Towing a small pop up with a CRV

Ryanincc wrote:

Adam H wrote:

When I travel to other countries I see all sorts of compact cars/small SUV's towing TT's, PUP's. They seem to be doing just fine, even on the Autobahn. I have come to believe we over think this subject in the US. Just look at tow ratings outside the US on the same vehicles. Once again, if you don't have a 1 ton dually, you can't tow anything more than a utility trailer. How well trained we have become here, like sheep.
Adam

Seeing a small car in Europe towing a decent trailer can lead a yank to such conclusions. However, EU travel trailers are made with the axles closer to the TV, which reduces tongue weight. and towing speed limits are generally much lower than the US as well. That allows for smaller vehicle to tow but the same setup here in the US would have you white knuckling the whole way.

Yep, in Europe you are typically an hour or two away from your destination.

Many of those small vehicles are equipped with a small diesel and a manual transmission which gives it an advantage towing. Their caravan trailer design doesn't concentrate on tongue weight to keep the rig stable... There is a lot in common with our boat trailers. Typically a 5-7% ish tongue weight....

Surge style brakes, "ball stabilizers" (sway control) and sensible towing max speeds lead for smaller cars.

Plus Europeans do more with less... Think Casita and maybe the Visa and you are getting close to a European single axle Caravan...Most North American RVers would be dis-satisfied with a European caravan.

Funny thing is that Europeans pull horse trailers and such with their cars too.

Thanks!

Jeremiah