Travel trailers are a popular way to explore the country without sacrificing the comfort of your own home. However, finding the right midsize SUV for towing your travel trailer can be challenging. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know what to look for. In this article, we’ll go over the best midsize SUVs for towing travel trailers and provide some helpful tips to make the process easier.
What to Look for When Choosing a Midsize SUV for Towing
There are several factors to consider when choosing a midsize SUV for towing your travel trailer:
- Towing Capacity: The most important factor is the towing capacity of the SUV. The higher the towing capacity, the more weight the SUV can pull.
- Engine: The engine size and power are also important. You want an SUV with a powerful engine and good torque to handle the heavy load.
- Transmission: An automatic transmission is preferred for towing, as it provides better control and is easier to use.
- Suspension: A heavy-duty suspension is necessary to handle the weight of the travel trailer.
- Brakes: The SUV needs to have adequate brakes to stop the heavy load.
Keep these factors in mind when choosing a midsize SUV for towing your travel trailer.
Best Midsize SUVs for Towing Travel Trailers
Here are some of the best midsize SUVs for towing travel trailers:
SUV | Towing Capacity | Engine | Transmission | Suspension | Brakes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota 4Runner | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 5-speed automatic | Heavy-duty | 4-wheel ABS |
Jeep Grand Cherokee | 7,200 lbs | 3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8 | 8-speed automatic | Heavy-duty | 4-wheel ABS |
Ford Explorer | 5,600 lbs | 3.5L V6 or 2.3L EcoBoost | 6-speed or 10-speed automatic | Independent rear suspension | 4-wheel ABS |
Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 lbs | 3.6L V6 | 9-speed automatic | Independent suspension | 4-wheel ABS |
All of these SUVs have a towing capacity of at least 5,000 pounds and meet the other requirements for towing a travel trailer.
Tips for Towing a Travel Trailer with a Midsize SUV
Once you have chosen the right midsize SUV for towing your travel trailer, there are some tips to keep in mind:
- Practice: Practice towing your travel trailer before hitting the road to get comfortable with the handling and turning.
- Check your mirrors: Make sure you have good visibility with your mirrors and adjust them properly.
- Brake early: Give yourself plenty of time to brake, as the added weight of the travel trailer requires longer stopping distances.
- Check the tires: Make sure the tires on both the SUV and travel trailer are inflated to the recommended pressure and in good condition.
- Plan your route: Plan your route in advance and avoid steep grades or narrow roads.
By following these tips, you can safely tow your travel trailer with your midsize SUV.
Conclusion
Choosing the right midsize SUV for towing your travel trailer is important for a safe and comfortable journey. Look for a SUV with a high towing capacity, powerful engine, automatic transmission, heavy-duty suspension, and adequate brakes. The Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse are some of the best midsize SUVs for towing travel trailers. Remember to practice towing, check your mirrors, brake early, check the tires, and plan your route for a successful trip. Happy towing!