Average Camper Weight 2022 [Plus 17 Examples]

What size vehicle do you need to tow a camper?

Many factors could affect the ease or difficulty of towing the trailer.

Let me tell you…

The most important advice I had and would give about your towing vehicle and its load is “do not max out your towing capacity.”

The easiest way to know if you can tow your camper is to take the dry weight and add one 500 pounds (if you’re traveling with a family).

This accounts for potential gear, passengers, and liquids. Then, make sure that this number is not more than 85% of your vehicle’s towing capacity.

And that’s just one side of the story…

It’s also advisable to check the vehicle’s tow rating through the sticker inside the door. This will give you the exact ratings and the amount it can tow.

The Gross Combination Weight Rating includes the weight of the loaded trailer and tow vehicle. The Maximum Tow Rating takes the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and the Gross Combination Weight Rating into account to display the optimal towing capacity for a vehicle.

Drivers must consider not just the weight of the trailer, but also the weight of the tow vehicle and the gear they’re hauling.

You don’t want to buy a trailer that matches your vehicle’s exact towing capacity or even any bit over. It can damage your transmission and engine over time.

How?

It means you’ll burn out your transmission on the long run.

If you’re pulling loads that are too heavy, you also may not be able to travel up hills.

Also, you want to leave a little margin of error in case the trailer company or your towing vehicle are giving “hopeful” numbers in the advertising materials.

It may surprise you that the “maximum towing capacity” for your vehicle could be more than the weight of your camper.

But you still shouldn’t tow it.

Instead, pull a trailer that is 80 percent of the maximum hitch weight.

Wondering why you should pull less?

Here are good points to lighten the load:

• Save your transmission: Pulling the maximum weight your vehicle is made for can burn your transmission out.

• Quicker, easier travels: Especially for traveling up hills, pulling the maximum weight load won’t have you cruising at the speed limit.
• Play it safe: In case of miscalculation from either your towing vehicle’s specs or the trailer manufacturer, a little twist can ensure you get where you’re going safely.

Do You Need a Truck?

Be wary as you shop for campers and make sure that you don’t get taken by the marketing. Check the numbers.

There is a camper for almost every type of vehicle. Even a car can tow a little one-man teardrop camper. However, don’t stress your mini-SUV by pushing the limits of your tow capacity, if you want a massive 26′ trailer.

Sometimes, if you want the big RV, you gotta get a big truck to match it.

Factors – such as horsepower and torque, whether the suspension will provide a smooth ride for passengers, and how much cargo you intend to carry – all play important roles.