The Best SUV for Towing Travel Trailer: A List to Rely On

www.rvtalk.net is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A travel trailer is a perfect vehicle that contributes to enjoying camping. However, most campers are unwilling to drive a large RV to the camping spot. In such a circumstance, SUVs can come in handy.

Many SUVs have enough horsepower to tow a motorhome without any difficulty. But it is hard to choose what SUV is best for towing a camper. You might be looking for the best SUV for towing travel trailer. We’re here to help with a list.

The Best SUVs for Towing Travel Trailer: A Comprehensive List

We’ve compiled a list of 7 best SUVs that can tow a camper without any trouble. If you are planning to buy one, this will help you to pick up the perfect one for you.

1. Dodge Durango

This powerful SUV with ABS and driveline traction control can pull most of the travel trailers. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine has an extraordinary capacity of towing trailers that weigh up to 8,700-pounds. At the same time, this stylish SUV ensures maximum comfort during everyday traveling. Its rear-wheel-drive along with 8-speed transmission is ready to supply the power when you need it.

best vehicle to pull a travel trailer
Dodge Durango. Source: Auto Blog

There is another version of this SUV that comes with 4-wheel drive packages. It also has a trailer brake controller, Class IV receiver hitch, and a 7- and 4-pin wiring harness. However, the first variety is perfect if the SUV has to travel only through paved roads.

2. Ford Expedition

Over time, the Ford Expedition has turned into a sophisticated SUV with remarkable towing features. This one also has a 3.6-liter V6 engine and rear-wheel drivetrain that guarantee a smooth ride and up to 9,300-pounds of towing capacity. With a torque of 3,500 rpm, it can pull even a heavy-weight travel trailer with ease.

best suv for towing a camper
Ford Expedition. Source: Cars US News

Some of the top-notch features of this SUV are ABS and driveline traction control, and 10-spd w/OD transmission, a 3.73 limited-slip differential, a heavy-duty radiator, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and trailer brake controller. Another noteworthy feature of the best SUV for towing travel trailer is the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). This technology warns you whenever there is a vehicle alongside the towing travel trailer or within the blind spot.

3. Nissan Armada

This latest addition to the range of full-size SUV is the cheapest one of its categories. Do not underestimate it for having a 5.6-Liter V8 engine because it is capable of pulling a travel trailer that weighs up to 8,500-pounds. Its tow/haul mode makes towing even a big travel trailer easy. With the 7-speed automatic transmission, this one is more fuel-efficient that one can even imagine.

suvs that can tow a camper
Nissan Armada. Source: Nissan USA

Even for the daily rides, cozy interior and enhanced throttle response make it more comfortable than most of its counterparts. For maximum towing capacity, Nissan offers an upgrade to Driver Package that includes a critical trailer brake wiring, tow hitch receiver, fog lights, a power liftgate, and third row of seats.

4. Chevrolet Suburban

This full-size SUV has a substantial fan following. Its towing capacity reaches up to 8,300 pounds with the help of a 5.3-liter V8 engine and 355-horsepower. Apart from this, Chevrolet Suburban offers luxury features and top-of-the-line attributes for maximum performance.

suvs for towing lightweight travel trailers
Chevrolet Suburban. Source: Chevrolet

Besides having 121.7 cubic feet of cargo space, it can accommodate up to 8 passengers with a big screen facility for the people sitting on the second and third row. With an embedded 4G LTE Wi-Fi, staying connected to the Internet on the go is not difficult at all.

By adding $580, you can get the Max Trailering Package that includes an integrated trailer brake controller, a 3.42 rear axle ratio, and air suspension with self-leveling capacity.

5. GMC Yukon

This truck-based SUV is known for its bold style. The corporate-looking GMC Yukon is equally impressive in terms of performance. This sleek-looking SUV has a towing capacity of 8500 pounds, thanks to its powerful V8 engine that can make 355 horsepower. One notable point is while the standard length Yukon has an 8,500-pound towing capacity, the XL version of Yukon can tow a maximum of 8,300 pounds.

what suv is best for towing a camper
GMC Yukon. Source: GMC

All Yukon models come with a standard set of heavy-duty trailering equipment. This set includes a 2-inch trailering receiver, a hitch platform, a 7-wire harness, and a 7-way sealed connector.

To get Max Trailering Package that can tow 8,500 pounds, users have to pay an additional $580. Significant features of this package are a self-leveling air suspension, a tow hitch, an enhanced 3.42 rear axle ratio, and an integrated trailer brake controller.

6. Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade generates 420 horsepower with a 6.2-liter V8 engine in its rear-wheel-drive version and tows up to 8,300 pounds. However, when opted for the four-wheel-drive version, the towing capacity drops to 8,100 pounds. It can accommodate seven passengers, which means it is good enough for a whole family or friend circle.

what type of suv can pull a camper
Cadillac Escalade. Source: The News Wheel

A redesigned version of this one of the best SUV for towing travel trailer is out now, but the existing models are equally excellent. It has an attractive cabin and CUE infotainment system. This system uses an 8-inch touch screen and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

7. Land Rover Discovery

The last entry of the list is the best midsize SUV for towing a travel trailer. It aims at fulfilling the needs of the individuals who want a proficient off-road car with spacious seating facilities. The stadium-style seating arrangement of this car can fit in seven passengers in its three rows of seating.

best midsize suv for towing a travel trailer
Land Rover Discovery. Source: Motor Authority

It is a part of the fifth-generation Land Rover that started its journey in 2017. With a diesel engine, 443 pound-feet of torque, and 254 horsepower, it can tow a travel trailer of a maximum of 8,201 pounds. It also offers a cargo space of 83.7 cubic feet. This SUV is also fuel-efficient as it delivers 21/26 mpg in the city/highway. The 4WD drivetrain makes it a comfortable drive.

Conclusion

Many users wonder about what type of SUV can pull a camper. But, the towing ability does not depend on any particular category. Hence, it is necessary to know about the best SUV for towing travel trailer to choose the right one according to your necessities.

About Chris Coleman

Chris Coleman is an interesting travel blogger and outdoor photographer with a great sense of humor. He owns an RV Accessories shop in New York City so he has the knowledge necessary to provide thorough reviews and give advice on how to choose the right products for RV travel. He puts all that RV knowledge and experience to good use in his sharing posts. Besides product buying guides/reviews, Chris also writes informative articles, how-to articles and RV camping guides in his own interesting viewpoint. Chris’s blog is one of the most reliable information sources for RV campers no matter if you're an expert or a determined beginner.

2 thoughts on “The Best SUV for Towing Travel Trailer: A List to Rely On”

  1. Hello

    Help necessary to know about the best SUV for towing travel trailer to choose the right one

    I am new to this idea but I am very interested in purchase a Suv and Small trailer I can pull alone

    i am 65 and no man

    Can you help me

    Lynn Toler
    [email protected]

    Reply

Leave a Comment