When you’re gearing up for your next camping trip, few things matter more than having the right vehicle to tow your camper. For many, an SUV is the ideal platform, packing passenger volume, cargo capacity, towing capabilities, and engine power to do it all.
There is a big difference in pulling a lightweight pop-up camper or a full-sized travel trailer, so identifying the best SUV with adequate towing capability will directly impact your comfort, safety, and driving experience. This guide is designed to help you choose the best SUV for towing a camper, focusing on towing capacity, key features, and performance.
For RV enthusiasts, DIY owners, and fleet managers looking to make informed decisions, this article will outline the essential factors to consider in choosing an SUV that can handle the demands of towing while providing comfort and reliability for long-distance travel.
What Makes the Best Towing SUV?
Choosing the right SUV for towing your camper isn't just about picking the biggest, most powerful option. It’s about finding a vehicle that balances towing capacity with real-world usability. Several key factors should guide your decision, and knowing how they fit into your towing needs will make all the difference. Here is the DNA makeup of an SUV built for towing:
-
Towing Capacity:
The most obvious consideration is how much weight the SUV can tow. Different campers have different weights, so it’s important to find a tow vehicle that exceeds the total weight of your trailer to ensure a safe towing experience. -
Payload and Tongue Weight:
Don’t forget about payload and tongue weight. The tongue weight, typically 10-15% of your camper’s total weight, directly impacts towing stability. Getting that balance right ensures a smoother ride and reduces the risk of swaying while you drive. -
Performance and Drivetrain:
While towing capacity is crucial, performance and drivetrain also play a role. Whether it’s rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive, the right drivetrain helps maintain control, especially when driving through rough terrain or in inclement weather.
Key Factors Influencing Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow, and it's essential to understand the key factors that influence this number. These vehicle specifications are determined through thorough testing by the manufacturers and are easily found in vehicle profile descriptions, in the owner’s manual, and usually indicated on a door sill sticker as well.
-
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The GVWR refers to the total weight an SUV can carry, including passengers, cargo, and fuel. This rating is important when you’re calculating the overall weight an SUV can tow and how much room is left for the camper. -
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR):
This rating tells you the maximum weight of the SUV and the trailer combined. It’s a critical number to keep in mind to ensure your SUV can handle the load of both the vehicle and the camper. -
Importance of Payload and Tongue Weight:
Tongue weight (usually 10-15% of the camper's weight) is the downward force applied to the SUV’s hitch. Too much tongue weight can lead to reduced towing stability and affect vehicle handling, while too little can lead to swaying. Ensuring proper tongue weight is vital for safe towing.
Now, let's explore some of the best SUVs for towing a camper in the current marketplace, from full-size heavyweights to midsize all-rounders. The vehicle specifications we are citing are from the latest model lineup, but keep in mind vehicles differ year to year, and especially older generation platforms versus the latest and greatest newer models.
Full-Size SUVs for Pulling a Camper
Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are standout choices for those who need serious towing power. With towing capacities of up to 10,000 lbs for the Wagoneer and 9,000 lbs for the Grand Wagoneer, these SUVs are built to haul. Whether you choose the standard 5.7-liter V8 or opt for the Grand Wagoneer’s 6.4-liter V8, you’ll have plenty of power under the hood.
Beyond raw towing power, these SUVs excel in off-road capability, with Jeep’s renowned 4WD systems making them an excellent choice for those who want to venture off the beaten path. Plus, with their luxury interiors, they’ll keep you and your passengers comfortable on long trips.
Ford Expedition Max
If you’re looking for a full-size SUV with practicality in mind, the 2025 Ford Expedition Max is a top contender. Equipped with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, it delivers a massive 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the best in its class for towing. The Expedition Max can tow up to 9,300 lbs, perfect for most campers and trailers.
What sets the Expedition apart is its combination of power, comfort, and tech features. Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes maneuvering with a trailer easier than ever, while available 4WD adds confidence when towing in tough conditions. It’s spacious, too, with ample room for passengers and gear.
Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban
Whether you’re interested in the slightly smaller Tahoe or the longer Suburban, both offer impressive towing capacities of up to 8,400 lbs in the 2025 models. These SUVs are powered by a choice of engines, including a 3.0-liter I6 turbo diesel, or two gas engine options, a 5.3-liter V8 and a 6.2-liter V8, ensuring plenty of power options for heavy trailers.
Both the Tahoe and Suburban offer excellent towing features like Trailer Sway Control and a robust suspension system that keeps things stable. The Suburban, with its longer wheelbase, excels in providing additional towing stability. Plus, Chevrolet’s focus on comfort means you can expect a smooth ride for both you and your passengers, even on long-haul trips.
GMC Yukon / Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon and its extended version, the Yukon XL, are perfect for families who need a powerful and reliable SUV but prefer distinct GMC styling and upscale features. With the same tow capacity and powered by the same GM powerplants as its Chevrolet cousin, these SUVs offer enough grunt to tow a camper without breaking a sweat.
GMC’s ProGrade Trailering System is an added benefit, making it easier than ever to hook up and monitor your trailer while driving. Whether you opt for the Yukon or the larger Yukon XL, both offer a smooth ride, a spacious cabin, and the kind of reliability you need when towing.
Nissan Armada
With a towing capacity of up to 8,500 lbs, the Nissan Armada is a heavy-duty full-size SUV that combines power and comfort. In previous generations, the 5.6-liter V8 engine was an excellent powerplant, but under the hood of the newest model, the Armada boasts a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth acceleration and efficient towing performance.
The Armada comes equipped with several features to enhance towing safety and convenience. A Class IV Tow Hitch Receiver is standard across all trims, this hitch is designed to handle the Armada's maximum towing capacity on Pro-4X and Platinum Reserve trims, Nissan’s Integrated Trailer Brake Controller system allows for synchronized braking between the SUV and trailer, improving control. Trailer Blind Spot Monitoring is also offered and alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spots, even when towing, enhancing safety during lane changes.
Toyota Sequoia
At the heart of the Sequoia is the i-FORCE MAX 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is paired with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, ensuring smooth acceleration and efficient towing performance. Fuel economy estimates range from 19 MPG city to 22 MPG highway for the 4WD configuration.
Towing capacities vary based on trim and drivetrain configuration, but the SR5 Sequoia caps out at 9,520 lbs. Packed with handy towing features to make hauling your camper a breeze, a standard Class-IV Tow Hitch Receiver is equipped. The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller keeps everything in sync for smoother stops, while Trailer Sway Control helps maintain stability if the trailer starts swaying. Tow/Haul Mode fine-tunes the transmission for better towing performance, and Multi-Terrain Select with Downhill Assist Control ensures you’ve got the traction you need on any terrain. Higher trims add even more perks, like Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension to keep things level under heavy loads, and Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist to make backing up with a trailer a lot easier. Plus, the available Wireless Trailer Camera gives you a live feed of the trailer’s surroundings right in the rearview mirror.
Midsize SUVs for Pulling a Camper
Lexus GX
The 2025 Lexus GX stands out in the luxury SUV segment, offering impressive towing capabilities that cater to both everyday driving and off-road adventures. Equipped with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, the GX delivers robust performance. This powertrain, combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, ensures smooth acceleration and handling.
When it comes to towing, the GX offers varying capacities across its trims, but at the top is the GX 550 Overtrail with a max towing capacity up to 9,096 lbs. Additionally, the GX comes standard with a trailer brake controller and Tow mode, enhancing towing safety and control. The Overtrail trims further elevate off-road capability with features like 33-inch all-terrain tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and an Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS), ensuring stability and traction on challenging terrains.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango offers an incredible towing capacity for a midsize SUV, reaching up to 8,700 lbs with the available 5.7-liter HEMI V8. It’s ideal for those who want to tow heavier campers without stepping up to a full-size SUV. Plus, the Durango’s strong performance on the road, coupled with available AWD, makes it an excellent choice for those who need a little extra traction.
For a midsize SUV, the Durango has a lot to offer. It combines impressive towing power with a comfortable, spacious interior. While the towing capacity is one of the highest in its class, owners also appreciate the Durango’s high-tech features. To enhance towing performance, the Durango offers the Trailer Tow Group IV Package, which includes a Class IV receiver hitch, heavy-duty engine cooling, a seven- and four-pin wiring harness, blind spot monitoring with trailer detection, and a trailer brake controller.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a standout in the midsize SUV category. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds, it's perfect for hauling everything from lightweight campers to small trailers. Jeep offers a variety of engine options to cater to different needs, including a 3.6L V6 engine delivering 293 horsepower, and the 2.0L turbocharged hybrid engine, which combines electric power with a turbocharged engine to produce a total of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This means whether you're after power, efficiency, or a blend of both, the Grand Cherokee has something to offer. And with its eight-speed automatic transmission and available four-wheel-drive systems, it’s ready for whatever conditions you throw its way.
To make towing even easier, the Grand Cherokee comes packed with features designed to boost stability and performance. The Trailer Tow Group package includes a heavy-duty engine cooler and a Class IV receiver hitch, while the Trailer Sway Control system helps keep everything steady if your trailer starts to wobble. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system offers five distinct drive modes to optimize traction on various surfaces, from snow to rock, ensuring you're ready for any terrain. Plus, the available Quadra-Lift air suspension system gives you up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance, so you can clear obstacles without breaking a sweat.
How Big of a Camper Can an SUV Pull?
SUVs are going to be limited to bumper-pulled trailers only. No fth wheel or gooseneck type trailers are compatible with a bumper-mounted tow hitch or even a Class IV receiver hitch. But bumper-pulled trailers include a large, diverse group of haulers, including travel trailers, campers, travel trailers, pop-ups, airstreams, toy haulers, car trailers, boat trailers, horse trailers, and more.
Not all SUVs are designed to handle any and every trailer. Even after bolstering an SUV with airbags or other suspension enhancements, there are a variety of limitations.
When choosing the right tow vehicle for your camper, it’s crucial to match the SUV’s towing capacity with your camper’s weight. Start by checking the gross trailer weight (GTW) of your camper, which includes the weight of the trailer and everything inside it. Make sure the SUV’s maximum towing capacity exceeds the GTW by a comfortable margin.
Role of Weight Distribution And Towing Safety
Additionally, consider the tongue weight, which is typically 10-15% of the camper's total weight, and ensure your vehicle can handle it for stable towing. Trailer sway control is another key factor. If your camper is on the heavier side or has a tall profile, adding a sway control system or choosing an SUV with integrated sway control features can help minimize the risk of dangerous trailer sway. Don’t forget about the camper’s braking system. If a trailer requires brakes, ensure your SUV is equipped with a trailer brake controller to maintain smooth braking performance and safety while towing.
Key Features to Look for in Your Towing SUV
While towing capacity is paramount with an SUV tasked for hauling duties, there are a few more features to keep in mind to ensure the towing experience can be better optimized. Look for SUVs already equipped for towing applications. If they do not have these features, quality equipment can be easily found and installed by vehicle accessoryizers and expert outfitters.
-
Tow Package
Many SUVs come with an available tow package that includes a heavy-duty hitch, trailer brake controller, and other components designed to make towing easier and safer. If towing is a priority, opting for a vehicle with a tow package is a good idea. -
Trailer Sway Control
Trailer sway can be a real concern when towing heavy loads. Luckily, many of the SUVs on our list come with trailer sway control, which helps maintain stability by adjusting the brakes or engine power to keep the trailer in line. -
Fuel Efficiency
Towing can have a significant impact on fuel economy. Full-size SUVs tend to be less fuel-efficient when towing, so consider how much you’re willing to spend on gas for long trips. Midsize SUVs like the Lexus GX and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer a better balance of towing capability and fuel economy. -
Off-Road Capability
If you plan on taking your camper off the paved roads, look for an SUV with 4WD or AWD. These drivetrains provide the extra traction needed to navigate rough terrain, especially when towing a camper. Additional items like skid plates, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty shock absorbers can provide added benefits.
Quick Tips For Optimal Load Management
Managing your load properly is crucial for safe towing. By sticking to your SUV's weight limits and balancing the load right, you'll keep everything running smoothly and avoid any unnecessary strain on your vehicle.
-
Know Your Limits: Always adhere to the weight ratings for both your SUV and camper. Overloading your vehicle can compromise safety, performance, and even damage your SUV or trailer. Check the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and the camper’s weight to ensure you're within limits.
-
Mind the Payload: Remember that the total weight includes passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of the trailer. Make sure your SUV can handle the combined weight without exceeding its payload capacity.
-
Balance Power with Weight: Find a balance between your SUV’s towing power and the combined weight of your SUV and camper. A vehicle with too little towing power can struggle with heavier loads, while one with too much power may be inefficient and consume more fuel. Aim for a well-matched combination that ensures smooth towing and optimal fuel economy.
-
Distribute Weight Evenly: Proper weight distribution is key to towing safely. Use a weight distribution hitch to keep the load balanced, reducing strain on the vehicle and preventing sway.
-
Consider Towing Accessories: Adding accessories like Timbren SES and trailer sway control systems or upgraded suspension can improve towing performance and enhance safety when carrying heavier loads.
Finding the Best SUV for Your Camper
Choosing the right SUV for towing a camper isn’t just about how much weight it can pull—it’s about finding a balance between towing power, comfort, and reliability. Full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition Max, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon provide the power needed for heavier loads, while midsize SUVs like the Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Lexus GX offer excellent towing capability with a smaller footprint.
Whatever your towing needs, there’s an SUV out there that can handle the job. Just be sure to consider your camper’s weight, the features you need, and how you plan to use your vehicle. For enhanced towing performance, consider upgrading your SUV with Timbren’s suspension solutions and SES for trailers. Our products improve towing stability, reduce sway, and enhance vehicle performance, making your towing experience safer and more enjoyable. With the right SUV, you’ll be set for many successful camping trips, knowing you have a reliable towing partner by your side.
