Did you know that you can tow a travel trailer with an SUV? It’s true, and we’re going to show you five of the best options on the market.
With more room for passengers than a truck, an SUV can be ideal for pulling an RV.
Keep reading to learn more.
Is an SUV a Good Vehicle for Towing?
An SUV is a good option for towing lightweight travel trailers or pop-up campers. However, it’s important to note that SUV towing capacities are limited. And the maximum towing capacities vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and model.
Two of the most significant benefits of towing with an SUV are practicality and cost-savings. An SUV is a practical choice, especially if you’re traveling with more than two people. It provides ample seating space while still leaving room to carry gear. SUVs are also cost-effective and more accessible for a wide range of RVers. While their price at times is lower than a truck, they typically get better fuel economy.
Which SUV Has the Highest Towing Capacity?
The Jeep Wagoneer wins the prize for the highest towing capacity of an SUV. It can pull 10,000 lbs with its 5.7L V8 gas engine.
While it doesn’t win the award for the cheapest SUV, starting at $69,440, it’s powerful and gives you a wide range of travel trailers to choose from.
Pro Tip: Unsure whether or not your vehicle has the towing capacity your RV requires? We uncovered How to Find Towing Capacity by VIN.
5 Best SUVs for Towing in 2022
Ready to take a look at the five best SUVs for towing in 2022? Drum roll, please! Let’s dive in.
1. 2022 Jeep Wagoneer
The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer has a 5.7L V8 gas engine and a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. It gets about 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, but that will decrease when towing. The Wagoneer can seat eight people and has an additional 116.7 cu-ft of cargo volume.
It has several safety features that we like as well.
For example, it has blind-spot monitoring and detects things behind you while reversing. It also has the option of a 360-degree surround-view camera to project what’s around you.
In addition, it has an active lane management system in which sensors offer subtle steering wheel input to help correct when you inadvertently go out of the lane.
2. 2022 Ford Expedition
The 2022 Ford Expedition has a 3.5L EcoBoost engine and can tow up to 9,200 lbs. It can seat up to eight people and has 20.9 cu-ft of additional cargo space behind the third row. Or you can lay the third row down flat to have 63.6 cu-ft for cargo behind the second row.
The Expedition comes equipped with touchscreens and driver-assist technology and has the option of a 360-degree camera. It also has Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which works with the 360-degree camera to help you backup your RV.
In addition, it has off-road capabilities and Trail Control technology that works with the brakes and throttle to provide more control on rough or steep terrains.
3. 2022 Dodge Durango
The 2022 Dodge Durango has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs and can seat up to seven people. Built tough like a Dodge truck, it comes standard with a 3.6L V6 engine and has a 5.7L Hemi-V8 engine available. The V8 has the most power and is optimal for towing.
The Durango offers extensive safety and security features. It has adaptive cruise control with stop, which automatically adjusts your speed when there’s slower traffic in your lane.
Blind-spot monitoring and rain-sensing windshield wipers are other helpful features on the Durango.
4. 2022 Lincoln Navigator
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator has a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine. It seats seven people and has about 19 cu-ft of additional cargo space. The towing capacity is 8,300 lbs.
The Navigator is a luxury SUV, and its features are the reason why. It has ActiveGlide technology, which allows you to operate the navigation hands-free. But it’s only available on prequalified sections of divided highways called Hands-Free Blue Zones in North America.
In addition, the Navigator has a super sleek design and massage seats for those long drives.
5. 2022 Nissan Armada
The 2022 Nissan Armada has a 5.6L direct-injection gasoline (DIG) DOHC 32-valve V8 engine. Its maximum towing capacity is 8,500 lbs. The Armada can seat eight people, and with the second and third row lying down flat, it has 92.6 cu-ft of cargo space.
You can transform this spacious SUV’s second row of seats into two captains’ chairs or a bench seat for three people. And they’re heated seats just like the front row.
It also has well-thought-out storage compartments, including underfloor cargo storage in the rear.
Pro Tip: Turn your SUV into the camper of your dreams with our ultimate SUV Camper Conversion Guide.
What Kind of RV Can an SUV Tow?
An SUV is only capable of towing a pull-behind RV that connects to its hitch. Large SUVs like the ones in this list can tow lightweight travel travelers and pop-up campers.
For example, the Jeep Wagoneer can tow a travel trailer with a GVWR under 10,000 lbs.
SUVs Are Great for RVing Families
If you’re traveling with a family of between three and eight people, an SUV is a perfect option for RVing. You can tow your travel trailer with everything you need and still have room for some cargo in addition to passengers.
It also gives you the freedom to go on day trips without having to take two vehicles.
Which SUV on the “best of” list looks most appealing to you? Drop a comment below!
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