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5 Best Vehicles For Towing A Travel Trailer

A pickup truck towing an RV through scenic landscape.

5 Best Vehicles For Towing A Travel Trailer

Towing capacity is the amount of weight that a vehicle can haul when pulling a trailer. The vehicle’s manufacturer determines the towing capacity by taking into account the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), among others. In simple terms, maximum towing capacity is how heavy the vehicle trailer should be.

Max towing capacity of every vehicle should be observed keenly in every situation. Either way, exceeding it by hauling more weight than the vehicle is rated for is extremely detrimental. Be smart and understand the limits of your vehicle.

Which Vehicle Do You Need For Towing A Travel Trailer?

Whether you need a vehicle with a decent towing capacity for that summer RV trip or you have a boat to tow regularly, you need to haul a trailer. Vehicle towing capacity is something that you won’t appreciate until the point you desperately need it. In addition, you need to know that not all vehicles are used for towing.

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Here are the five best vehicles for towing a travel trailer:

5. 2021 Lincoln Navigator – 8,700 pounds

A Lincoln Navigator tows a boat.
2021 Lincoln Navigator. Image source: Lincoln.com

2021 Lincoln Navigator is a Sport Utility Vehicle that can accommodate up to eight passengers comfortably. The stylish cruiser is married to the all-weather towing machine. The rival of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator includes Lexus LX and Escalade. Furthermore, it’s a good-looking SUV with a V-8 engine and twin-turbo charge that powers its performance.

With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, you can upgrade the 2021 Lincoln Navigator to a four-wheel-drive system at a price. The clever availability of the 4WD for 2021 Lincoln Navigator also improves traction modes for the surfaces like sand, snow, and ice. You won’t feel threatened while towing your package with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator during bad weather. Its sporty driving gives you an excellent fuel economy to save you a lot from towing expenses.

4. 2021 Ford Expedition – 9,300 pounds

Ford Expedition towing small Airstream trailer.
2021 Ford Expedition. Image source: ford.com

The 2021 Ford Expedition is a properly equipped vehicle with a max towing capacity of 9,300 pounds. The vehicle’s performance is powered by the 3.5L twin-turbocharged Ecoboost V-6 engine with 375 horsepower. The 2021 Ford Expedition engine is also mated to the 10-speed Select-Shift for a responsive automatic transmission.

The rear-wheel driving system of the 2021 Ford Expedition is the standard one for the base trims. The top-end trims are equipped with a four-wheel-drive system. The flexibility of the 2021 Ford Expedition is that you can configure it to fit any feature for your towing preferences. The steering response is smooth to give you confidence when navigating through the corners with the long trailer.

Generally, the driving dynamics of the 2021 Ford Expedition are commendable. When towing, you won’t keep hesitating about its size and magnitude. You will feel like everything is under control because the rear-view camera will help you get an insight into what it’s happening from behind. You can still add the off-road features to make the towing prowess when exploring distant destinations during summer trips in your travel trailer. The interior seats are heated and comfortable, with adequate head and legroom for both the front and rear passengers.

3. 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 – 12,750 pounds

truck pulling an airstream
2021 Dodge Ram 1500 – 12,750 pounds. Image source: ramtrucks.com

The towing capacity of the 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 varies depending on the type of engine that you select. However, expect the maximum towing capacity of the 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 to go up to 12,750 pounds with the 5.7L V-8 engine.

That shows that the vehicle has a lot of trailing packages to handle. Therefore, if you have adventure waiting for you during any season, be sure that the 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 will exceed your expectations. Max towing capacity of 12,750 pounds delivers exemplary performance that can only be rivaled by the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2021 Ford F150.

2021 Dodge Ram 1500 has a hybrid technology to enhance both performance and efficiency.  Its engine produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.  The features of the 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 that ensures safer towing include Trailer Light Check, Hill Start Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Trailer-Tow Power-Fold Mirrors, Surround View Camera, Trailer Camera Wiring, and Electronic Stability Control, among others.

2. 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 13,300 pounds

Silverado pulling a boat
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Image source: chevrolet.com

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a reliable pickup that can tow hefty loads measuring up to a maximum of 13,300 pounds. It has enough power to make sure that you dominate throughout the road trip, even if it’s for an off-roading experience. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has dynamic fuel management technology, and its horsepower goes up to 420 plus the 460 lb-ft torque.

The standard trailering package for this towing machine comes with the 4-pin connector, 2-inch receiver, automatic rear look differentials, and the 7-wire harness with the 7-way sealed connector. If you want to push the towing limit of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 higher, go for the Max Trailering package.

Trailing suspensions, shock tuning, and the rear upgrade springs, plus other standard features are fitted for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Max Trailering package. If you have something to tow, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can meet your needs.

On the other hand, the advanced trailering package of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is comprised of an in-vehicle trailering system, hitch guidance with hitch view, and the tire temperature and pressure monitoring system. The vehicle takes the towing challenge seriously with the 15 camera views that help turn, hitch, and park.

1. 2021 Ford F150 – 14,000 pounds

ford f-150 - one of the best vehicles for towing a travel trailer
The Ford F-150 is one of the best for towing a travel trailer. Photo: ford.com

2021 Ford F150 is the number one towing vehicle on the list with a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds. Therefore, the vehicle will give you the comfort and flexibility you need while hauling the luggage from one destination to another.

There are six engine options for the 2021 Ford F150. However, you need the 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 engine to achieve the maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds. The 2021 Ford F-150 offers a complete towing package with a wide range of engine options, a roomy interior, and edge-cutting technology. Few vehicles can compete with the Ford F-150 when it comes to towing and versatility.

The all-new Ford F-150 Pickup for 2021 is a true workhorse built to tackle the most difficult tasks. It has a fully boxed high-strength steel frame and a high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body that allows it to tow 14,000 lbs. and a payload rating of 3,325 lbs., which is the best in class.

Conclusion

These are some great options for a comfortable and capable tow vehicle. Always pay attention to the specifications on both your RV and vehicle, and always know how much your RV weighs when fully loaded before you hit the road.


One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and much more.