My camper trailer is 3500 Lbs. I am looking for a SUV that will tow it.Should I have a SUV that can handle a higher amount than that like 5000? Or am I safe getting a vehicle that just tows that amount? I have my eyes on some but if it's better to get a higher rated one then I will have to search further.

Get the highest rated SUV you can aford. Rememner, that rating is based on a strippo vehicle with one 150 pound driver. As you add option packages, family and stuff the rating goes down.

Ok, but that does not answer my question about towing. Would a higher rated towing capacity pull better and handle better or will the same rating for the trailer and ?vehicle which is 3500 be adequate and I wouldn't see a difference?

You asked: "Should I have a SUV that can handle a higher amount than that like 5000?"donn0128 replied: "As you add option packages, family and stuff the rating goes down."So the answer to your question is yes, you should have an SUV that can handle a higher amount because if you get one rated at only 3500, any payload you put in it, reduces how much it can tow. Is the 3500lb trailer weight dry or gross? That makes a big difference.

That would be gross. So loaded. And thanks by the way.

Do yourself a favor and read all of the fine print that goes along with a "tow rating"They are really just an advertising number.But yes as to your question.... A 5000 rated vehicle will generally tow better than a 3500 rated one.... Though it is very likely that a 3500 rated vehicle will be over some ratings.Personally, these are both pretty paltry ratings to begin with. So I would want something stronger.Do you already have the trailer?Finding out later that your TV isn't up to the task is an expensive mistake. Many here have done just that in the past.You can take the chance of joining them,,,, or not.Your money, your choice.

Towing requirements | Good Sam Community

donn0128
Explorer II
Sep 30, 2018
Get the highest rated SUV you can aford. Rememner, that rating is based on a strippo vehicle with one 150 pound driver. As you add option packages, family and stuff the rating goes down.
forjonny
Explorer
Sep 30, 2018
Ok, but that does not answer my question about towing. Would a higher rated towing capacity pull better and handle better or will the same rating for the trailer and ?vehicle which is 3500 be adequate and I wouldn't see a difference?
Jay_Coe
Explorer
Sep 30, 2018
You asked: "Should I have a SUV that can handle a higher amount than that like 5000?"

donn0128 replied: "As you add option packages, family and stuff the rating goes down."

So the answer to your question is yes, you should have an SUV that can handle a higher amount because if you get one rated at only 3500, any payload you put in it, reduces how much it can tow. Is the 3500lb trailer weight dry or gross? That makes a big difference.
forjonny
Explorer
Sep 30, 2018
That would be gross. So loaded. And thanks by the way.
Huntindog
Explorer
Sep 30, 2018
Do yourself a favor and read all of the fine print that goes along with a "tow rating"
They are really just an advertising number.

But yes as to your question.... A 5000 rated vehicle will generally tow better than a 3500 rated one.... Though it is very likely that a 3500 rated vehicle will be over some ratings.
Personally, these are both pretty paltry ratings to begin with. So I would want something stronger.

Do you already have the trailer?

Finding out later that your TV isn't up to the task is an expensive mistake.
Many here have done just that in the past.
You can take the chance of joining them,,,, or not.
Your money, your choice.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Sep 30, 2018
“Ok, but that does not answer my question about towing.“

3500 pounds wet and loaded or dry and empty? Towing at max isn’t fun and “pulling” isn’t the only number that needs to be within the limit. Payload is more important IMO. What and who will you carry in the TV?
forjonny
Explorer
Sep 30, 2018
Haven't got the trailer yet but looked at a 3500 rated a Riverside Retro 177SE with maybe a Kia Sorento LX AWD V6 rated at 5000 lb tow capacity.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Sep 30, 2018
forjonny wrote:
My camper trailer is 3500 Lbs. I am looking for a SUV that will tow it.Should I have a SUV that can handle a higher amount than that like 5000? Or am I safe getting a vehicle that just tows that amount? I have my eyes on some but if it's better to get a higher rated one then I will have to search further.

my Highlander with tow package is rated for 5,000 lbs. pulls my 17 ft TT OK. about 3500 dry weight.
bumpy
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Sep 30, 2018
Running at max isn’t fun and may not be safe. Most newbies don’t have a clue how much stuff they’ll take...tools, bicycles, folding chairs, propane lanterns, firewood, leveling ramps, electrical cords, books, dishes, pots, pans etc. My 3740 pound Winnebago is 5200 wet and loaded. If DW comes she collects 200 pounds of rocks and/or shells.
old_guy
Explorer
Sep 30, 2018
everything you put in the trailer and/or the SUV from lip stick to toilet paper counts towards the tow rating of the SUV. so get the highest rated tow rated SUV you can get. you won't regret it

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