So, you went down to the used RV dealer and got yourself a camper. You’re excited to pack up and head out on a trip this summer, but now you need to figure out how you’re going to tow it. Is it better to have a pickup truck, or will an SUV do the trick? Take a look at some questions and answers you should consider before deciding on a vehicle for towing.

How Much Do I Need to Tow?

How much you need to tow and how often you’ll need to tow are two very important considerations. Before you start shopping for your towing vehicle, you’ll want to find out how much your camper weighs. In some cases, this could determine what type of vehicle you need. Keep in mind that you’ll tow your camper loaded, so how much gear you’ll have in it is a big factor.

Benefits of Pickup Trucks

The benefit of getting a truck to tow your camper is they are often capable of towing heavier loads. Some heavy-duty trucks can tow up to and over 20,000 and 30,000 pounds. If you have a big camper, you might need a truck instead of an SUV. If your camper is small, some SUVs are perfectly capable of towing 5,000 pounds.

The Downsides of Pickup Trucks

The downside of a pickup truck is you don’t have as much cabin space as you do with a large SUV. If you have a big family that will go on your camping trips, you might need an SUV with three rows of seats and a large cargo area.
Pickup trucks can also be expensive to buy and fuel up. If you’re looking for an everyday driver that can also serve as your towing vehicle, a pickup truck may not be your best option.

Advantages of SUVs

After you’ve spent money at the used RV dealer on your camper, you might want to save money on your towing vehicle. Pickup trucks are expensive; even used ones can be pretty pricey. An SUV is a good choice because it will probably be cheaper than a pickup truck, and it is more versatile and comfortable.
SUVs built on a truck chassis, such as the Yukon or Tahoe, offer the best of both worlds. They can tow up to 8,000 or 9,000 pounds while still offering space in the cabin.

Drawbacks to Towing a Camper with an SUV

The drawback to getting an SUV to tow your camper is they are just not as capable as a pickup truck. While some have a good amount of towing power, they are still no match for a big pickup truck.
An SUV is also not as capable of hauling cargo as a pickup truck. You can throw all kinds of things in the back of a pickup truck, even when you have your camper hitched on the back.