If you have a small teardrop or pop-up camper, you’re probably not towing it with a heavy-duty RAM 2500. There’s no need to spend money on a huge truck when you’re only pulling 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. But what about an SUV?
Can you tow a small camper with an SUV? Let’s examine the Jeep Wagoneer, one of the best options in 2023 for getting you to and from the campsite safely!
Can an SUV Tow a Camper?
The short answer is yes and no. There are many SUVs capable of towing a small camper. However, many trailers are too long and heavy for an SUV to tow. It all comes down to the numbers. If the GVWR of the camper exceeds the towing capacity of an SUV, then it’s not safe to tow that camper with that particular SUV.
But as long as you check the weight capacity and are within the manufacturer’s limitations, save some money and use your SUV to enjoy relaxing evenings at your local campground.
What Is the Best 2023 SUV for Towing a Small Camper?
The best 2023 SUV for towing a small camper is the Jeep Wagoneer. This is not for all campers. In general, a small trailer is lightweight and short. For example, the Caravel 16RB by Airstream is 16 feet long with a GVWR of 4,300 pounds. Compare this to the Classic 33FB, over 33 feet long with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds.
The same SUV can’t tow both trailers. However, the Jeep Wagoneer is an excellent choice for towing a small camper in 2023.
Pro Tip: Before you hit the road, make sure you know these 10 Unwritten Rules for Towing.
About the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer
In 2022, the Jeep Wagoneer earned the J.D. Power award for highest-ranked appeal among drivers in the large SUV category. The cost starts around $59,000 for the Wagoneer 4X2, one of the four models in the Wagoneer lineup. Let’s look at the specs to see if you can tow your small camper with a 2023 Jeep Wagoneer.
Towing Capacity
According to Jeep, the Wagoneer has the best-in-class maximum towing capacity of large sport utility vehicles at 10,000 pounds. However, this doesn’t mean that every Jeep Wagoneer can tow this much weight. You must adequately outfit and equip the vehicle. The heavy-duty trailer tow package is available on the Wagoneer Series II 4X2, Wagoneer Carbide 4X2, and Wagoneer Series III 4X2 models.
Specs
The Wagoneer 4X2 model has a 5.7L V8 engine, while the other three offer the 3.0L Standard-Output Hurricane Twin Turbo engine. Off-road aluminum wheels are available only on the Wagoneer Series III 4X2 model. The heavy-duty trailer tow package includes chrome tow hooks, heavy-duty engine cooling, trailer-brake control, trailer-hitch line-up assist, and more features to help make your towing experience easier.
The Wagoneer has a 123-inch wheelbase, while the Wagoneer L has an extended wheelbase of 130 inches. The Wagoneer L also has a higher interior cargo capacity of 42 cubic feet because of its increased length of over 226 inches.
Safety
Offering several safety features, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer helps alleviate some driving stresses. It comes with pedestrian and cyclist emergency braking, full-speed forward collision warning with active braking, and blind spot monitoring. The Active Lane Management System will alert you when you’ve crossed the center line and help guide you to the right lane. The Traffic Sign Recognition software helps anticipate upcoming road signs to better prepare you for what’s ahead. Finally, the 360° Surround View Camera helps you see everything around you as you park.
Features
The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer has over 27 cubic feet of interior cargo space, making it an excellent towing vehicle. You can conveniently fit camping gear and all your essentials in this vehicle. The almost 43 inches of rear legroom also make the ride comfortable for teenagers or adults who might ride in the second row.
Technology is also a significant feature of the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer. Be hands-free with Apple CarPlay or Android Automation. A phone charging station is part of the center console. A 10.1-inch touchscreen display comes with the Next-Gen Uconnect 5 NAV system.
In addition, they’ve mounted two 10.1-inch rear seat screens to the back of the front seats. They have Amazon Fire TV so that each passenger can watch a movie. Finally, the passenger interactive display is on the passenger dash to help navigate with the Uconnect 5 system.
Cost
The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer 4X2 has a base price of $58,995. This is for the Series I model at the most basic level. The 4X4 model increases to approximately $61,995. The Series II Wagoneer 4X2 starts at $69,640, with the 4X4 option increasing the price to $72,640. Finally, the Series III Wagoneer has a base price of $74,640 for the 4X2 and $77,640 for the 4X4 model.
What Type of Campers Can the Jeep Wagoneer Pull?
The Jeep Wagoneer can pull a wide range of small campers. However, it’s crucial to know the GVWR of the trailer and the exact towing capacity of your Jeep Wagoneer.
You also don’t want to max out the towing capacity and tow the Classic 33FB Airstream with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds. Following the 80/20 rule of towing is an ideal guideline. Stay at around 80% of the vehicle’s towing capacity so you don’t stress the vehicle and allow for human error when establishing towing capacity, GVWR, and other essential measurements.
Small campers like fiberglass trailers from Scamp or Casita are towable with the Jeep Wagoneer. Also, the Jeep Wagoneer can tow any teardrop or overlanding trailer because those tend to be much shorter and lighter than travel trailers.
If you’re looking for bunk beds for the kids, it’s not impossible to find a small camper under 10,000 pounds with this option. The Coachmen Catalina 184BHS is 23 feet, 1 inch with a GVWR of 5,500 pounds, and has double-over-double bunk beds. The Jayco Feather Micro 171BH is even smaller at 20 feet, 2 inches, with a GVWR of 4,995 pounds. This model has bunk beds and a queen bed. If you like the rear kitchen floorplan, the Keystone Bullet 258RKS measures 29 feet, 11 inches in length, and has a GVWR of under 8,000 pounds.
Pro Tip: Trying to calculate your GVWR? Make sure you know these 7 Common Towing Capacity Mistakes.
What Midsize SUV Has the Best Towing Capacity?
According to Kelly Blue Book, the Jeep Wagoneer has the best towing capacity of any midsize SUV. However, other top contenders include the Ford Expedition, with a max towing capacity of over 9,000 pounds, and the Nissan Armada, with a max towing capacity of around 8,500 pounds. The Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Dodge Durango can also tow over 8,000 pounds.
Is a Jeep Wagoneer Worth It?
If you already own a Jeep Wagoneer, there’s no need to purchase another vehicle to tow a small camper. This one will probably do the trick. Still, check the numbers on your specific model. Just because the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer has a max towing capacity of 10,000 pounds doesn’t mean your model has that capacity.
Not only is the Jeep Wagoneer a towing SUV, but it’s also stylish, innovative, and spacious. It offers comfortable rides to and from the campground and around town. The entire family will love the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer.
Will you purchase a 2023 Jeep Wagoneer any time soon? Does it meet the needs of your travel lifestyle? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: