Electric Vehicle Towing a Trailer Tips for Safe and Efficient Hauling
Everything You Need To Know About Towing A Travel Trailer
Photo courtesy Ford
Hitch Up the Easy Way With Our Travel Trailer Towing Guide
Some 56 million Americans are expected to hit the highways, byways, and backroads this summer with a recreational vehicle, according to the latest RV Industry Association (RVIA) surveys. Another 10 million RVers will join them in 2022. About 1-in-5 of those hitting the road will be hitching up and towing a travel trailereverything from teardrops to tent trailers and travel trailers to toy haulers as individuals, families, and friends head out to enjoy all the freedom and adventure our great country offers.
For more than 110 years, automobile owners have been towing recreational vehicles so they can explore America. Towing a travel trailer is part of adventure-seekers DNA, and weve been doing it as long as automobiles have been around.
The urge to explore at ones own pace with a travel trailer in tow was hugely popular in the 1950s and 60s. Today, that popularity in RVing is once again thriving as Americans look for ways to travel the nation comfortably and safely.
The safest way to travel
More and more Americans are ready to travel this summer, and 56 million of them are planning to go RVing in an RV they rent, own, or borrow, said Craig Kirby, President and CEO of RVIA. Even with other forms of travel returning, the desire to use an RV to get outdoors and experience an active outdoor lifestyle is stronger than ever. RVing has been cemented as a mainstream travel option that is here to stay.
The appeal of exploring the country while towing a travel trailer appeals to all age groups and interests, too. The popularity of RVing has even attracted media attention from the Wall Street Journal, which ran The Safest Way To Travel This Summer in a May 2020 issue.
This surge in the popularity of RVing comes to light when you try to book reservations for an RV campground space at county, state, and national parks. You can also see it on the road; the number of cars, pickups, vans, SUVs, and crossovers towing travel trailers has never been greater.
Americans hitting the road to vacation with an RV trailer in tow is at an all-time high. Make sure your travel trailer is the proper Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and doesnt exceed the maximum tow rating of the vehicle towing it.
Safety concerns towing a travel trailer
From Gen Z to Boomers, RVing via a travel trailer of any type offers freedom and a sense of self-sufficiency. Its both a practical and comfortable form of lodging. You can disconnect your tow vehicle and have a base camp to explore the area around you.
But towing a travel trailer can bring some unexpected drama and safety concerns for millions of first-time RVers. Trailers add weight to the back of the tow vehicle, and that added weight changes the handling dynamics and braking of the tow vehicle. Thats why you need to make sure your trailer and tow vehicle are properly matched.
This guide explains the basics of towing a travel trailer so your RVing experience is easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
The basics of towing a travel trailer
Towing a travel trailer consists of three components: the vehicle, the hitch, and the RV.
Within those components are variations based on the vehicles towing capacity, the weight of the RV, the hitch setup, and towing-related accessories to tie everything together safely.
In this towing guide, we are specifically talking about tow-behind or bumper-pull RV trailers that attach to the hitch ball on a hitch mounted under the bumper of a pickup, SUV, crossover SUV, or car, not a 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch that mounts in the bed of a pickup truck.
You can easily avoid drama and stress by properly matching the tow vehicle, hitch, and travel trailer. But get one of those wrong, and you have a recipe for disaster.
The best vehicle for towing any trailer is the one that fits both your personal needs and requirements while the trailer falls within the limitations set by the vehicles manufacturer.
What is the best vehicle for towing a travel trailer?
So, lets begin with the tow vehicle. One question I get a lot from first-time RVers is, Whats the best vehicle for towing a travel trailer? The answer is, It all depends.
It all depends on what type of trailer you want to tow, whether you intend to tow with a vehicle you currently own, or maybe you have neither a tow vehicle nor a travel trailer and want to get both.
The most important aspect of towing a travel trailer is making sure the vehicle is up to the task of towing the trailer you plan on attaching to the hitch ball.
Heres the deal when it comes to tow vehicles: The vehicle manufacturer determines how big (heavy) a trailer the vehicle can safely townot you. From a legal standpoint, thats it, but Ill explain more later in this RV trailer towing guide.
RV trailer numbers you need to know
There are two important weight-related factors when it comes to RV trailers: GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and tongue weight (TW).
GVWR is the safe maximum weight of the trailer when its loaded for camping with water, fuel, supplies, and cargo. The TW is how much downforce the loaded trailer places on the hitch.
Both numbers are displayed on the metal Federal Certification / VIN ID tag located on the front left side of a travel trailer. You can also find the specifications listed on the trailer manufacturers website.
Every RV trailer has an ID/VIN decal or metal tag somewhere on the left front. It shows the trailers GVWR, which is the maximum it can weigh fully loaded. This is a critical number to know when matching a tow vehicle to a trailer. The trailers GVWR should never exceed the tow vehicles maximum tow rating.
Concentrate on those two weights, not the RVs bells and whistles or nice furnishings. Those two numbers set the basis for choosing the vehicle best suited for towing a travel trailer.
Tongue weight of RV trailers, sometimes referred to as hitch weight, will be typically between 10- and 15-percent of the trailers GVWR.
For example, a 32-foot trailer like the Forest River Aurora 28BHS, weighing 7,600 pounds GVWR, has a TW of 730 pounds, while the 32-foot Grand Design Imagine 2800BH has a GVWR of 7,995 pounds and a hitch weight of only 604 pounds.
So, do your research. RV trailer weights can vary widely by brand, type, and size. Thats why its important to narrow down these numbers to the specific trailer you plan to tow and then make sure those weights match your vehicles towing limitations.
Payload calculator
A website called Keep Your Daydream Today does a great job of explaining all the weight-related towing nuances, and the site has a nice payload calculator that can be downloaded to figure out what you can safely tow per the vehicle manufacturers listed tow ratings.
How big of an RV trailer can my vehicle tow?
Now that you know the trailers GVWR and TW, its time to focus on the tow vehicle. Towing a travel trailer from your home to a campground begins with dropping the trailer tongue on a hitch ball. But the most critical aspect of safely getting from Point A to Point B is having the right vehicle for towing.
Your tow vehicle needs to have the power to pull the trailer up hills and maintain reasonable speeds over the open road. More importantly, the tow vehicle has to be properly equipped for towing, per the vehicle manufacturers guidelines, and have the factory tow rating capacity to handle the load its towing.
Having the right tow vehicle for the trailer takes all the drama out of the RVing experience and maximizes the safety factor for others on the road.
The only one who can set the limit on how much weight any vehicle can tow is the vehicle manufacturer.
To find your tow vehicles maximum trailer towing capacity, and what it needs to be properly equipped per the vehicle manufacturers specifications, dive into the towing/trailering section of the owners manual. There youll find the bare-bones information.
RV tow rating information
But what you really want is the detailed tow rating information. For that, youll have to dig deeper. The information is usually on the vehicle manufacturers fleet/commercial website under a heading like RV & Trailer Towing Guide.
When matching a trailer to a tow vehicle, a good rule-of-thumb is to keep the trailers GVWR at less than 75 percent of the tow vehicles trailer towing capacity.
So, if the tow vehicle is rated for a maximum of 6,000 pounds, the chosen trailer should have a GVWR of 4,500 pounds or less. Likewise, if the tow vehicle is rated to tow 10,000 pounds, a good trailer weight is 7,500 pounds or less.
You can find detailed trailer towing information on the vehicle manufacturers fleet/commercial website under a heading like RV and Trailer Towing Guide, Towing Guides, or Trailering Guide.
Where to find pickup truck manufacturer trailer towing ratings
To make tracking down trailer tow ratings of the Big Three pickup manufacturers easy, here are those website links:
Its easy to find the trailer towing limits for cars, SUVs, and crossover SUVs. Pickups are a whole different story.
Pickup truck ratings for towing a travel trailer vary by year, make, model, cab configuration, transmission, and axle ratio. They can also vary related to the type of hitch setup, whether conventional weight-carrying (towing-on-the-ball) or using a weight-distributing hitch system. So read the numbers and annotated information carefully.
Vehicles trailer tow ratings cant be changed
As you review trailer tow ratings, youll see that just because a vehicle has a hitch doesnt mean it can tow whatever is attached to the hitch ball. Every vehicle that rolls off the assembly line has a towing limitation, just as it has a unique VIN.
Once a vehicle leaves the manufacturing assembly line, its tow ratings and cargo-carrying capacities are set in stonejust like the VIN. Those ratings could have higher/lower capacities, depending on the engine and transmission package, axle ratio, and other options available on that particular model vehicle. This is especially true of pickup trucks.
Even though installing aftermarket products like air bags and anti-sway bars can improve the ride and handling when towing a travel trailer, such modifications do not change that particular tow vehicles limitations as set by its manufacturer.
Installing overload springs, anti-sway bars, air helper springs, a heavier-duty hitch, or making other vehicle suspension, drivetrain, or engine modifications does NOT change the vehicles tow rating or load capacity. Those ratings are set by the vehicle manufacturer when the vehicle is built.
Why are vehicle manufacturer trailer towing ratings important?
Why is it important to know the trailer towing limits of your vehicle? Safety. Warranty. Liability.
Vehicle manufacturers set vehicle tow ratings and load capacities with safety, warranty, and liability at the forefront. They do so using special test procedures specified under SAE J2807, which is a strict vehicle manufacturing safety standard focused on keeping the driver and occupants reasonably safe when towing trailers.
At the same time, SAE J2807 testing protocols allow the vehicle manufacturer to set a comfortable weight limit for the vehicle to function reliably through the warranty period when used for such towing and cargo-carrying tasks.
Among the battery of tests within SAE J2807 are emergency accident-avoidance and vehicle control tests with a loaded trailer in tow. If the vehicle being tested doesnt pass these tests in a manner deemed safe by the vehicle engineering team, then the trailered weight is reduced and the vehicle re-tested until it meets the safety standards. When it meets the safe standard, thats the maximum trailer towing capacity for that particular vehicle.
Towing a travel trailer thats heavier than the vehicle is rated for towing, or not having the tow vehicle properly equipped, can put the burden of liability on you if youre in an accident. Your insurance company could very well deny coverage because under the law, you, the driver, are considered negligent.
Trailer tow ratings can be confusing. But they are very important from a safety and vehicle handling standpoint.
Real-world lessons in trailer weight ratings
A neighbor recently joined the millions of Americans towing a travel trailer on his familys first RV adventure. He hitched a beautiful Forest River 2021 rPod 190 travel trailer to the hitch of his 2017 Lexus RX 350 AWD. His first weekend on the road towing the trailer scared him to death because of trailer sway. He couldnt understand why his Lexus handled so poorly when it was rated to tow 3,500 poundsaccording to the trailer salespersonand the trailer only weighed 2,900 pounds.
We looked at the numbers. He had two issues. First, the dry weight of the rPod was 2,900 pounds, but the GVWR was 3,800 pounds. Second, his Lexus was rated to tow 3,500 pounds only if equipped with a sway control device with sufficient capacity per the owners manual. Otherwise, the trailer towing capacity was limited to 2,000 pounds.
So, he installed a Blue Ox SwayPro 350 weight distribution hitch and made sure the trailers GVWR didnt exceed 3,500 pounds.
He and his wife have spent anywhere from 3 to 5 days traveling around the Pacific Northwest at least twice a month, loving the RV life! For now, the Lexus and rPod are a happy match for their lifestyle.
Even though a salesperson says the vehicle you are buying is perfectly capable of towing such-and-such trailer, have the trailers GVWR number memorized, and then have the salesperson show you the maximum towing specs for the specific vehicle. In pickups, the difference in axle ratios alone can make a 2,000-pound or greater difference in a tow rating. In smaller vehicles, the same can be true for different engines.
Dont rely on salespeople for accurate towing info
Another friend bought a 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie 44 Quad Cab and an equally nice 26-foot Backcountry Mountain TRX trailer so the family of four could enjoy the outdoor lifestyle during summer and fall. The salesperson at the Ram dealer said the Hemi-powered 44 could tow as much as 12,750 pounds, so no problem towing the 9,995-pound Outdoors RV camper.
But what he found out later when looking up the maximum trailer tow ratings in the Ram towing guide was that his particular pickup, with the standard 3.21 axle ratio, was limited to just 8,330 pounds. Fortunately, he persuaded the dealer to swap his new pickup for an identical one that was equipped with the premium 3.92 axle ratio, which was rated to tow 11,430 poundsa much better match to the trailer and much safer for his family.
To that end, you must go back to the basics of weight when it comes to how much your vehicle can tow. You need to know the GVWR of the trailer and the maximum trailer capacity of your specific tow vehicle.
If the trailers GVWR is more than the trailer tow rating of your tow vehicle, find a lighter traileror a tow vehicle with a higher trailer towing capacity.
A good rule-of-thumb in choosing a trailer is its GVWR be no more than two-thirds the max trailer tow rating of the vehicle. This gives you a margin of error on the safe side. Your tow vehicle must also be properly equipped as specified by its manufacturer.
What is the best 4X4 for off-grid RVing?
So whats the best 44 vehicle for towing trailers when camping off the grid and exploring roads less traveled? Most people think the obvious answer is one of the many Jeep models, such as the iconic Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon or Grand Cherokee. Theyre partially correct.
Jeep Models
Setting fuel economy and price aside, the Jeep Rubicon 392 is king, setting the highest bar among the Jeep line when it comes to overall backcountry and off-road performance. Its V8 power, technology, and agility are amazing.
Jeeps are the icon for off-pavement/off-road travel. But the soft, pliant suspension takes away some of their towing ability, limiting most models to towing trailers less than 3,500 pounds. Off-road trailer manufacturers such as Vorsheer, which makes the 2,600-pound (GVWR) XOC, build their trailers to accommodate these tow ratings. Photo courtesy Vorsheer Mfg
But the Jeep Wranglers soft, pliant suspension, across all models, is also its downfall when it comes to tow ratings. They are among the lowest in this class of SUV, with a maximum towing capacity of just 3,500 pounds for the 6.4L V8-powered Rubicon 392 to as little as 2,000 pounds for the base model two-door Wrangler Sport with the 3.6L V6.
Jeeps Grand Cherokee is an excellent tow vehicle for those who do a lot of highway RVing and backcountry travel with light off-roading. Some models can tow up to 7,650 pounds.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has higher tow ratings ranging from 4,000 to 7,200 pounds (Hemi V8-powered SRT). But the Jeep Gladiator pickup is the best choice with a trailer towing capacity of up to 7,650 pounds, depending, of course, on the model and axle ratio.
Ford Bronco
A new contender when it comes to the best 44 for RVing off-grid is the latest iteration of the iconic Ford Bronco. Fords new SUV leads the pack for four-wheeling in overall performance, with excellent fuel economy, suspension travel, and traction capabilities.
Broncos equipped with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and 10-speed automatic combo are ideal for towing. The trade-off for the Ford Broncos off-road prowess is a limited trailering capacity of up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the optional Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Ram 1500
If money isnt an option and you want the very best 44 for off-grid travel and towing RV trailers, the 702hp Ram 1500 TRX, with a tow rating of 8,100 pounds, wins. Hands-down. Its won both Four Wheeler and MotorTrend magazines Truck of the Year and several other prestigious automotive pickup awards this year.
Hitch types and hitch capacities
The term properly equipped means the vehicle has the factory towing package, which can vary from vehicle to vehicle and from manufacturer to manufacturer. But it always includes a factory-installed receiver hitch and wiring to connect between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Properly equipped also means using the proper hitch type for the weight of the trailer. There are two hitch types for towing a trailer using a receiver-type hitch: weight carrying and weight distributing.
Attaching the trailer to the hitch ball bolted on the shank that comes out of the hitch is called weight carrying because the full load of the trailers tongue weight is carried by the hitch assembly.
This is a typical weight-carrying hitch setup that comes from the factory. It accommodates a shank with a trailer ball mount. The load capacity of a hitch can be found on the hitch manuals decalthe same with the shank. The hitch ball capacity is imprinted on the top of the ball.
The towing capacity of the hitch is determined by the hitch manufacturer, and the maximum load/towing capacities are listed on the hitch, the hitch shank, and on top of the hitch ball. Hitches come in five classifications depending on the size of the opening for the receiver (shank) and load capacity.
The typical factory hitch on cars, crossovers, smaller SUVs is Class I or II.
Midsize pickups, SUVs, and vans generally come with a Class III hitch.
Full-size pickups usually have a Class IV hitch, while some 1-ton diesels use a Class V hitch.
Hitch classes and Gross Trailer Weight
| Class | Basic Use | Size of Opening | Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) | Tongue Weight Capacity |
| I | Light-Duty | 1.25 | 2,000 lbs. | 200 lbs. |
| II | Moderate-Duty | 1.25 | 3,500 lbs. | 350 lbs. |
| III | Versatile/Mix | 2 | 3,5006,000 lbs. | 350-600 lbs. |
| IV | Heavy-Duty | 2 | 10,00012,000 lbs. | 1,0001,200 lbs. |
| V | Heaviest-Duty | 2.5 | 16,00020,000 lbs. | 1,6002,000 lbs. |
NOTE: Changing the size of the hitch to one with a higher capacity DOES NOT change your vehicles tow rating.
Understanding hitch balls and capacity
The most important connection point between the tow vehicle and the trailer is the shiny round thing sticking up from under the bumperthe hitch ball. Youll have a big problem if the ball isnt the correct size to fit the trailer coupler, or the ball isnt installed on the shank (mount) with the correct amount of torque on the nut.
Standard RV trailer hitch balls come in three different diameters: 1-7/8, 2, and 2-5/16, while shank sizes varying from to 3 depending on the hitch capacity. The smaller 1-7/8 hitch balls have a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and are typically found on cars, smaller SUVs, minivans, and crossovers.
Hitches equipped with 2 tow balls are rated for 8,000 pounds and are typical of that used on smaller travel trailers and overlanding/adventure-style off-road trailers. The larger 2-5/16 hitch balls are rated from 12,500 pounds to 21,000 pounds and are common on RV trailers that weigh more than 8,000 pounds.
A typical weight-distribution (WD) hitch has two spring bars that extend from the hitch head to the trailer. The bars act like wheelbarrow handles, so some of the weight of the trailer on the hitch can be shifted fore and aft to better balance the tow vehicle/trailer combo. A WD hitch also greatly reduces trailer sway.
How do weight distribution hitches work?
A weight distributing hitch, or weight distribution hitch, uses a special head with provisions for attaching one or two long arms that attach to the trailer frame that can be adjusted to transfer some of that tongue weight fore and aft so the tow vehicle is better balanced.
The typical WD hitch also incorporates an anti-sway device or design for better trailer control.
The weight distribution feature will transfer some of the weight to the front axle, as well as some being transferred back to the trailers axle(s) explains Josh Jones, a customer service rep at Progress Manufacturing, makers of the Equl-i-zer Hitch and Fastway trailer towing components.
Basically, 1/3 of the tongue weight is transferred from your tow vehicle back to the trailer, and the remaining 2/3 is evenly distributed on the front and rear axles of your truck. This gives all four tires equal contact with the road, improving steering and braking, and the hitchs built-in sway control eliminates sway before it starts so you have a smoother, more enjoyable towing experience.
Both weight-distributing (top) and standard hitches have maximum trailer towing ratings. Using a reducer sleeve (bottom) to step down from 2.5 or 3 hitch receivers to 2 also reduces trailer towing capacity.
Thats why the weigh-carrying tow capacities of a vehicle, especially full-size pickups, vans, and SUVs, are usually considerably less than a weight-distributing setup because more weight is put on the rear axle when one is just towing on the ball.
These dual-capacity tow ratings really apply to pre-2018 and older heavy-duty pickups with some max trailer towing limits of 5,000 pounds towing-on-the ball unless a weight-distributing hitch is used. Also, using the 2 adapter sleeve in newer pickups 2.5 receiver hitches significantly reduces both the weight-carrying tow limit and maximum tongue weight.
The Best 2022 Pickups For Towing Trailers With GVWR Under 5,000 Pounds
Brake requirements for RV travel trailers
Attaching a trailer to your tow vehicle places an additional load on its braking system. That means the heavier the trailer, the less responsive the brakes and the longer it takes to stop the vehicle. Thats why most state motor vehicle laws require trailers over a certain gross weight must have their own trailer braking system.
Some state trailer laws require a braking system on trailers with a GVW of 1,500, some 3,000 pounds, and some 6,000 pounds GVW. Other states require the tow vehicle/trailer combo must stop within a certain distance from a designated speed, or the tow vehicle be able to hold the trailer while stopped on a hill of any grade under all conditions.
Thankfully the RV trailer manufacturers make the braking aspect of towing a travel trailer easy by equipping their trailers, even the lighter off-road/overlanding camp trailers, with electric brakes on trailers that weigh more than 1,500 pounds. This way, the trailer can be sold in any state and meet the legal brake requirements.
As for trailer brakes, the typical RV trailer has electric-actuated brakes along with a breakaway system in the event the trailer decides to go for a little side trip on its own. (Breakaway systems are required on trailers with a GVW greater than 3,000 pounds.)
Aftermarket electric brake controllers send electronic signals to the trailer brakes when the driver hits the tow vehicles brake pedal. There are lots of types of controllers, and most allow the driver to manually apply the trailer brakes via a dash-mounted controller if needed. Photo courtesy eTrailer.com
How do RV trailer brakes work?
Electric-actuated RV trailer brakes on bumper-pull can be either drum or disc, much like those that stop your tow vehicle. The braking is applied when an electrical signal is transmitted from the brake pedal to a separate device in the vehicle called a brake controller, which then signals and activates the trailers brakes.
In an electric drum brake system, the braking signal goes to an electromagnetic actuator inside the brake drum that pushes the brake linings into the drum. On an electric-over-hydraulic disc braking system, the signal from the controller activates a hydraulic pump that pushes fluid in the brake lines to the calipers that engage the brake rotor.
Some of the newest pickups and SUVs have built-in brake controllers, while older pickups and most cars, crossovers, and SUVs will need an aftermarket brake controller unit installed. Either way, itll be up to you to make the proper brake controller adjustments per that particular brake controllers instructions.
Both braking systems require the proper trailer plug, the correct trailer wiring setup in the tow vehicle, and a charged battery in the trailer to operate safely. Part of most vehicle manufacturers Towing Package includes such wiring and plug for the trailer wiring harness.
Typical travel trailer weights
When you shop for RV travel trailers, youll see a wide range in gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR), even in the tiny trailers and off-road trailers. For instance, the typical teardrop trailer comes in between 1,500 and 2,500 pounds, with the more robust overlanding off-road trailers coming in with a GVWR between 2,500 to 4,500 pounds. Pop-up tent and hard-sided campers generally have GVWRs between 2,0004,000 pounds.
RV trailers are available to fit just about any lifestyle. They also vary in weight, so its easy to find the perfect travel trailer to fit your tow vehicle. Some adventuresome RVersof an estimated 10 million taking vacations with a trailer in towwill be doing so on roads less traveled. Photo courtesy Boreas Campers
More traditional bumper-pull RV trailers have an average GVWR range related to their length, design (camper or toy hauler), and number of slideouts. Midsize RV trailers in the 23- to 28-foot range have a maximum loaded weight between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds.
Start shopping around for the 30-foot-plus bumper-pull trailers and the GVWRs can top 10,000 pounds, which is nearing the upper limit for most full-size pickups and SUVs towing with a weight-distributing hitch.
Popular trailers for towing and average weights
While there are hundreds of travel trailer brand and specification combinations we could list, well focus on some well-known RVs to give you a sense of what to look for when shopping for a trailer to tow:
| Lance Camper 1685 | 166 | 5,500 lbs. |
| BRX X2 (off-road/tent) | 169 | 3,500 lbs. |
| Escape 17A | 178 | 4,000 lbs. |
| NuCamp TAB 400 (teardrop) | 183 | 3,900 lbs. |
| Starcraft Autumn Ridge 172FB | 19 | 3,750 lbs. |
| Black Series HQ12 (off-road camper) | 196 | 6,750 lbs. |
| Sylvansport VAST | 216 | 4250 lbs. |
| Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1900RD | 22 | 4,700 lbs. |
| Forest River Flagstaff Micro Lite 21 DS | 22 | 6,800 lbs. |
| Winnebago Hike H210RB | 25 | 6,000 lbs. |
| Airstream Flying Cloud | 28 | 7,600 lbs. |
| Northwoods Arctic Fox | 29 | 10,000 lbs. |
| Jayco Jay Flight Octane 255 (toy hauler) | 29 | 9,500 lbs. |
| Cruiser RV MPG (ultra-light) | 30 | 7,600 lbs. |
| Grand Design Imagine | 32 | 8,500 lbs. |
| Highland Ridge Light | 35 | 9,990 lbs. |
Where do electric pickups fit in with towing RV trailers?
Electric vehicles, aka EVs, are slowly making their way into the automotive market but still only make up less than 2 percent of the new car market in the U.S., according to Pew Research and other market watchers.
EVs, whether car, SUV, crossover, or pickup, are excellent modes of transportation for city and urban settings. Not so much so in rural America, where the availability of designated plug-in sites is few and far between. EV vehicles also cost a lot more than their gas and diesel counterparts. If the current federal tax incentives or EV tax credits are phased out, that price disparity will be even greater.
Then theres the cost of EV ownership over the life of the vehicle to consider, along with trade-in value. After all, all batteries wear out, and the packs in EVs are no different.
What will it cost to replace an EVs battery pack in 100,000 miles or 10 years? Its not going to be cheap. A Greencars.com article claims that cost could be as high as $15,000, not including labor.
All-electric (EV) pickups are emerging from different vehicle manufacturers as battery technology advances. One of the great things about EV pickups and SUVs is the engine compartment becomes a big trunk! Photo courtesy Ford
RV trailer towing range for EV pickups
Trailer towing brings up another matter: driving range. EV pickups capability in distance between charges is cut by 1/3 to when towing a travel trailer. So instead of being able to drive 250300 miles unloaded, youll need to look for a place to plug in every 3 to 4 hours. Thats not convenient and not what most RVers want in a tow vehicle.
Fords 2022 F-150 Lightning, with a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, sports EPA range numbers of 230 miles for the standard battery pack and 300 miles with the optional extended range pack. The trailering range is probably going to be around 150200 miles depending on the battery pack.
The F-150 EV battery packs require 10 to 13 hours to fully recharge with the Ford Charge Station Pro, which plugs into either 120V or 240V outlets. Well probably see EV charges common as their evolution continues.
Sure, the EV F-150 can be turned into a backup power station, but that power comes from the battery pack, good for off-grid camping but shortening the driving range even more. So, if youre keen on going green by towing your travel trailer with an EV, keep the driving range in mind.
EV pickups are hitting the road, and RVers are taking note. The 2022 Ford Lightning EV has a trailer towing capacity of 10,000 pounds and a range estimated at 150200 miles between charges when towing, depending on the battery pack option. Photo courtesy Ford
Tow ratings for EV pickups & SUVs
| Audi e-tron AWD SUV | $65,900 | 222 miles* | 4,000 lbs. |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $41,000$90,000 | 230300 miles* | 7,70010,000 lbs. |
| GMC Hummer EV Pickup | $79,995 | 250300+ miles | 7,50011,000 lbs.** |
| Rivian R1T Explore | $77,500 | 400 miles* | 11,000 lbs. |
| Tesla Cybertruck | $39,000$70,000 | 250+ miles* | 7,500 lbs. |
*Unloaded **GM has not released final numbers
Now that you know how to match a tow vehicle to a travel trailer and set it up safely, youre ready to tow like a pro. Its time to head out on the road, have fun, and make wonderful memories. Thats what the RV life is all about!
Make your next RV trip even easier and more enjoyable with an RV-safe GPS. With it, you can get directions custom tailored to the height and weight of your tow vehicle and travel trailer. The turn-by-turn navigation, including voice- and lane-guidance, works even when youre offline. No more worrying about steep mountain passes, low clearances, bridge weight limits, or propane-restricted tunnels.
