20 Best Campers to Tow With an SUV

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When purchasing a camper, don’t worry; you don’t necessarily need a big, expensive truck to pull your smaller rig. We found plenty of campers that you can tow with your SUV. Some have plenty of amenities for your home away from home. On our list, you will find ones that sleep a whole family, have spacious bathrooms, and others that will take you on backroad adventures.

Check out our list of the 20 best campers to tow with an SUV in major weight categories. We will include example SUVs that fit each category to give you some perspective. But don’t consider this an all-inclusive list for SUVs or campers.

Decide what you need and what will work for you. Then check out some of the best brands such as:

  1. Droplet Trailer 58
  2. ProLite Eco
  3. Oregon Trail’R DoDrop Alpha
  4. Go Little Guy MyPod
  5. Timberleaf Classic
  6. Hiker Trailer Highway Deluxe
  7. Basedrop Teardrop Camper Trailer
  8. NuCamp T@G
  9. Casita Liberty
  10. Braxton Creek Bushwacker
  11. Scamp 16’
  12. Ember Overland Micro Series ROK and ROL
  13. Airstream Basecamp 16X
  14. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH
  15. Winnebago Hike 100 1316FB
  16. Starcraft Superlight Maxx 16FBS
  17. Black Series HQ15
  18. Grand Design Transcend Xplor 265BH
  19. Palomino Puma 25BHFQ
  20. Forest River Independence Trail 262DBS

How Much Can My SUV Tow?

The best way to learn how much your SUV can tow is to check your owner’s manual. Smaller SUVs come with one or two towing capacities, but larger versions can have multiple versions.

Towing capacity comes from your engine’s horsepower and torque, transmission gearing, and other components under the hood. Yet the heart of your SUV is only part of the equation.

The skeleton, tendons, and feet of your crossover or SUV have a lot to do with your towing capacity. The chassis, suspension, axles, and even tires affect how much your SUV can tow. You’ll also need the correct weight distribution hitch with sway control.

In our list of the best campers to tow with an SUV, we’ve broken them into the 5 crossover/SUV categories. Each classification has been paired up with travel trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating that meets the SUV classes’ general towing capacity.

  • Mini Crossover SUV- 1,500 lbs.
  • Compact Crossover SUV- 2,000 lbs.
  • Crossover SUV- 3,500 lbs.
  • Mid-Size SUV- 5,000 lbs.
  • Full-Size SUV- Up to 9,300 lbs.

20 Best Campers to Tow With an SUV

1. Droplet Trailer 58Under 1,500 lbs.

Campers to Tow With an SUV Droplet Trailer 58 Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Droplet Trailer 58 Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Droplet Trailer 58 Rear Hatch
  • UVW: 950 lbs.
  • Tongue Weight: 95 lbs.
  • Length: 13.5 ft.
  • GVWR: 1,400 lbs.
  • CCC: 350 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

The Droplet Trailer 58 is an evolution of the original. While it still has the same 8 ft. cabin, Pascal Pillon and his team have added new features like better shelving in the kitchen hatch, a new storage design in the cabin, and other great features.

What has not changed are the extra-wide doors, huge front window, and industry-leading 6-inch mattress in the cabin.

The portable fridge and battery pack are still removable, so you can bring them along if you need power and refrigeration away from camp.

If you cannot get this compact teardrop camper in the right spot when you are setting up, you can lift the 95 lbs. hitch yourself and maneuver it into the best spot.

The Droplet 58 is an excellent travel trailer for mobility-challenged RVers. Due to its Dexter torsion axles, it measures perfect for a level transfer into the cabin.

The rear kitchen hatch sits at wheelchair height, giving you full use for meal prep.

2. ProLite EcoUnder 1,500 lbs.

Campers to Tow With an SUV ProLite Eco Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV ProLite Eco Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV ProLite Eco Floorplan
  • UVW: 995 lbs.
  • Tongue Weight: 95 lbs.
  • Length: 12.8 ft.
  • GVWR: 1,200 lbs.
  • CCC: 205 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

The ProLite Eco is built by Canadian company Roulottes-Prolite and is a great option to pull with your mini crossover.

Its features include a stove, a 16,000 BTU furnace, a table that converts to a 75 X 68 bed, and a small refrigerator. It comes with options such as electric brakes and a water heater.

Many find these couples travel trailer for mini crossovers worth it because it gives you the weight of a teardrop but the self-containment of a camper trailer.

3. Earth Traveler T300- Under 1,500 lbs.

Best Campers to Tow With an SUV Earth Traveler T300 Exterior
Best Campers to Tow With an SUV Earth Traveler T300 Interior
Best Campers to Tow With an SUV Earth Traveler T300 Expanded
  • UVW: 300 lbs.
  • Tongue Weight: 45 lbs.
  • Length: 11 ft.
  • GVWR: 1,200 lbs.
  • CCC: 800 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

The Earth Traveler T300 comes from New Mexico. It is known as the lightest RV ever made. A few years ago, Earth Traveler beat its own record when it created the T250LX using carbon fiber. Essentially, it is the T300 design, but 50 lbs. lighter.

At first glance, the T300 looks like an enclosed flatbed with two mattresses. Yet when fully expanded, you will have standing room, cubbies for storing items, add-on tent awnings, and other accessories.

With an 800 lbs. cargo-carrying capacity, your weekend boondocking adventure will be amazing as you cruise the roads or trails with your mini crossover.

4. Go Little Guy MyPod- Under 1,500 lbs.

Campers to Tow With an SUV Little Guy MyPod XT Rear Hatch Tent
  • UVW: 840 lbs.
  • Tongue Weight: 110 lbs.
  • Length: 11.6 ft.
  • GVWR: 1,390 lbs.
  • CCC: 550 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

The Little Guy MyPod XT is a small trailer perfect for your next outing if you like an adventure. It comes with a full-size bed sleeping area, installed AC, entertainment center, 3-speed Fantastic Fan, and 12V/110 power.

The 100% molded fiberglass body with an ultra-light frame can easily be pulled by any mini crossover SUV.

Choose a roof rack for kayaks or an easy-to-setup attachable tent or an all-weather cover.

Little Guy enhanced the MyPod XT with wrap-around armor on the bottom half to protect the fiberglass from road debris or other dangers. The interior received many other upgrades that are worth checking out.

5. Timberleaf Classic- Under 2,000 lbs.

Campers to Tow With an SUV Timberleaf Classic Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Timberleaf Classic Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Timberleaf Classic Rear Hatch
  • UVW: 1,400 lbs.
  • Tongue Weight: 110 lbs.
  • Length: 11.8 ft.
  • GVWR: 1,950 lbs.
  • CCC: 550 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

The Timberleaf Classic’s design comes from the post-WWII teardrop camper designs from the early Vintage Era (1945-1970). You will find that it offers a rear galley that maximizes your space and efficiency.

The kitchen hatch includes two upper sliding doors that pass through to the interior. The kitchen sink with a larger basin connects to either a standard 11-gallon or upgraded 17.5-gallon onboard freshwater tank.

Options for the galley include a Partner Steel two-burner cookstove, a locking pull-out tray for the cooler/fridge, and three different cooler/12-volt fridge options.

The Timberleaf Classic also has other features such as a sunroof, ceiling fan, mounted toolbox, hooks for solar panels, and roof rack.

This well-insulated teardrop trailer can take you on late-season adventures with several color options. This one also has enamel-baked aluminum for durability and weather resistance.

6. Hiker Trailer Highway Deluxe- Under 2,000 lbs.

Campers to Tow With an SUV Hiker Trailer Highway Deluxe Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Hiker Trailer Highway Deluxe Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Hiker Trailer Highway Deluxe Rear Hatch
  • UVW: 800 lbs.
  • Tongue Weight: 72 lbs.
  • Length: 12 ft.
  • GVWR: 1,350 lbs.
  • CCC: 550 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

The Hiker Trailer Highway Deluxe model comes in three lengths, 8 foot, 9 foot, and 10 foot.

It comes with a manual hand-crank roof vent, side windows with screens, a 17-inch deep rear galley with varnished wood surfaces, plenty of shelving, and a pass-through from the galley to the cabin.

The Highway Deluxe gives you many power connection possibilities. It comes with a 30-amp shore power connection, house battery, 110v power strip in the galley, 12v wiring throughout, and a USB charging station in the front of the interior cabin. There are also optional roof solar panels.

Hiker Trailer lets you customize your Highway Deluxe with the type of doors, exterior color, storage cabinetry, and roof accessories. Some optional features could increase your camper’s dry weight.

7. Basedrop Teardrop Camper Trailer

Campers to Tow With an SUV Basedrop Teardrop Camper Trailer Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Basedrop Teardrop Camper Trailer Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Basedrop Teardrop Camper Trailer Rear Hatch
  • UVW: 1,000 lbs.
  • Tongue Weight: 55 lbs.
  • Length: 12.3 ft.
  • GVWR: 1,400 lbs.
  • CCC: 400 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

The Basedrop Teardrop by Colorado Teardrops is durable, lightweight, and built to last a lifetime.

The teardrop trailer company uses aircraft aluminum cabin framing (like Airstream) that is fully insulated and comes in many color options.

The maple wood interior and galley are sealed for a great look and easy cleanup.

You will find a queen memory foam bed with a center cabin light, reading lights, and plenty of storage inside the cabin. Sliding windows and a pop-up ceiling vent allow air circulation but keep bugs and debris out.

Choose your own galley configuration that best suits your needs. Ultra-durable diamond plate aluminum is used at the bottom of the galley, wheel wells, the front wall, and the hitch to protect the camper from harm.

Optional 15-inch tires and a front storage box will make off-road RV adventures awesome to complete the masterpiece teardrop camper.

8. NuCamp T@G- Over 2,000 lbs.

Campers to Tow With an SUV nuCamp TAG Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV nuCamp TAG Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV nuCamp TAG Floorplan
  • UVW: 1,269 lbs.
  • Tongue Weight: 130 lbs.
  • Length: 13.6 lbs.
  • GVWR: 2,200 lbs.
  • CCC: 730 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

The nuCamp T@G has a GVWR of 2,200 lbs. This is just above our compact crossover towing capacity rating. SUV classifications are weird; you can have two vehicles considered compact crossovers/small SUVs, yet their tow ratings are vastly different.

For example, the Chevy Equinox has a 1,500 lbs. tow capacity, and the Ford Escape can tow 3,500 lbs. Yet both have a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is comparable.

The T@G comes equipped with a deluxe kitchen, standard solar panel, full HVAC, and massive storage inside and outside the sleeping space.

There are also outer graphic options and a boondocking package featuring off-road tires, pitched axle, roof rack, etc.

If your compact crossover has the towing capacity to pull more than 2,000 lbs., the on-road version is a great camper to tow with your SUV. If you have a full crossover SUV or larger, the off-road upgrade is worth towing into the great unknown.

9. Liberty Deluxe Casita Travel TrailerUnder 3,500 lbs.

Campers to Tow With an SUV Casita Liberty Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Casita Liberty Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Casita Liberty Floorplan
  • UVW: 2,480 lbs.
  • Tongue: 375 lbs.
  • Length: 17 ft.
  • GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
  • CCC: 1,020 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2-4

The Liberty Deluxe Casita travel trailer has five different bed and dinette configurations. The Liberty Deluxe model has screened picture windows for great cross ventilation and a lot of natural lighting.

The two convertible dinettes convert into a double bed and a small single bed or a large king-size bed. The larger rear dinette can be left permanently into a double bed with seating for two on the smaller forward table.

When you order the Liberty Deluxe, it comes with a wet bath at the front of this molded fiberglass travel trailer, a kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, cooktop, and microwave.

The Standard version places floor-level storage and bunk beds in the front instead of the bathroom. Many enjoy the extra sleeping and daytime seating advantage and lower price point with the Liberty Standard. 

Popular add-ons include an aluminum-cased patio awning, furnace, battery upgrade, video package, etc.

10. Braxton Creek Bushwacker

Campers to Tow With an SUV Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Floorplan
  • UVW: 1,300 lbs.
  • Tongue: 280 lbs.
  • Length: 13.2 ft.
  • GVWR: 2,486 lbs.
  • CCC: 1,186 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

The Braxton Creek Bushwacker is a light, compact teardrop that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The model comes with a 5,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner, 12,000 BTU furnace, a blue tooth stereo with interior speakers, and is prepped for a TV and signal inputs.

The exterior hatch holds a teardrop RV outdoor kitchen space complete with a 2-burner gas cooktop, built-in sink, and a 30 quart K2 Summit Series cooler.

The heavy-duty, roof-mounted gear rack lets you bring bikes, kayaks, etc. Stabilizing jacks with footpads for extra stability will help keep things stable on rocky and uneven terrain. Oversized cabinets allow for plenty of storage.

11. Scamp 16

Campers to Tow With an SUV Scamp 16 Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Scamp 16 Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Scamp 16 Floorplan
  • UVW: 2,600 lbs.
  • Tongue: 174 lbs.
  • Length: 16 ft.
  • GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
  • CCC: 900 lbs.
  • Sleep: 4

Check out the 2024 16-foot Scamp Deluxe. This little beauty can be built with your favorite features.

You can camp in comfort with a beautiful hardwood interior and plenty of counter and storage space.

The front and rear dinettes allow you to eat and sleep without making a bed every morning. You can sleep four people in the red decal Standard version or choose the golden graphic Deluxe version with the front wet bath.

The 2024 Scamp 16 can also be equipped with a rooftop A/C and is comfortable enough to spend a weekend or several weeks.

This model also has a two-burner stove, a kitchen sink, freshwater, a gray water tank, a 3.7 cubic foot refrigerator, and much more.

12. Ember Overland Micro Series ROK

Campers to Tow With an SUV Ember Overland Micro Series ROK and ROL Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Ember Overland Micro Series ROK and ROL Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Ember Overland Micro Series ROK and ROL Floorplan
  • UVW: 2,215 lbs.
  • Tongue: 345 lbs.
  • Length: 12.10 ft.
  • GVWR: 3,495 lbs.
  • CCC: 1,280 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

You don’t have to be a fan of Joan Jett (although who doesn’t enjoy her immortal anthem, “I love Rock and Roll,”) to enjoy Ember RV’s Rear Outdoor Kitchen (ROK) Overland Micro Series Teardrop.

The Ember ROK and its twin, the Rear Outdoor Locker (ROL), are non-traditionally shaped teardrop campers specifically made for off-road RVing.

The ROL uses the back hatch as a large open cargo space measuring 55.5h 68w x 25-inches deep.

If you prefer a rear hatch kitchen, the ROK has cabinetry, a 12v electric cooler, an optional griddle, and a 12v LED TV, making the rear outdoor living space perfect for off-grid living or RV tailgating.

Both feature a 26-gallon freshwater tank and an outdoor shower. A water/space heater system is optional.

These rugged twins have a jackknife sofa and an adjustable arm-mounted Lagun-style table. An optional roof-top tent is available that integrates into the Thule rack system.

13. Airstream Basecamp 16X

Campers to Tow With an SUV Airstream Basecamp 16X Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Airstream Basecamp 16X Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Airstream Basecamp 16X Floorplan
  • UVW: 2,635 lbs.
  • Tongue: 435 lbs.
  • Length: 16.2 ft.
  • GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
  • CCC: 865 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2

The Airstream Basecamp is made for adventure with a low profile and aerodynamic shape for low wind resistance.

The rounded front end-shell eliminates the vacuum effect adding to the efficiency and stability of RV towing.

As with every Airstream, the level of quality includes unmatched durability with three separate pieces of aluminum skin that are stretched and riveted to structural ribs.

Adventure seekers will love the 16X over the standard 16 due to the upgraded rugged features like the three-inch lift kit and raised hitch jack foot pad for clearance on rough roads and trails.

The front kitchen has a two-burner cooktop, and you can enjoy two pedestal tables with storage under the seat. Beds can be made into one 76 X 76-inch bed or two smaller half beds. The on-board wet bath or the outdoor shower is great for your bathing needs.

Options include a solar rooftop package, 9,200 BTU AC with a heat strip, microwave, etc.

14. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH

Campers to Tow With an SUV Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH Floorplan
  • UVW: 3,135 lbs.
  • Tongue: 265 lbs.
  • Length: 21.6 ft.
  • GVWR: 4,150 lbs.
  • CCC: 1,015 lbs.
  • Sleep: 4-5

There is a lot to like about this Jayco ultralight trailer. Take note of the queen bed, bunks, and tub. This small family-friendly travel trailer hits well under that 5,000 pound limit of the mid-size SUV’s average towing capacity.

The stick-and-tin frame and shell come insulated with fiberglass batt as a conventionally-built travel trailer. If you enjoy being the first ones out and the last ones to close the RV season, this mighty bunk bed travel trailer will keep you warm and toasty.

The 174BH comes standard with solid hardwood cabinet doors, vinyl floors, a wall-mounted 8,000 BTU AC, and residential-style kitchen features.

When you are ready to upgrade, the Jay Flight comes with rooftop solar prep, and side-mounted camera prep.

15. Winnebago Hike 100 1316FB

Campers to Tow With an SUV Winnebago Hike 100 1316FB Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Winnebago Hike 100 1316FB Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Winnebago Hike 100 1316FB Floorplan
  • UVW: 2,700 lbs.
  • Tongue: 538 lbs.
  • Length: 15.7 ft.
  • GVWR: 4,200 lbs.
  • CCC: 1,500 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2-3

This small but mighty Winnebago has much to love in a small package. It has some big trailer amenities and a fantastic cargo carrying capacity.

The 1316FB differs placed the kitchen outside in the rear hatch. The trade-off is a front wet bath inside the cabin space. While most teardrops have you make other arrangements for those times when nature calls, you can complete your morning routine without strapping on your boots.

The rear hatch kitchen of this Hike 100 layout includes a small kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, and sink. The standard Hike 100 has no stove but features a roll-out countertop.

Winnie adds living space outside with awnings covering three sides, giving you more than 200 square feet of extra space around the trailer.

They easily cover the kitchen nook, door, and storage access points. The awnings also reconfigure to become a changing room or privacy partition for the outdoor shower.

The Hike 100 also has mounting points on the outside to hold Thule equipment racks for adventure toys such as canoes, paddleboards, kayaks, and more. The racks are specifically designed to avoid blocking the 190-watt solar panel that comes standard on the roof.

The Hike 100 rolls on 16-inch Goodyear Endurance tires and touts an axle lift for good clearance.

16. Starcraft Superlight Maxx 16FBS

Campers to Tow With an SUV Starcraft Super Lite Maxx 16FBS Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Starcraft Super Lite Maxx 16FBS Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Starcraft Super Lite Maxx 16FBS Floorplan
  • UVW: 3,830 lbs.
  • Tongue: 440 lbs.
  • Length: 16 ft.
  • GVWR: 4,995 lbs.
  • CCC: 1,165 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2-4

Just making the cut for a GVWR under 5,000 pounds, the Starcraft Superlight Maxx has technology and comfort in an easy-to-tow package.

With over 50 years in the business, Starcraft draws on its experience and the latest innovations to build great quality RVs.

Starcraft uses its Tuffshell Wall building process to ensure its laminated fiberglass sidewalls and aluminum framing travel trailers are built to last.

The company’s EcoAdvantage construction methodology maximizes the use of renewable materials while it reduces its overall carbon footprint. This preserves the landscapes their products are made to explore.

You’ll find that Starcraft makes travel trailers for off-grid living, all-season camping, and overall durability no matter when or where your destination.

Standard features include a walkable roof, rear roof access ladder, marine-grade exterior speakers, range, 80-inch bed, 8 cu. ft. 3-way fridge, kid and pet-friendly flooring, solar-ready prep, residential high-rise faucet, etc.

Options include 12v tank heat pads, an off-grid solar package with a 190-watt panel, a 30-amp controller, and a WiFi router.

17. Black Series HQ15

Campers to Tow With an SUV Black Series HQ15 Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Black Series HQ15 Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Black Series HQ15 Floorplan
  • UVW: 4,722 lbs.
  • Tongue: 708 lbs.
  • Length: 22.2 ft.
  • GVWR: 7,000 lbs.
  • CCC: 2,278 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2-3

Black Series travel trailers are a great blend of off-road capability with comfortable living spaces with a floor plan for everyone. The HQ15 fits right into the full-size SUV weight category.

Learn more about the Black Series in our FREE digital April and May editions of RV Camping Magazine!

The HQ15 has a lounge dinette and a double-size bed and can sleep three people. The full bathroom provides all the comforts of home, a kitchen with a three-burner range, and a microwave.

Black Series provides a mobile device app that interacts with your RV. YOu can see your holding tank and propane level status in real-time. The app also lets you activate certain features like extending the awning and other components.

The HQ15 is equipped to use diesel, natural gas/propane, and solar energy, so power is never in short supply. The water tank system can meet the needs of a small family for more than a week.

18. Grand Design Transcend Xplor 265BH

Campers to Tow With an SUV Grand Design Transcend Xplor 265BH Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Grand Design Transcend Xplor 265BH Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Grand Design Transcend Xplor 265BH Floorplan
  • UVW: 6,327 lbs.
  • Tongue: 658 lbs.
  • Length: 32.75 lbs.
  • GVWR: 7,995 lbs.
  • CCC: 1,668 lbs.
  • Sleep: 4-6

There is plenty in the Grand Design Transcend 265BH travel trailer that is great for the weekend or even for a family looking to full-time.

This model features double-size bunks, a full master suite, a full bathroom, and even a pet drawer for your four-legged family member.

Prepare your favorite meals with a microwave, 3-burner range and oven, residential countertops, and solid hardwood cabinets.

Don’t sell this one short, as Grand Design has a great reputation with solid construction that can withstand the rigors of RV life. The construction of the Transcend features Quadseal insulation, a double insulated roof, and a heated and enclosed underbelly with suspended tanks.

The u-shaped dinette in the slide-out can be switched out for the optional theatre seats, and the jackknife sofa is comfortable to relax and unwind.

19. Palomino Puma 25BHFQ

Campers to Tow With an SUV Palomino Puma 25BHFQ Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Palomino Puma 25BHFQ Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Palomino Puma 25BHFQ Floorplan
  • UVW: 6,973 lbs.
  • Tongue:765 lbs.
  • Length: 31.7 ft.
  • GVWR: 8,473 lbs.
  • CCC: 1,500 lbs.
  • Sleep: 2-6

This Palomino Puma, made by Forest River, is a bunkhouse travel trailer with two slides and is a true four-season trailer. It is just one of the many Puma’s that will fit into the full-size SUV weight category.

Enjoy all the comforts of home with a residential queen bed, an upper bunk, and a jiffy sofa under the bunk. The kids will love having their own space in the bunkhouse while you and your spouse soak in the serenity of being on the opposite side of the RV.

This model has plenty of USB charging ports for all your devices, a 35,000 BTU furnace, a kitchen with a four-burner stove, microwave and oven, a built-in spice rack and knife rack, and a large u-shaped dinette. The 11 cu. ft. refrigerator and plenty of storage will give you ample room for feeding the family.

The full bathroom with a roomy shower will be great after a day at the beach or a hike in the woods.

Options include room for a second AC unit, electric stabilizer jacks, and a 3,500-pound electric tongue jack.

20. Forest River Independence Trail 262DBS

Campers to Tow With an SUV Forest River Independence Trail 262DBS Exterior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Forest River Independence Trail 262DBS Interior
Campers to Tow With an SUV Forest River Independence Trail 262DBS Floorplan
  • UVW: 6,162 lbs.
  • Tongue: 720 lbs.
  • Length: 32 ft.
  • GVWR: 7,627 lbs.
  • CCC: 1,495 lbs.
  • Sleep: 4-9

I was drawn to this trailer because of its king-size bed and its ability to sleep 9 people. What a great start for a larger family. This one features a front master suite, a walk-through bath with a bathtub, double bunk beds, a u-shaped dinette, and dual entry doors. At a GVWR of 7,720 pounds, it’s well under the gas-saving Toyota Sequoia Hybrid’s 9,000 lbs. towing capacity.

This model has a three-burner cooktop, oven, microwave, and a 7 cubic foot refrigerator. The slideout in the main living area will give you plenty of room for foot traffic.

Each model also includes an exterior shower, two 20-pound propane bottles, thermofoil countertops, and LED lighting. It also includes a 13,500 BTU AC and a 30,000 BTU furnace.

There are plenty of USB ports for all the family’s devices, and the Independence Trail 262DBS also comes with an outdoor kitchen. You can easily add a backup camera or solar package when you are ready to upgrade.

Consider What is Inside the Best SUV for Towing a Camper

Consider What is Inside the Best SUV for Towing a Camper Jeep Grand Cherokee towing Airstream Caravel

When choosing an SUV for a tow vehicle, you should always consider that tow capacities differ depending on your vehicle’s engine, the type of tow package, or the payload rating.

The payload rating is how much weight a vehicle can haul inside the passenger cabin and any weight on the roof like a luggage carrier. The more people and gear you have in, and on top of, your SUV, the less power you will have for towing and keeping up with traffic.

Be sure you consult your dealer or owner’s manual for all the vehicle’s towing capacity details.

What Weight Do I Look at for Towing a Camper?

What Weight Do I Look at for Towing a Camper

You need to look at several weights when matching up your tow vehicle with a camper.

First, you will need to know how much your SUV can tow. If your vehicle has a maximum trailer weight rating of 8,000 pounds, your trailer needs to have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 7,000 pounds.

For example, the trailer you want to purchase has a dry weight of 6,500 pounds and a cargo capacity of 1,000 pounds. Add those two numbers together to get the GVWR. In this case, that would be 7,500 pounds and below your maximum tow capacity.

Dry Weight + Cargo Carrying Capacity = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

RV manufacturers may publish gross vehicle weights that are slightly different. Always use their weight rating. If you can’t find it, use the equation above to get a general idea.

There will always be some weight added to your trailer, including the holding tanks, so you will need to make sure that your trailer’s dry weight and the cargo do not add up to more than your SUV’s towing capacity. A great way to find that total in a “real” sense is to head to a CAT Scale and weigh your setup fully loaded.

Here are the common terms you will want to find.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)

Or “dry weight”. This is the weight of an empty travel trailer. When we say “empty,” it refers to how the RV came off the factory floor.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)

The CCC or cargo-carrying capacity is the maximum additional weight your trailer can handle. Some RV companies use Net Cargo Capacity, which is the same thing. 

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

This is the safest maximum weight to tow your travel trailer or drive your motorhome. This weight comes from the manufacturer and is required by the law and RV regulators. Towing above this rating can void your RV insurance if you get into an accident. 

So if the trailer you’re looking at has a UVW, or dry weight, of 6,000 lbs., and a CCC of 600 lbs., the GVWR is 6,600 lbs. If your vehicle can tow 7,000 lbs., then you should be in good shape.

Tongue (or Hitch) Weight

The tongue is the front part of the trailer that hooks to your vehicle’s rear chassis. Tongue and hitch are used interchangeably, but the word “tongue” usually references travel trailers, and “hitch” designates fifth wheels.

Your SUV will have a maximum tongue weight rating. Hitch receivers attached to the rear chassis are ideal for towing. Using a ball hitch on your bumper could rip it off with the lightest weights.

The tongue weight rating of a travel trailer is approximately 10%-15% of the trailer’s dry weight.

If you have a travel trailer with a dry weight trailer weight rating of 5,000 lbs., the tongue weight rating should be between 500-750 lbs.

As long as your SUV has a tongue weight rating over this range, you won’t damage the rear suspension or drag the bottom of your vehicle on the road as you tow the trailer.

Find the Best SUV and Travel Trailer Pairing When You Know What to Look For

Campers to Tow With and SUV Coachmen Apex With Ford Explorer

The best person to know what you need in a camper is you. Not everyone can purchase a large SUV, so it’s great to have some choices on the smaller end of the spectrum, both in a camper and tow vehicle.

Make a list of the amenities and options that you desire in a camper, and then take some time to research brands and models. There are so many to choose from that will accommodate a solo traveler, a couple, or a family.

Be sure to check out plenty of reviews for each camper you consider. Even if you don’t plan to buy a new camper, go to an RV show or take a stroll around a local dealer and ask many questions.

Know what your vehicle can tow and consider all the weight factors listed above. You do not want to find the perfect model and then realize it is too big to tow with your SUV.

Finally, enjoy the process. Purchasing a camper is a big decision, and you want to make sure you like what you get. Once you find your ideal SUV and RV pairing, they will take you on adventures for years to come.


RELATED READING:

1. RV Weight Explained – Travel Trailers, Motorhomes, and 5th Wheels

2. 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs

3. 10 Best RVs for Tailgating

4. 20 Best Ways to Reduce RV Weight

5. The Best SUV to Tow a Travel Trailer


About the Author

Terri Nighswonger – Author and Full Time RVer

Terri Nighswonger and her husband Todd have been RVing and work camping for six years with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Minnie Australian Shepherd, Remi.

In Addition to the RVBlogger team, Terri has written for RV Life and RV Camping Magazine and is always excited to talk about her passion for RVing and her knowledge and experience in work camping.

Writing is Terri’s passion, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking her dogs, and anything she can do outdoors.

They originate from the Midwest but plan to enjoy the West for a few years, wintering in Arizona and summering wherever the road may lead.

Full Time RVer Terri Nighswonger

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1 thought on “20 Best Campers to Tow With an SUV”

  1. The picture at the beginning of the article shows an Alto R1713, but you never mention it in the article. I have one, at it easily meets my needs on long 2-3 month trips with my wife and greyhound dog. It tows easily behind my Ford Expedition and has been all over southern Canada and most US states. It sleeps 3, has a refrigerator, bathroom, stove and sink inside. I am disappointed that you did not discuss it after putting it on the lead-in.

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