The best towing vehicle can transform your camping trips from stressful to carefree. If you pick the wrong one, you’ll struggle through mountain passes, but with the right one, you’ll hardly notice you’re towing a camper. From lakeside weekends to cross-country trips, your towing setup needs the power to handle steep grades and the stability to weather sudden storms. Let’s explore what makes the best vehicle for towing a camper and look at the top models for 2025.

Key Features To Look for in a Tow Vehicle

Towing capacity tops the list when picking the best vehicles for towing campers. Full-size SUVs built on truck frames, such as the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, offer higher towing capacities than crossover versions. Your engine’s torque and horsepower determine how your vehicle handles steep climbs and highway merges with a camper in tow.

Don’t confuse payload capacity with towing capacity. Payload means how much weight you can add to a vehicle itself, while towing capacity tells you what you can pull behind it. Towing numbers usually exceed payload figures because trailer axles carry the most weight. Find the payload by subtracting the curb weight from the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Tongue weight is around 10% of your trailer’s total and counts against payload, not towing capacity.

Today’s towing technology makes hauling campers safer. Look for trucks with sway control, integrated brake controllers, and backup cameras that help with hitching. Trailer guidance systems turn parking nightmares into simple tasks. By 2029, all light vehicles must have automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, which could potentially save many lives.

Top Towing Vehicles for Campers in 2025

Ford’s F-150 leads with pull ratings up to 13,500 pounds, depending on configuration. Payload varies from 1,405 to 2,440 pounds. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can tow between 8,700 and 13,300 pounds with a payload ranging from 1,870 to 2,280 pounds. Both offer solid engine choices and towing packages for most campers.

GMC’s Sierra 1500 stands out with its diesel option. Its 3.0-liter turbodiesel paired with the Max Trailering Package can tow up to 13,200 pounds with a 2,530-pound payload. Ram’s 1500 features a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 generating 540 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque. The two-wheel-drive crew-cab Ram 1500 Tradesman tops out at 11,580 pounds towing and 2,300 pounds payload. Toyota’s Tundra delivers hybrid reliability with a 12,000-pound maximum towing capacity and 1,940-pound payload.

Best SUVs for Towing Campers

Full-size SUVs let you haul family and a camper without compromise. The Chevrolet Tahoe pulls up to 8,400 pounds with the two-wheel drive 5.3-liter V-8 and Max Trailering Package, carrying between 1,616 and 1,834 pounds. Toyota’s Sequoia leads the class with 9,520 pounds of towing from its i-FORCE MAX 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid. This powerplant generates 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque while achieving 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Midsize SUVs are ideal for casual campers. Most pull between 3,500 and 6,000 pounds, which is adequate for small trailers and pop-ups. The Nissan Pathfinder hauls up to 6,000 pounds, outpacing many midsize crossovers by 1,000 pounds. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its 5.7-liter V-8, tows up to 7,200 pounds — suitable for bigger camping trailers.

Luxury SUVs won’t make you choose between comfort and capability. The Cadillac Escalade tows up to 8,100 pounds with rear-wheel drive and the Heavy-Duty Trailering Package. The BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS both manage 7,716 pounds, while the Audi Q8 can handle 7,700 pounds. The GLS and X7 both produce 375 horsepower from their 3.0-liter turbocharged engines, delivering smooth power flow that makes towing feel effortless.

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Tow Vehicle

Your trailer’s empty weight is just the starting point. After adding water, propane, food, gear, and personal items, the weight adds up quickly. Never exceed your GVWR. Smart campers stay below 90% of maximum capacity for safety. If you push the limits, you’ll face poor handling, longer stopping distances, higher crash risk, voided warranties, insurance problems, and legal trouble.

Weight distribution matters. Follow the 60/40 rule: 60% of the cargo weight ahead of the trailer axle and 40% behind. Trailer sway is caused by crosswinds, passing semis, downhill stretches, high speeds, quick moves, rough roads, or bad weight balance.

The Future of Towing: Hybrid and Electric Tow Vehicles

Electric trucks are proving they can pull their weight. The F-150 Lightning pulls up to 10,000 pounds with an extended-range battery and the Max Trailer Tow Package. The Silverado EV boasts 440 miles of range with an impressive 754 horsepower motor that tows up to 12,500 pounds. The GMC Hummer EV produces a staggering 1,000 horsepower and can tow up to 12,000 pounds. In one test, the GMC Sierra EV hauled 9,000 pounds for 50 miles at highway speeds and still had 75% battery left.

Hybrids strike a nice balance if you’re not ready to go full electric. The Ford Maverick Hybrid gets 42 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, while towing up to 2,000 pounds. Toyota’s Tacoma Hybrid provides 326 horsepower while managing 23 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, towing up to 6,500 pounds.

Campgrounds are quickly catching up with electric needs. Many now offer electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, including 28 Kampgrounds of America locations. Kings River RV Resort in California will soon become the first in the state with EV hookups at every site.

Find Your Perfect Towing Companion for Your Next Adventure

Finding good vehicles for towing means matching your specific needs with the right mix of power, safety, and everyday comfort. Trucks offer raw towing strength, SUVs add family-friendly features, and EVs offer a glimpse into the future of camping.

Now is a great time to start your RV setup. At Cheyenne Camping Center in Walcott, Iowa, our 59 years of experience and no-pressure approach will help you find the right match. Choosing the right camper and tow vehicle is just the start of your next great adventure.

a truck pulling a trailer down a dirt road by Luke Miller is licensed with Unsplash License