Vehicle Recommendations for Towing 35 Foot Campers that are Around 6,500 Pounds Dry Weight
Question:
most of the suv can pull around 5000lbs but im trying to stay away from buy a truck do to passenger capacity im looking at campers that 35 ft long weight dry is 6500 lbs these campers have a 2 5/16 hitch for the ball so my ? is which suv can meet the needs of the campers im looking and i can install the class v hitch or would a class 3 with a weight distrib system and possible airbags
asked by: Roger
Expert Reply:
As with any towing system you are limited to lowest rated component of the system. Sometimes that is the vehicle towing capacity. If you are looking for an SUV vehicle to tow a mid to large size camper, then you will want to make sure that the vehicle is rated for towing not only the dry weight but also the weight of any cargo, fluid, gear, etc. that you will have in the camper.
You will need to check the gross trailer weight (GTW) that is the weight of the trailer fully loaded, not just the dry curb weight of the trailer. Also keep in mind that you will want to know the vehicle Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) which is the maximum weight of the towing vehicle and the loaded trailer including all cargo and passengers.
You will need to get an idea of the weight of the campers and make sure that the vehicle that you select is rated appropriately for that weight. I recommend looking into the largest SUVs such as the Ford Expedition, Ford Excursion, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, etc. Many of the previous generations of these SUVs are available on a 3/4 ton frame and larger motors like truck are also available. For example the Chevy Suburban was available as a 3/4 ton until 2013. With a larger frame, and engine combination, these vehicles have a higher towing capacity rating.
If there is also an option, you might consider getting one of these vehicles in a Diesel. Diesels have a greater towing capacity, and are commonly used for towing larger trailers, and campers, and are typically more durable.
Regardless of which vehicle you choose you will also want to make sure that the hitch is rated for both the weight of the camper, and that it is rated for a weight distribution system. Typically there is a towing capacity indicated with or without weight distribution.
To tow a camper of this size and expected weight, a weight distribution system would be highly recommended. However, the determining factor in deciding which weight distribution system is the fully loaded tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of anything stowed behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
Using airbags, or other vehicle suspension, will not increase the towing capacity of any vehicle. They provide additional support to the existing suspension on your vehicle, resulting from towing. Airbags are meant to support the weight of the cargo in the tow vehicle.
Where, weight distribution is best suited to provide support for the trailer tongue weight applied to the vehicle. If the proper weight distribution system is used suspension enhancement should not be needed.
I have included several helpful articles about hitch classes, tongue weight, weight distribution, and vehicle suspension enhancements for your reference.
When you decide on a final vehicle and camper, if you would supply the following information:
vehicle, year, make, model, and towing capacity/ratings with weight distribution, and the camper weight (loaded and ready to go), I would be happy to recommend a weight distribution system specifically for your needs.
