RV Buying Guide: Towing With A Midsize SUV

Contributor

Kelsey Glennon

Favorite Trip

Florida Freshwater Springs

Home Base

Orlando, FL

Favorite RV

Airstream Overlander

About Contributor

Kelsey’s first career as a performing artist had her traveling the world. Eager to keep traveling, she hit the road to see the USA in a 69’ Airstream Overlander. Today you can find her writing about travel, design, and good food. When she’s not planning her next trip, she’s sipping on local beer and petting other people’s dogs.

So you’ve got a mid-size SUV that you love. Maybe it’s a snappy Suburu Outback, a Honda Pilot, or a Chevy Traverse. But, you can’t stop eyeing the travel trailers every time you pass by your local RV dealership.

Going off-grid for a few days is starting to sound pretty good. The mountains are calling and you must go, but…can you tow a trailer with your midsize SUV?

Winding pathway through mountains.
Winding pathway through mountains. Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina, USA

Before you hitch up your dream camper to your midsize SUV, first things first: Find out your vehicle’s tow capacity. Contact your vehicle manufacturer to find your SUV’s tow capacity, or use Camping World’s handy tow guide to quickly find the numbers you need before you begin your RV search.

Uncertain what all the acronyms mean? GVW, GVWR? We’ve got you. Learn RV weight rating terms in this quick video, breaking down each abbreviation and why they are important.

If you already know your vehicle’s tow capacity, great! Let’s get to finding the RV you can pull off the lot with the vehicle you already have in your driveway.

Ian Baker has rounded up some of the top 5 lightweight towables in this short video above. For SUV’s with a towing capacity of 3500 lbs or more, these trailers are the perfect entry into the world of camping and don’t require beefy trucks to be pulled off the lot. In fact, they are specifically designed for today’s modern midsize SUV’s.

Take a look into the new and growing world of lightweight trailers with some of our top selections below.

Forest River NOBO

NOBO’s, short for “No Boundaries,” are designed to go off-grid. High ground clearance and an agile suspension system make these small trailers incredibly versatile. Roof-mounted gear racks allow campers to bring along all their toys like kayaks, bikes, and paddleboards.

Learn more by clicking here.

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Forest River R-pod

Designed in the style of classic teardrop trailers, the R-pods pack features into a small package. A one-piece fiberglass roof makes these little trailers practically impervious to rain and leaks. R-pods are the lowest tow weight of its class; an approachable trailer for first-time towers.

Learn more by clicking here.

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Jayco JayFlight SLX 7

The Jay Flight SLX 7 Series offers six different floorplans, ranging in dry weights from 1280-3210 lbs. The 195RB (Rear Bunkhouse) makes a great family camper, with the capability to sleep 5.

Learn more by clicking here.

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Coleman Lantern  LT Series

The Coleman brand is synonymous with a life lived outdoors. Their years of experience crafting quality gear extends to their travel trailers. Coleman’s new 17B model boasts an electric fireplace and sleeping for 5 thanks to a rear bunkhouse.

Learn more by clicking here.

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Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro

The Flagstaff E-Pro’s are designed for fuel-efficiency. A rounded front cap helps create an aerodynamic trailer. E-pro’s come in over 13 different floorplans, including two new toy hauler models. Choose from useful add on features like solar panels, WiFi booster, a tongue mounted bike rack, and a lift kit with Mud Rover tires.

Learn more by clicking here.

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As a result of consumer demand, RV manufacturers have come out with more RV models that are lightweight and easy to pull with everyday vehicles. Don’t believe us? See 5 more RV’s we found that you can tow with an SUV. These trailers are small but mighty, leaving no amenity to be desired, offering features like electric fireplaces, Bluetooth hookup, bunkhouses, and gear racks.

Know of a good lightweight travel trailer we left off the list? Tell us in the comments below.

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