If you’re new to the RV world ― or maybe you’d like a refresher on what you need to consider when choosing the right setup for your needs ― take a look at this overview put together by the team at Sunny Island RV in Rockford, IL. We help you pinpoint the weights, towing, and capacity requirements you’ll need to be aware of  so you can put together the ideal travel experience.

At Sunny Island RV, we offer a wide selection of quality new and pre-owned Class A, B, and C recreational vehicles, travel trailers, fifth wheels, motor coaches, toy haulers, and cargo trailers. Choose your dream RV from a variety of models from such leading manufacturers as ATC®, Thor® Motor Coach, Dutchmen®, Gulf Stream®, Holiday House®, and Intech®. 

We also carry bikes and scooters, too. And if you need a part for your current rig, check out what’s in stock in our parts department or request a part online.

Stop by our dealership in Rockford and talk with one of our specialists about what you’re looking for. You can also contact us at (815) 874-7226 or submit an online inquiry. View our hours of operation and directions to plan your visit.
 

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How to Tow an RV

When determining what you can or want to tow, you’ll need to consider the type, size, and weight of the RV as well as the power you’ll need in order to pull it. This means knowing the weight requirements and limits of your travel trailer as well as the towing capacity of your truck or SUV. 

In addition, you’ll need to know the weight of all contents, fuel, and water. When it comes to safety on the road, tire size and pressure are important, too.

If you’ll be using a pickup truck or SUV, be aware of the vehicle’s maximum amount of weight it can safely pull (i.e., its maximum towing capacity), and make sure it has the necessary equipment to ensure towing ability. 

Calculations you need to be aware of include:

• Curb weight

• Cargo weight

• Payload capacity 

• Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)

• Gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCVWR)

• Occupant and cargo carrying capacity (OCC)

• Tongue weight/tongue load (i.e., exertion/what presses down on your hitch)

Typically, you can find weight capacities printed on the sticker inside the door of your RV and truck or SUV, while the maximum gross tongue weight can be found on the trailer hitch. Owner’s manuals can be helpful references, too. If you need assistance, speak with one of our specialists.  

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) publishes standards for performance requirements, if you’d like more detailed information on towing capacity.

Towing Vehicles for Travel Trailers

Depending on the size and weight of the RV you’re considering, you may be able to tow it using a light-duty pickup truck, mid-size SUV, or full-size SUV, or it may require a heavy-duty pickup truck. 

As a general reference, large travel trailers typically weigh around 7,000-8,000 pounds; a 20-foot toy hauler can weigh about 8,000-9,000 lbs; and a medium-size, 18-foot camping trailer weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds.

If you’re going for the largest travel trailer available ― a fifth wheel, weighing around 12,000 pounds ― be aware that you’ll need a heavy-duty truck and a specially designed, fitted hitch in order to connect to the bed of your pickup.

Best SUVs for Towing

The accompanying list features some of the more popular SUVs that provide maximum towing capacities that can meet the requirements for certain types of travel trailers. This list represents 2023 model year maximum towing capacity data only, so you’ll need to do additional research if your vehicle’s model year and engine are different. 

You’ll also need to ensure that the vehicle you’ll be using is equipped with the necessary towing equipment and drive system to achieve its maximum towing ability.

Make sure you are also aware of your towing vehicle’s cargo, payload, and trailer tongue weights.

Best Trucks for Towing

Most pickup trucks deliver a higher level of towing ability when compared with an SUV. Which truck will give you what you need? Check out the accompanying chart for a list of some of the more popular light-duty and heavy-duty trucks that are designed to get the job done. Maximum towing capacities reflect 2023 model year only. 

As with the SUV model list, you’ll need to do additional research if your truck’s model year and engine are different. You’ll also need to ensure that the truck you’ll be using is equipped with the necessary towing equipment and drive system to achieve its maximum towing ability. Make sure you know your truck’s cargo, payload, and trailer tongue weights.

RVs for Sale Near Chicago, IL

Find your ideal motorhome, camper van, travel trailer, or cargo trailer at Sunny Island RV in Rockford, IL. Search our new inventory or pre-owned inventory to locate the perfect RV for you and stop by our dealership near U.S. Route 20 and Alpine Road in Rockford, IL, to check it out in person. View our hours of operation and directions to plan your visit.