How to Choose the Right Towable Camper for Your Vehicle

 In recent years, towable campers have surged in popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. These versatile travel companions are an excellent way to experience the freedom of the open road without the need for a motorized RV. With a wide variety of options available, from lightweight pop-up campers to spacious travel trailers, the choice can be overwhelming. That’s why understanding the ins and outs of towable campers is essential.

Whether you’re planning weekend getaways or extended trips, selecting the right towable camper based on your towing vehicle’s capabilities is crucial. Matching your camper to your tow capacity ensures safety, better gas mileage, and a smooth ride. In this guide, we’ll cover the best type of towable campers, their weight considerations, and what vehicles can tow them.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the RV lifestyle, this post will equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Towable Campers and Vehicle Compatibility

Towable campers, also called conventional travel trailers, are non-motorized RVs that require a separate tow vehicle. In other words, you need your car to pull them. These campers come in various shapes and sizes, from lightweight teardrop trailers to heavy-duty fifth-wheel trailers. Choosing the right one depends on factors like your vehicle weight rating, hitch weight, and towing capacity.

One of the most critical factors in selecting the right camper is knowing your towing vehicle’s towing capabilities. Each vehicle has a specific towing capacity, which determines the maximum weight it can safely tow. Selecting a camper that exceeds this limit can lead to dangerous situations on the road, including poor handling and accidents. To ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience, aligning your camper choice with your vehicle’s specifications is key.

Key Towing Considerations

Before selecting a towable travel trailer, you should check your current vehicle’s capabilities and ratings and familiarize yourself with essential terms with regard to campers:

• Towing Capacity: The maximum tow rating of your vehicle determines the weight it can safely tow. Check your vehicle manual for this information.
• Tongue Weight: This refers to the force the trailer places on the hitch. Ideally, it should be 10-15% of the base weight of the camper.
• Dry weight:  Also known as unloaded vehicle weight (UVW), dry weight is the camper’s weight without potable water, propane, gear, or passengers.
• Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): The additional weight your camper can carry, including camping gear, black water tanks, and kitchen supplies.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum allowable weight of the towing vehicle itself, the vehicle weight rating, including the passengers, cargo, engine weight, and tongue weight.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The maximum combined weight of the fully loaded tow vehicle and trailer.
• Torque and Horsepower: These impact towing capabilities, especially when traveling uphill or off-road.
• Axle Ratio: This affects fuel efficiency and towing performance. A higher axle ratio is better for towing heavier loads.

Types of Towable Campers and Their Towing Requirements

Different types of campers require different tow vehicles. Here’s a breakdown of noteworthy features and best camper brands for each category:

Towable Travel Trailers

Ranging from compact models suitable for smaller families to larger ones that can accommodate groups, these campers are designed to be towed behind SUVs, trucks, or crossovers. They usually feature amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, making them ideal for extended stays at campsites.

• Common sizes: 18-30 feet
• Best for: Full-size SUVs, trucks, and crossovers
• Popular Models: Airstream Trade Wind and Flying Cloud, Grand Design Imagine, Jayco Jay Feather Micro.

Fifth-Wheel Trailers

Fifth-wheel trailers are larger and heavier campers that require a truck bed equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch for safe towing. They are ideal for heavy-duty trucks, such as the Ford F-250 or RAM 2500, which can comfortably manage the increased towing demands. Key features of fifth-wheel trailers include:

• Common Sizes: 20-40 feet wide
• Best for: Heavy-duty trucks
• Popular Models: Keystone Montana, Grand Design Solitude, Forest River Arctic Wolf.

These models typically feature extra space for living areas, enhanced amenities, and premium construction for an elevated camping experience.

Teardrop Trailers

Teardrop trailers are known for their compact size and lightweight design, making them an excellent choice for quick road adventures and spontaneous trips. They are especially suitable for small SUVs, crossovers, and even sedans, providing an easy towing experience without the need for a larger vehicle.

• Best for: Small SUVs, crossovers, sedans
• Popular models: nuCamp TAB 320, Little Guy Mini Max, Polydrop Trailer.

Pop-Up Campers

Small tent trailers that fold down for easy towing.

• Best for: Midsize SUVs, minivans, crossovers
• Popular models: Forest River Rockwood, Coachmen Clipper, Aliner Classic.

Toy Haulers

Toy haulers are specialized campers meticulously engineered to transport all your favorite outdoor vehicles, such as ATVs, motorcycles, and other gear, allowing for adventurous getaways. These durable campers generally require a full-size truck or heavy-duty SUV for optimal towing performance to handle their weight and size.

• Best for: Full-size trucks and heavy-duty SUVs
• Popular Models: Heartland Torque, Grand Design Momentum, and Forest River XLR Nitro.

Matching Your Vehicle with the Right Camper

• Compact SUVs & Crossovers → Teardrop and lightweight travel trailers
• Midsize SUVs & Minivans → Small to mid-size travel trailers or pop-up campers
• Full-Size SUVs & Trucks → Larger travel trailers and toy haulers
• Heavy-Duty Trucks → Fifth-wheel trailers and larger toy haulers
• Compact SUVs & Crossovers → Teardrop and lightweight travel trailers
• Midsize SUVs & Minivans → Small to mid-size travel trailers or pop-up campers
• Full-Size SUVs & Trucks → Larger travel trailers and toy haulers
• Heavy-Duty Trucks → Fifth-wheel trailers and larger toy haulers

Additional Factors to Consider When Choosing a Towable Camper

Selecting the right towable camper goes beyond just matching it with your vehicle’s towing capacity. Several critical factors can heavily influence your overall camping experience.

Here, we explore essential considerations to keep in mind to ensure you choose the best camper for your needs.

Hitch Type & Setup

Understanding your hitch type is paramount for safe and efficient towing. There are primarily two types of hitches:

• Ball Hitches: Commonly used for lighter trailers, these hitches are simple to set up and can be used with bumper-mounted configurations. However, they may have limitations with larger or heavier trailers.
• Fifth-Wheel Hitches: Ideal for fifth-wheel campers, these hinges offer better weight distribution and stability, making them a preferred choice for heavy-duty towing. However, they require a specific truck setup, often necessitating modifications to your vehicle.

Braking System & Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when towing a camper. A reliable braking system enhances control and responsiveness, especially during sudden stops. Key features to consider include:

• Brake Controllers: An electronic brake controller can significantly improve braking performance by allowing you to adjust the braking force needed per the load.
• Brake Lights and Signals: To ensure safety on the road, make sure your camper is equipped with functioning brake lights that synchronize with your vehicle’s signals.
• Sway Control: Many modern campers come with integrated sway control systems, which help stabilize your trailer during high winds or lane changes, reducing the risk of accidents.

Fuel Efficiency Considerations

Fuel efficiency is another important aspect when towing a camper. Towing can significantly affect your vehicle’s gas mileage, so it may be worthwhile to consider the size and weight of the camper. Lightweight campers generally offer better fuel efficiency, allowing for longer trips without frequent fuel stops. Understanding the towing capacity of your vehicle can aid in selecting a camper that minimizes the impact on fuel consumption.

Living Amenities

When choosing your vehicle and towable camper, consider the living amenities that will enhance your camping experience. Some essential features to think about include:

• Air Conditioner: A well-functioning air conditioning system can enhance comfort, especially during hot summer months.
• Outdoor Showers & Fresh Water Systems: An outdoor shower is a bonus for rinsing off after a day of adventure, while a reliable fresh water system ensures you have access to potable water.
• Dual Azdel Walls: These walls offer durability and insulation, keeping your camper lightweight while enhancing temperature regulation inside.

Storage & Parking Needs

Lastly, practical considerations about storage and parking must be addressed. Ensure your camper conveniently fits within your driveway or garage. Consider:

• Storage Capacity: Look for campers that provide adequate storage space for your gear, whether it’s interior cabinets or exterior compartments.
• Maneuverability: If you plan to travel to various locations or campsites, ensure that both your tow vehicle and camper can easily navigate different terrains and parking situations.

Knowing these factors, you’ll be better prepared to choose a towable camper that complements your vehicle and meets your adventure needs, ensuring more enjoyable camping experiences for you and your family.

Best Towable Campers And What Vehicles to Pull Them With

Here are some of the top-rated campers and their ideal tow vehicles:

Southeast Financial Camper Loans If You’re Missing that Towable for Your Adventures

Choosing the best towable camper starts with knowing your vehicle’s tow capacity and hitch weight. Whether you need a lightweight teardrop trailer or a fifth-wheel camper, there’s an option that fits your needs.

If you’re looking to finance your dream camping trailer yesterday, Southeast Financial can help with camper loans for any camper or adventure rig enthusiast vehicles. Contact Southeast Financial today and start your next road adventure!