Towing Guide

RV Towing Guide – Dad's Camper Outlet

Towing an RV safely starts with understanding your vehicle’s towing limits. Before selecting a travel trailer or fifth wheel, you must confirm your tow vehicle is properly rated for the weight you plan to pull.

Important: A vehicle’s maximum towing capacity includes passengers, cargo, added accessories, and fluids. Exceeding this limit can affect braking, steering, handling, and may damage your vehicle.

General Weight Allowance Estimates

When estimating tow compatibility, average cargo weight is typically calculated as:

• 500 lbs for RVs under 5,000 lbs
• 750 lbs for RVs under 8,000 lbs
• 1,000 lbs for RVs over 8,000 lbs

These are estimates only. Always verify the actual towing rating directly with your vehicle manufacturer or dealer before towing or purchasing an RV.

Important Towing Terms

Dry Weight (Shipped Weight)
The weight of the RV as built by the manufacturer without cargo, water, propane, or dealer-installed options.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The actual loaded weight of the RV including cargo, passengers, water, propane, and accessories.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable weight the RV can safely weigh when fully loaded.

Cargo Weight
Everything added to the RV — food, clothing, camping gear, tools, chairs, etc.

Tongue / Hitch Weight
The downward force the trailer applies to the hitch of your tow vehicle.

Pin Weight (Fifth Wheel)
The weight applied from the fifth-wheel king pin into the truck bed hitch.

Payload Capacity
The total weight your truck can carry in its bed and cab. This includes hitch equipment and fifth-wheel pin weight.

Maximum Towing Capacity
The maximum combined weight your vehicle can safely tow including passengers, cargo, fuel, and fluids inside the vehicle.

Why Towing Capacity Matters

Towing above your rated capacity can:

• Increase stopping distance
• Reduce steering control
• Overheat transmission and brakes
• Damage drivetrain components
• Void manufacturer warranty

How To Check Your Vehicle’s Tow Rating

Before purchasing an RV, confirm your tow rating using your owner’s manual or your vehicle manufacturer.

You may also use this independent towing reference guide:
Towing Capacity Guide

Need Help Choosing the Right RV?

If your specific vehicle is not listed or you’re unsure which camper you can tow, contact Dad's Camper Outlet. Our team will help match your vehicle with a safe and compatible RV.

Disclaimer

This towing guide is provided for general informational purposes only. Actual towing capacity varies by vehicle configuration, engine, axle ratio, equipment, passengers, cargo, and driving conditions. Always confirm ratings with your vehicle manufacturer before towing. The driver assumes all responsibility for safe operation of the tow vehicle and trailer.