Last Updated on March 22, 2022 by Ted Mosby
Do you have a travel trailer but are not sure what towing vehicle you should choose? Read on the post below to find out the best truck for towing travel trailers that you can consider.
Travel trailers are fantastic as they bring the entire family together and allow you to travel to your favorite camping sites. They are great to have to explore the country, continent, and nature. However, you have to buy a towing truck when you buy a new travel trailer.
There are plenty of towing trucks available in the market, but not all of them have the same features and towing capacities. So, when buying a truck for towing a travel trailer, you have to make sure that it has the ideal capacity of payload and towing ability.
The payload capacity and the towing capacity are the most critical factors affecting each other. The payload capacity means the weight that a tow vehicle can safely tow, while the towing capacity is how far a tow vehicle can tow safely.
Other than towing and payload capacity, there are many other factors that you have to consider first before buying a truck for towing campers, such as what kind of terrain you are going to travel to? How many family members are going to travel with you? Etc.
So, what are the best truck for towing travel trailers?
Below, I have bucketed the best trucks for towing travel trailers that, in my opinion, are terrific trucks for towing travel trailers. So, let’s take a look!
| Name | Fuel Type | Price |
| Ford F-150 | Gas | $29,990 |
| Dodge Durango | Gas | $36,995 |
| Mercedes Benz Sprinter | Gas or Diesel | $38,300 |
| Chevrolet Colorado | Gas or Diesel | $25,435 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Gas or Diesel | $50,500 |
| Ford Expedition | Gas | $69,150 |
| RAM 2500 | Gas or Diesel | $39,160 |
| Nissan Titan XD | Gas | $45,880 |
| Image | Name |
|---|---|
 | Ford F-150 |
 | Dodge Durango |
 | Mercedes Benz Sprinter |
 | Chevrolet Colorado |
 | Chevrolet Tahoe |
 | Ford Expedition |
 | RAM 2500 |
 | Nissan Titan XD |
What is the Best Truck for Towing Campers?
1. Ford F-150
If you are searching for a half-ton pickup truck to tow a travel trailer, Ford F-150 is the most popular one and one of my favorite as well. The vehicle not only provides outstanding stability but also has a backup assistance feature that is optional. It steers the trailer in reverse.
You just have to twist the dialer on the dashboard to indicate which way you want to move the trailer. After that, leave all the steering wheel twirling to the Ford-F150. When buying this one, you will have the option to choose from a range of engine options.
I like its 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine, which is extremely powerful and provides impressive gas mileage. It is worth highlighting that the towing capacity of Ford F-150 greatly varies on how you equipped it, between 4,900 lbs to 12,300 lbs.
Camping Gear SALE!
We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below.
SHOP NOWHowever, I highly recommend consulting with a dealer and purchasing the one that is perfect for your towing requirements.
Key Specifications & Features
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6.
- 325 HP.
- 400 lb-ft. Torque.
- Towing capacity: Up to 8,500 lbs.
- Payload capacity: 2,470 lbs.
- Turbo Diesel.
- Compatible with regular 87 octane gasoline.
- Automatic start-stop technology.
- Composite intake manifold.
- Aluminum cylinder heads.
- Direct injection to prevent detonation under extreme pressure or load.
- The engine is potent and durable, which provides great towing and payload capacities.
- A 2WD setup provides the best gas mileage rating that is hard to find in most of the trucks with some configurations.
- It has great stability and is equipped with a backup assistance feature that helps you to reverse the trailer quickly.
- If you want to get the maximum payload or towing ratings, this is not a suitable engine.
2. Dodge Durango
Dodge Durango is not as famous as Ford towing vehicles, but you will be surprised to see the performance that Dodge Durango provides. Most of the SUVs claim greater tow ratings, but they do not deliver what they claim in reality.
I have hooked up a 5,000 lbs of the trailer with a V6-powered Dakota, and it amazed me how stable and robust it is.
If Durango is equipped with a V6 engine, it is capable of towing up to 6,200 lbs, while if you equipped it with a V8 engine, it could safely and easily tow up to 7,200 lbs. It also has a Tekonsha P3 brake controller, which plugs into Dakota’s electrical system with a wiring harness.
If you are going to tow with Dakota, make sure to take a close look at its GCWR to keep within those limits. The vehicle has five different models with different configurations to choose from.
It includes Durango SRT with 475 HP, Durango R/T with 360 HP, Durango Citadel V8 with 360 HP, Durango Citadel V6 with 95 HP, and Durango GT with 295 HP.
Durango SRT beats all of its competitors with its chilling power. With Durango SRT, you will be able to switch to Drive Modes to unlock more ferocious vehicles generating up to 475 HP and a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,700 lbs.
Key Specifications & Features
- 3.6L V6 engine.
- 293 HP.
- Eight-speed automatic transmission.
- GWER: Up to 6,500 lbs.
- Payload capacity: 1,380 lbs.
- Towing capacity: 6,200 lbs.
- Remote keyless entry.
- Rear HVAC with separate controls.
- Short/Longarm front suspension.
- 4W anti-lock braking system.
- This SUV provides you with the towing abilities of a pickup truck that is something impressive.
- It has a V6 engine that is powerful and efficient.
- You can take it on rough terrains, and it will surprise you with its extreme performance.
- The SRT trim is extremely interesting that is one of the most powerful in its class.
- You will have plenty of styling upgrade options.
- It is equipped with essential security and safety features.
- If you want a towing vehicle that gives you better gas mileage, its V8 engine is not a wise option to choose from.
- The reliability is subpar, and don’t surprise if you confront a few problems during your ownership.
3. Mercedes Benz Sprinter
Camping Gear SALE!
We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below.
SHOP NOWMost travelers think vans cannot be a good towing vehicle, and they prefer having an SUV or a pickup truck, which is not entirely true. Vans can be a great towing vehicle, especially if it is a Mercedes Benz Sprinter.
Sprinters are great trucks for towing travel trailers. They have an impressive, long wheelbase to make them incredibly stable. They also have diesel power, which allows you to get better mileage to reduce fuel bills.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has great towing abilities and can easily tow 5,000 to 7,500 lbs of weight.
It means their towing capacity is good enough for both small and medium-sized travel trailers. Moreover, these vehicles have a GCWR of up to 13,500 lbs, which allows you to tow a trailer near the maximum Sprinter’s towing capacity while still carrying more than enough cargo and passengers inside the vehicle.
These vehicles come equipped with a standard Diesel engine 2.1L Turbo Diesel that generates 161HP and 265 lb-ft. Of Torque. This Turbo Diesel engine gets paired with a seven-speed auto and utilizes two-stage turbocharging and direct injection to siphon to provide maximum power from as little fuel as possible.
Key Specifications & Features
- 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel Engine.
- 188 HP.
- 325 lb-ft. Torque.
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs to 7,500 lbs.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 24.5 gallons.
- 4WD type.
- Multifunction steering wheel.
- Keyless start.
- Six-speed manual transmission.
- Blind Spot assist.
- The vehicle, with its precise driving dynamics, is incredibly easy to drive. You will really appreciate its electronic steering system.
- It is equipped with a powerful and hardworking diesel engine, which is durable and packs plenty of muscles. You will have no trouble when towing up to 7,500 lbs of weight.
- It has a spacious cabin and provides plenty of space to go around. You will stay comfortable throughout your travel without feeling confined.
- The simple interior of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is appreciated, and you will not be get distracted while driving.
- It is equipped with a unique infotainment system – a touch screen infotainment system. You will have a 7″ screen as standard, and if you want, you can opt for its 10.3″ display.
- Although it is luxurious and the best commercial van to buy, you will have to pay extra.
- Prices for new Sprinters are significantly high.
4. Chevrolet Colorado
Another best truck for towing campers is Chevrolet Colorado. I have tried up to 5,000 lbs of the trailer with this amazing vehicle and found it pretty amazing and one of the best tow vehicles for travel trailers.
With crew-cab long-bed models, the vehicle has a wheelbase that can be compared to full-size pickups that are used by travelers who travel off-roads more frequently. While the stability of the vehicle that it offers is comparable to half-ton trucks, making it far better than medium-sized pickup trucks.
However, four-cylinder gas Colorado is capable of only towing up to 3,500 lbs, which is significantly less than a nicely-sized travel trailer. It means you will have to go for a V6 with a towing capacity of up to 7,000 lbs or diesel with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs.
This tow vehicle’s interior is rugged, quiet, and refined, while the powerful engine has efficient technologies. For those looking for the best tow vehicle for travel trailers, Chevrolet Colorado is worth considering.
Key Specifications & Features
- 4WD.
- 3.6L V6 gas-powered engine.
- Direct fuel injection.
- 308 HP.
- 275 lb-ft. Torque.
- Maximum towing capacity: 7,700 lbs.
- Maximum trailer weight: 5,000 lbs.
- GVWR: 6,000 lbs.
- Eight automatic transmission speeds.
- Electric Rack and Pinion Steering.
- Unique infotainment center.
- Off-road ready ZR2 trim.
- This is one of the best tow vehicles for travel trailers with powerful engine configurations and a lot of technologies.
- It provides impressive cargo space and features a 49.9 cubic ft. cargo box.
- It can be used for serious work abilities by having a diesel engine, which is available as an option.
- The vehicle also provides an impressive fuel economy rating in its class. The best ratings in the city are 22mpg and on the highway is 30mpg.
- The interior of the vehicle is spacious and large, and the seats are comfortable. You will have plenty of head and legroom that will keep you comfortable throughout your stay.
- Regardless of a lot of technologies and plenty of features, the vehicle still lacks some safety features. However, all those features can be added, but it will cost you extra.
5. Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV and among the best vehicles for towing travel trailers. The vehicle offers solid styling, plenty of entertainment technologies, advanced safety features, and absolute upscale comfort and power. All these things make it among the best-selling full-size SUVs in America.
The vehicle comes equipped with a 5.3L V6 engine that generates an impressive towing capacity of up to 8,600 lbs and a class V8 fuel efficiency that offers a 22 MPG highway. It means you can easily bring your heavy outdoor equipment with you, such as boats, ATVs, etc. when traveling.
However, if you still want something more impressive and powerful, you can opt for Tahoe Premier which delivers the uncompromising power of a 6.2L V8 engine.
These vehicles also come equipped with some extremely advanced security and safety features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and more to make sure you drive with added confidence.
Key Specifications & Features
- 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine.
- Six-speed automatic transmission.
- Magnetic Ride Control.
- Towing capacity: 8,600 lbs.
- 4W antilock disc brakes.
- Seven airbags.
- Automatic Emergency braking.
- Daytime running lamps.
- Forward Collision Alert.
- Front/Rear parking assist system.
- 22MPG highway fuel economy.
- 15MPG city fuel economy.
- GVWR: 7,100 lbs.
- Payload capacity: 1,880 lbs.
- This tow vehicle for campers offers plenty of cargo room so you can carry all the outdoor equipment with you when traveling.
- The interior is luxurious that is hard to find in other vehicles of the same price range.
- Thanks to its extreme stability and comfort, you will get a wonderful ride.
- The safety features of the vehicle are impressive, and you will see a lot of technologies.
- The towing capacity of the vehicle is incredible.
- If you want to have a small tow vehicle for the camper, then it is not for you since it is extremely large.
6. Ford Expedition
Ford Expedition is yet another best tow vehicle for campers that you should consider when buying one. It is a full-size SUV manufactured by none other than Ford that is known for producing extremely quality vehicles. The vehicle provides plenty of space, power, and style to travelers so that they can travel in style.
When it is equipped with a heavy-duty trailer tow package, it has the best-in-towing up to 9,300 lbs. The vehicle can easily accommodate up to eight passengers and cargo.
This vehicle is also considered a workhorse for families who travel more frequently. You will have the option to get either its standard-length or long-wheelbase expedition max body style.
A twin-turbocharged V6 also powers the vehicle along with ten-speed transmission. The vehicle will offer you an exciting and smooth travel experience to keep you comfortable throughout your journey. Regardless of its impressive interior space, you might not see it as luxurious as some other vehicles available around.
Its 3.5L V6 engine and ten-speed transmission pair with either rear or all-wheel drive. It’s limited and XLT models with a V6 engine, generate up to 375 HP, while on the top-tier platinum, it is capable of generating up to 400 HP.
Key Specifications & Features
- 3.5L Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine.
- Gasoline direct injection.
- 375 HP.
- 470 lb-ft. Torque.
- Fuel capacity: 23.3 gallons.
- Rack/Pinion steering.
- Ten-speed automatic transmission.
- Maximum towing capacity: 6,000 lbs.
- Payload capacity: 1,757 lbs.
- GVWR: 7,200 lbs.
- Rear-wheel drive.
- Trailer wiring harness.
- Garage Door Transmitter.
- Cargo Space Lights.
- Electric Stability Control system.
- Lane Keeping Alert system.
- Backup camera.
- The best-selling point of these tow vehicles for travel trailers is their massive amount of space.
- Not only do they have plenty of interior room but also offer plenty of cargo space.
- They have a Heavy Duty Tow package that can easily tow up to 9,300 lbs of load, which is quite impressive.
- The seating inside the vehicle is extremely comfortable.
- There are many technologies inside the vehicle, such as an excellent climate control system, safety, security features, entertainment system, and more.
- The only bad thing about this tow vehicle of campers is its soft brake pedals.
7. RAM 2500
RAM 2500 vehicles are heavy-duty pickup trucks that are capable of towing an impressive amount of load. The vehicles are available in a range of cab, bed, engine, etc. configurations, which means if you are going to buy a heavy-duty truck, you will easily find RAM 2500.
The truck was introduced last year, and the new models of RAM 2500 have minor upgrades that make it pretty fresh.
Those minor upgrades in newer models include high-strength steel, aluminum body panels to make them lightweight, improved fuel economy, greater towing and hauling abilities, and an enhanced set of safety and security features.
The trucks come equipped with a standard 6.4L V6 gasoline engine or a turbocharged 6.7L diesel engine. The best thing and best-selling point of RAM 2500 are extreme towing and hauling capabilities.
When equipped with the 6.7L Turbo diesel engine, they can get two up to an enormous 19,600 lbs of load.
The vehicle’s exterior includes sharp styling, full LED headlamps, a Cargo Management system, a 115V power outlet, and much more. While the vehicle’s interior is also impressive, you will appreciate its 12″ touchscreen, multiple speakers, and reconfigurable center console storage.
Key Specifications & Features
- 6.7L/6.7L V8 engine.
- 410 HP.
- Eight-speed transmission.
- Rear-wheel drive.
- Fuel Capacity: 32 gallons.
- GVWR: 10,000 lbs.
- Towing capacity: 15,040 lbs.
- Fifth-wheel towing capacity: 14,860 lbs.
- Stability control with anti-roll.
- This tow vehicle’s standard engine for campers is incredibly powerful and generates a whipping 410 HP along with 429 lb-ft. Torque. You will have the choice to get a 6.7L I6 diesel engine.
- The vehicle provides an impressive hauling and towing capacity that is hard to beat.
- The interior and cargo space are also impressive.
- The vehicle is surprisingly good when it comes to off-road driving. All the models of this vehicle have high ground clearance.
- Regardless of the model, this vehicle offers incredible steering and handling. The steering dynamics are something extremely impressive in this category.
- If you are going to purchase this vehicle with a diesel engine, you will have to pay a serious amount of money, which is not possible for everyone.
- The vehicle doesn’t have some high-tech safety features as standard. However, if you want to equip your vehicle with them, you will have to pay extra.
8. Nissan Titan XD
Nissan Titan XD is one more best truck for towing travel trailers available around. The vehicle sits between half-ton and three-quarter-ton vehicles. Sometimes this vehicle is also referred to as heavy half-ton and is capable of towing up to 11,000 lbs to 12,500 lbs or load.
I have towed extensively with this vehicle and found it pretty amazing not only because of its power but also for stability. The vehicle comes equipped with a 5.6L gas engine that generates up to 400 HP.
However, it can also be had with a V8 diesel engine that generates a whopping amount of Torque.
In my opinion, Nissan Titan XD is an outstanding towing vehicle for people who have larger travel trailers and travel more often.
Key Specifications & Features
- 5.6 V8 gas engine.
- 400 HP.
- Nine-speed automatic transmission.
- Four-wheel drive.
- Towing capacity: 12,500 lbs.
- Payload capacity: 2,240 lbs.
- An advanced suite of driver assistance features.
- Basic air conditioning.
- Cruise Control system.
- Remote keyless entry.
- Rear-view camera.
- Blind-spot monitoring system.
- The vehicle’s cabin is quite spacious, and that offers ample room that can easily accommodate up to six passengers.
- The vehicle comes equipped with a muscular V8 engine that generates a whopping 400 HP. This means it can easily pull up to 10,000 lbs of load without any problem.
- If you are not satisfied with its V8 gasoline engine, you can go for a V8 diesel engine, a hardworking diesel engine.
- Regardless of its large size, this vehicle is amazingly easy to drive.
- When it comes to fuel economy, I don’t recommend this one.
Wrapping Up
There you go – the 8 best trucks for towing travel trailers. All of these vehicles are great and have their own strengths and weaknesses.
I hope this piece of the post will help you to opt for the one that fits your towing needs.
FAQ
I highly recommend considering Ford F-150, as it is one of the best trucks for pulling campers.What is the most reliable towing truck for campers?
Table of Contents
