Best Suvs For Pop-Up Camper Towing

Pop-up campers are compact, lightweight, and easy to tow. They are collapsible camping trailers that can be towed by a car, SUV, or minivan. Most SUVs on the market have a tow rating of between 1500lb and 3000lb, while pop-up campers typically weigh between 1000lb and 2500lb. This makes pop-up campers ideal for SUVs, which have ample power to tow them safely.

Most SUVs can pull a pop-up camper, which typically weighs between 1,000 and 3,000 lbs

SUVs generally have a tow rating of between 1,500 lbs and 3,000 lbs, and some larger models can tow over 7,500 lbs. This means that most SUVs will have more than enough power to tow a pop-up camper, even at the upper end of the weight range.

However, it is important to check the towing capacity of your specific SUV model and the weight of the pop-up camper you intend to tow. The towing capacity of an SUV can be found in the owner's manual or on the vehicle's VIN sticker. The weight of a pop-up camper can usually be found on a VIN plate located near the front of the camper or on the fenders, tongue, or front wall.

It is recommended that you do not exceed 80% of your SUV's towing capacity for safety reasons, especially when travelling over mountains or at high altitudes. Additionally, when towing a pop-up camper, it is important to drive at speeds below 55 mph, as the tires of a pop-up camper are typically only rated for a maximum speed of 65 mph when unloaded.

By ensuring that your SUV has sufficient towing capacity and following safe driving practices, you can confidently tow a pop-up camper to your camping destination and enjoy the comforts and convenience it offers during your trip.

Check the SUV's towing capacity and the camper's weight to ensure it can be pulled safely

When preparing for a camping trip, it's important to ensure that your SUV can safely pull your pop-up camper. This involves checking the SUV's towing capacity and the camper's weight. Here are some detailed steps to help you through the process:

First, let's talk about determining the SUV's towing capacity. You can find this information in several places. Start by checking the owner's manual, which should provide details on your specific SUV model's towing capacity. Additionally, look for a sticker on the driver's side door jamb or inside the driver's side door frame, as this area often includes important towing information. If you can't find the information you need in these places, try searching for your SUV's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) online, along with its towing capacity. Many manufacturers provide websites or tools that allow you to input the VIN and retrieve the relevant towing details.

Now, let's discuss calculating the SUV's towing capacity. This calculation involves several factors. First, determine the SUV's curb weight, which is the weight of the vehicle itself, including fluids like fuel and oil, but excluding passengers and cargo. Next, consider the total weight of passengers, fuel, and cargo that will be in the SUV during your trip. Finally, refer to the vehicle's gross combined weight rating (GCWR), which takes into account the weight of the SUV and the trailer, along with any cargo or passengers in both. To calculate the towing capacity, add up the curb weight, passengers, fuel, and cargo, then subtract this sum from the GCWR. The result is the maximum towing capacity for your SUV.

To ensure safe towing, it is recommended to stay below 10% of the maximum towing capacity to account for any miscalculations or shifting loads. This means if your SUV's maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, you should not tow a trailer that weighs more than 4,500 pounds.

Now that you know your SUV's towing capacity, let's talk about determining the weight of your pop-up camper. The best way to do this is by referring to the camper's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate, which should be located near the front of the camper or on the fenders, tongue, or front wall. The VIN will provide the weight of the camper and other important information. If you can't find the VIN plate, you can contact the manufacturer or dealership where the camper was purchased to request the weight information. As a last resort, you can take the camper to a testing station, such as DEKRA.US, to have it physically weighed and issued a new VIN plate.

Once you have the SUV's towing capacity and the camper's weight, you can compare the two to ensure safe towing. If the camper's weight falls within the SUV's towing capacity, you're good to go! However, if the camper exceeds the SUV's capacity, it's not safe to tow it, and you may need to consider a different towing vehicle or a lighter camper.

Remember, towing involves safety considerations beyond just weight. Always use the right trailer hitch for your SUV and camper combination. Additionally, be mindful of the tongue weight, which is the force exerted on the trailer hitch by the load. Proper tongue weight distribution is crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle while towing. Finally, follow safe towing practices, such as driving below 55 mph, inspecting your tires, and using turn signals well in advance when towing your camper.

The SUV curb weight can be found on the vehicle's VIN sticker

If you're looking to tow a pop-up camper with an SUV, it's important to ensure your vehicle can handle the weight. Most SUVs have a tow rating of 1500-3000 lbs, with some larger models capable of towing over 7500 lbs. Pop-up campers typically weigh between 1000 and 2500 lbs, so most SUVs should be able to handle the load.

To be sure, you'll need to calculate the towing capacity of your SUV. This involves adding up the curb weight, passenger weight, fuel weight, and cargo weight, then subtracting this total from the vehicle's gross combined weight rating. The curb weight is the total weight of the vehicle without any people, cargo, or accessories, and it can be found on the vehicle's VIN sticker or in the owner's manual. It's important to know your SUV's curb weight, as it affects acceleration, fuel efficiency, and traction in inclement weather.

Once you know the curb weight, you can calculate the total weight of passengers, fuel, and cargo. For passengers, you can estimate an average weight of around 150 lbs per person. For fuel weight, you can multiply the current fuel level by the weight per gallon (around 6 lbs per gallon). Finally, weigh all the cargo you plan to bring.

After calculating the total weight of passengers, fuel, and cargo, you can subtract this from the gross combined weight rating, which can also be found on the VIN sticker or the driver-side inner door panel. This will give you the maximum towing capacity of your SUV. Compare this to the weight of the pop-up camper, which can be found on the VIN plate near the front of the camper or on the fenders, tongue, or front wall.

By understanding the curb weight and towing capacity of your SUV, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip while towing your pop-up camper.

Pop-up campers are compact and lightweight, making them easier to tow than larger trailers

Pop-up campers are an excellent option for those seeking a blend of portability, comfort, and convenience. Their compact and lightweight design makes them easier to tow than larger trailers, and they can be pulled by a variety of vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, and even motorcycles. This versatility in towing options is a significant advantage, especially for those who don't want to invest in a dedicated towing vehicle.

Pop-up campers typically weigh between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds, with some models falling below or above this range. This lightweight characteristic makes them ideal for towing with SUVs, which have varying towing capacities. Most SUVs on the market have a tow rating of 1,500 to 3,000 pounds, while larger SUVs can tow over 7,500 pounds. As such, pop-up campers are well within the towing capabilities of many SUVs, making them a popular choice for campers.

The compact nature of pop-up campers also contributes to their ease of towing. When collapsed, these trailers are relatively small, making them easy to manoeuvre and store. This is in contrast to larger trailers, which can be bulky and challenging to navigate on narrow roads or tight campsites. Pop-up campers are designed to be towable, enhancing their portability and making them a convenient option for campers who want to explore different locations.

Additionally, pop-up campers offer a good balance between living space and compactness. When expanded, they provide ample sleeping areas, dinette sets, and even small kitchenettes. This versatility makes them suitable for families or groups who require more space and prefer a blend of outdoor adventure and indoor comforts. Despite their spacious interiors, pop-up campers remain relatively lightweight, ensuring they don't exceed the towing capacity of most SUVs.

Furthermore, pop-up campers are generally more affordable than larger trailers, making them an attractive option for occasional campers or those with budget constraints. Their compact design also results in better fuel efficiency, as they don't significantly impact the fuel economy of the towing vehicle. This makes pop-up campers a cost-effective choice for those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability.

Remote backup cameras can assist when towing a pop-up camper by providing visibility

When towing a pop-up camper, it's important to have good visibility to ensure a safe journey. Remote backup cameras can be incredibly useful in this regard, providing a clear view of what's behind your SUV.

Most SUVs on the market have a tow rating of between 1500lb and 3000lb, with some larger models capable of towing over 7500lb. Pop-up campers typically weigh between 1000lb and 2500lb, so it's crucial to ensure your SUV has the capacity to handle the additional weight.

Remote backup cameras offer a simple solution to improve visibility and safety when towing. They can be installed with minimal effort and provide a wide field of view, enhancing your awareness of the surrounding vehicles and potential blind spots.

For instance, Haloview offers a range of backup camera systems designed specifically for pop-up campers. Their cameras offer features such as night vision, scratch-proof and waterproof designs, and easy mounting options. Their systems include a rear camera to help with backing up, a front camera for improved forward visibility, and even a hitching camera to simplify the process of aligning your trailer hitch ball with the coupler.

Additionally, some backup camera systems include side marker light cameras, which replace your existing side marker lights, providing both illumination and an expanded field of view. These cameras can be invaluable in detecting vehicles or obstacles in your blind spots, reducing the risk of accidents.

By utilising remote backup cameras, you can significantly enhance your visibility and safety when towing a pop-up camper with your SUV.

Frequently asked questions