How To Match Your Car To A Trailer Camper

When it comes to towing a trailer camper, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is up to the task. The right setup depends on the weight of the trailer and the towing capacity of your car.

First, you need to determine the weight of the trailer camper you're considering. Look for its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the total weight the trailer can handle when fully loaded. This information can usually be found on a sticker or in the owner's manual.

Next, you need to know your vehicle's towing capacity. Check the owner's manual or the manufacturer's specifications to find the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross combined weight rating (GCWR). The GVWR is the total weight your vehicle can handle, including passengers and cargo, while the GCWR is the maximum weight allowed for the tow vehicle and trailer combined when fully loaded.

As a general rule, the combined weight of the trailer camper and your vehicle should not exceed 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This will help prevent issues such as steering and braking problems, excessive wear and tear on your vehicle's engine and transmission, and unsafe driving conditions.

To give you a rough idea, a car or smaller SUV can typically tow up to 1,500 pounds, while a mid-size SUV or light-duty pickup truck can handle up to 3,000 pounds. Full-sized SUVs and half-ton pickup trucks can usually tow 8,000 pounds or more.

However, it's important to note that these numbers are just estimates, and the actual towing capacity of your vehicle may vary depending on its specifications, such as engine size and axle configuration.

Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is equipped with the necessary towing equipment, such as a hitch, safety chains, and a wiring harness.

By carefully considering the weights and capacities involved, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey with your trailer camper.

Towing capacity of different vehicles

The towing capacity of a vehicle is the maximum amount of weight it can safely pull. This changes based on how the vehicle is configured, how much weight it's already carrying, and how the load is distributed and controlled.

The weight of the trailer itself is not considered part of the automobile's Gross Vehicle Weight, but the tongue weight is. The Gross Vehicle Weight is the combined weight of the automobile (Curb Weight), plus liquids, passengers, cargo, and, when towing an RV, the RV's tongue weight. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight, including the Tongue Weight of the attached RV, should not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

The towing capacity of a vehicle is calculated by knowing the full gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the vehicle and the trailer, together with all the cargo each will carry, from people to wiper fluid. You then need to know the tow vehicle's curb weight—the weight of the vehicle itself when filled with gas and other fluids. Subtracting the curb weight from the GCWR gives you the vehicle's towing capacity.

It is recommended to stay below 10% of the maximum towing capacity to account for miscalculations and shifting loads. It is also recommended to stay under 80% of your max towing capacity.

• Compact and subcompact cars: Up to 2,000 pounds
• Mid-size car, family minivans, or smaller SUVs: Up to 3,500 pounds
• Mid-size trucks and sturdier SUVs: May have the capacity to tow a bumper-pulled family camper
• Full-size or heavy-duty pickup trucks: Can handle the extra weight placed on the rear suspension by larger trailers and fifth wheels
• Heavy-duty trucks: Towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds

Trailer weight and vehicle weight

When it comes to trailer weight and vehicle weight, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to understand the weight ratings of both your trailer and your vehicle. For the trailer, you'll want to look at the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the total weight the trailer can handle, including its axles and tire ratings. The unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) refers to the weight of the trailer as it comes off the assembly line, including basic amenities and appliances. The cargo-carrying capacity (CCC) is the maximum additional weight you can load into your trailer and can be calculated by subtracting the UVW from the GVWR.

For your vehicle, the gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the total weight of the car, passengers, gear, and fuel, as well as the tongue weight of the attached trailer. Curb weight refers to the weight of the vehicle without any payload or passengers, and can be calculated by subtracting the payload from the GVW. The combined gross vehicle weight (GCVW) is the maximum total weight the manufacturer has determined the vehicle can handle, including the vehicle itself, all passengers, cargo, and fuel, as well as attached trailers.

When deciding on a trailer, it's crucial to ensure that the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer does not exceed the vehicle's GCVW. Additionally, the tongue weight of the trailer should not exceed the rear axle weight rating (RAWR) of your vehicle. As a rule of thumb, it's recommended to stay under 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity to avoid putting excessive strain on the engine, transmission, and brakes.

It's also important to consider the weight distribution within your trailer. Following the 60/40 rule, place 60% of the loaded weight in front of the trailer's centre axle and the remaining 40% behind it. This helps maintain better control and stability while towing.

When it comes to specific vehicle types, smaller cars and compact SUVs typically have a towing capacity of around 1,500 pounds, while mid-size SUVs and pickup trucks can handle up to 3,000 pounds. Full-size SUVs and half-ton pickup trucks can usually tow 5,000 pounds or more. However, it's important to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or consult a towing guide to get accurate information for your specific make and model.

Towing equipment

When it comes to towing equipment, there are several key components that you need to consider to ensure a safe and smooth towing experience. Here are some essential items you should be aware of:

Hitch

A hitch is a crucial component that allows you to connect the trailer to your vehicle. It typically consists of two main parts: a receiver and a ball hitch. Hitches come in different styles and weight ratings, so it's important to choose one that is compatible with your vehicle and the trailer you'll be towing. Most RVs come with a hitch, but if yours doesn't, you may need to have one installed.

Electrical Connections

When towing a trailer, you must establish electrical connections between the trailer and your vehicle. This involves wiring the trailer to the coach, which controls essential functions such as brake lights, turn signals, and license plate lights. In some cases, it may also control the trailer's electric brakes. Ensuring these connections are properly set up is vital for legal and safety reasons.

Tow Bars and Baseplates

If you plan on flat towing or dinghy towing (four-down towing), you'll need to invest in tow bars and baseplates. Tow bars provide the physical connection between your vehicle and the trailer, while baseplates are mounted on the towed vehicle and serve as the attachment point for the tow bar. These components are essential for a secure towing setup.

Supplemental Braking System

A supplemental braking system is another critical component when flat towing. It assists in stopping both your vehicle and the trailer safely. Most states require auxiliary braking systems when towing, so be sure to check the regulations in your area.

Safety Cables

Safety cables are a must-have when towing. They provide an additional layer of security by ensuring that the trailer remains connected to your vehicle even if the hitch fails. In the event of a hitch malfunction, safety cables help prevent the trailer from detaching and causing a hazardous situation.

Weight Distribution Hitches

For heavier trailers, consider investing in weight distribution hitches. These hitches help distribute the tongue weight of the trailer across all the axles of your vehicle and the trailer. This improves handling, stability, and braking performance, making your towing experience safer and more comfortable.

Remember to always consult your vehicle's owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for towing capacity and equipment. Additionally, it's a good idea to refer to resources like towing guides and glossaries to ensure you have the right equipment and setup for your specific towing needs.

Vehicle torque

When it comes to pulling a trailer camper, torque is an important consideration. Torque is what allows your vehicle to pull heavy loads, and more torque is required to start a heavier vehicle than a lighter one. Therefore, when selecting a vehicle to tow a trailer camper, it is crucial to consider its torque specifications.

Torque is the twisting force that rotates or turns an object, such as a wheel. In the context of vehicles, torque is generated by the engine and used to turn the crankshaft, which is connected to the transmission. The transmission gears then convert this torque, allowing the vehicle to move and tow cargo safely.

When towing a trailer camper, it is essential to keep your vehicle in a lower gear than usual. For a five- or six-speed transmission, this means towing in fourth gear, while for a four-speed transmission, third gear is typically sufficient. Operating in a lower gear provides more torque, making it easier to accelerate from a stop or pass another car, even when hauling a heavy load.

To determine if your vehicle has enough torque to tow a trailer camper, you need to consider its towing capacity and the weight of the trailer. The towing capacity refers to the maximum weight your vehicle can pull, and it is influenced by factors such as the engine's torque, wheels, tires, suspension, and transmission. It is crucial to stay within the recommended towing capacity to avoid overloading your vehicle.

Additionally, it is important to consider the weight distribution of the trailer camper. The tongue weight or kingpin weight, which is the weight of the trailer exerted on the hitch, should not exceed the manufacturer's limit for your vehicle. This weight can add stress to your vehicle, so ensuring it is within the recommended range is vital.

By matching the torque and towing capacity of your vehicle to the weight and requirements of the trailer camper, you can ensure a safe and reliable towing experience. It is always recommended to stay within the specified limits and not exceed the maximum capacities provided by the manufacturer.

Trailer hitch towing capacity

The towing capacity of a trailer hitch is determined by its class, which ranges from 1 to 5. The class of a trailer hitch depends on its towing capacity and receiver tube size. While higher-class hitches have greater towing capacities, it's important to note that a higher class does not increase the towing capacity of the vehicle itself.

Class 1 Hitches

Class 1 hitches are commonly found on passenger cars and small crossovers. They typically have a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds and are perfect for towing small, light-duty trailers or carrying hitch-mounted bike racks. These hitches usually have a 1-1/4" square receiver opening and attach to the bumper, truck pan, or vehicle frame.

Class 2 Hitches

Class 2 hitches are designed for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks. They offer a higher towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and a tongue weight capacity of up to 350 pounds. With this capacity, they are suitable for towing boats, campers, and landscape trailers or mounting cargo carriers or bike racks. Class 2 hitches typically have a 1-1/4" receiver tube opening and attach to the bumper or vehicle frame.

Class 3 Hitches

Class 3 hitches are commonly installed on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. They can handle towing capacities ranging from 3,500 to 8,000 pounds and offer tongue weight capacities of 350 to 800 pounds. These hitches are perfect for towing boats, campers, and landscape trailers, as well as mounting cargo carriers or bike racks. Class 3 hitches feature a 2" receiver tube opening and attach directly to the vehicle frame.

Class 4 Hitches

Class 4 hitches are designed for heavy-duty, full-sized trucks and are not suitable for passenger cars. They offer a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds and a tongue weight capacity of approximately 1,000 pounds. By adding a weight distribution system, the towing capacity can increase to nearly 14,000 pounds. These hitches typically have a 2" square receiver opening and attach solely to the vehicle frame.

Class 5 Hitches

Class 5 hitches are primarily used for commercial applications and have an impressive towing capacity ranging from 18,000 to 20,000 pounds. They are designed for hauling extra-heavy loads, such as horse trailers, large recreational vehicles, and commercial heavy equipment trailers. Class 5 hitches have a 2" or 2-1/2" receiver tube opening and are installed on full-size pickups and commercial trucks.

It is important to choose a trailer hitch that matches your vehicle's towing capacity and intended use. Additionally, ensure that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety precautions when towing to avoid overloading your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions