look for hitches with safety features such as integrated locking mechanisms and anti-sway devices. These features enhance the security of your setup and help stabilise the trailer during towing.
• Accessories: Think about the accessories you'll need for your towing setup. For example, you may require adjustable ball mounts to accommodate different trailer heights, hitch-mounted racks for carrying bikes or cargo, and hitch covers and locks for protection and security.
• Reputable Manufacturer: Choose a hitch from a reputable manufacturer known for producing high-quality, durable products. This ensures reliable performance and longevity. Also, consider the retailer's reputation and their ability to provide excellent customer service and support.

Towing safety tips

Towing safety is a critical aspect of trailering, and here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Know Your Vehicle's Towing Capacity: Before even considering towing a pop-up camper, understand your vehicle's towing capacity. Review the owner's manual to determine the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow. Exceeding this limit can lead to dangerous handling, insufficient braking, and damage to the vehicle's systems. Ensure that your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is not exceeded, even when carrying passengers and cargo.

Select the Right Trailer: Choose a pop-up camper trailer that falls within your vehicle's towing capacity. The GVWR of the trailer should never exceed the tow rating provided by the vehicle manufacturer, even if the trailer is not fully loaded.

Hitching and Safety Chains: Understand the different types of hitches and select the proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. Correctly hitching the trailer to the tow vehicle is crucial for safety. Additionally, use trailer safety chains and cross them when hooking them up. These chains act as a backup in case the coupler fails, creating a 'cradle' to catch the trailer tongue.

Loading and Weight Distribution: Properly loading your trailer is essential for maintaining control. Distribute weight evenly, with approximately 60% of the load in the front half of the trailer. Achieve a tongue weight between 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight. Ensure cargo is secured to prevent shifting during transit.

Tire and Brake Check: Inspect the tires on both your vehicle and the trailer. Check tire pressures and ensure they are properly inflated according to the specifications in your manual. Also, look for signs of dry rot and cracking, especially if the trailer has been stored outside. Check the trailer's brakes and keep the wheel bearings greased.

Lights and Mirrors: Verify that the trailer's lights, including tail lights, marker lamps, turn signals, and brake lights, are functioning correctly and connected to the tow vehicle. Adjust your side-view mirrors to ensure a clear view of the trailer's blind spots, and consider installing wider aftermarket tow mirrors if necessary.

Drive with Caution: Towing significantly impacts your vehicle's performance and handling. Always drive with caution, allowing for wider turns and longer stopping distances. Drive in the right lane on highways to provide extra space for stopping and to facilitate pulling over in case of a tire blowout.

By following these safety tips, you can confidently tow your pop-up camper, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey to your camping destination.

Weighing your pop-up camper

To determine the weight of your pop-up camper, you should refer to the manufacturer's specifications. The manufacturer will provide the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW), which includes the weight of the unit's axles, tongue or hitch weight, and a full LP propane tank. You should also consider the cargo-carrying capacity (CCC), which is the additional weight of fresh water, cargo, accessories, and optional equipment.

When deciding if your car can tow a pop-up camper, it is crucial to understand your vehicle's towing capacity. This information can be found in your vehicle's manual or by checking with the manufacturer using the VIN. It is recommended that you keep your loaded pop-up trailer weight 10-20% below your vehicle's towing capacity to ensure safe handling and braking ability.

In addition to the weight of the pop-up camper, you should also consider the weight of any equipment and cargo you will be bringing along. This includes items such as bicycles, kayaks, outdoor gear, clothing, food, and other personal items. These items can add significant weight to your overall load, so it is important to calculate their weight accurately.

Remember, amenities equal weight. When choosing a pop-up camper, consider the features you want, but also how they will impact the overall weight. A good rule of thumb is to leave some "wiggle room" below your vehicle's towing capacity to accommodate extra cargo and passengers.

Frequently asked questions