Table of Contents

What Is RV Towing?

RV towing refers to pulling a towable RV using a compatible vehicle such as a pickup truck or SUV. Understanding the difference between RV types and towing methods is the foundation of safe RV travel.

Motorhome vs. Towable RV

  • Motorhomes (Class A, B, C) are self-driving RVs and typically do not require towing another RV.

  • Towable RVs must be pulled by a separate vehicle. This is where most towing-related searches and safety concerns arise in the U.S. market.

Common Types of Towable RVs

  • Travel Trailer
    The most popular option in the U.S., ideal for families and first-time buyers.

  • Fifth Wheel
    Larger, more stable trailers that require a pickup truck with a fifth-wheel hitch.

  • Teardrop Trailer
    Lightweight and compact, often towable by SUVs or crossovers.

RV Towing Methods

  • Bumper Pull Towing
    Uses a rear hitch receiver; common for travel trailers and teardrops.

  • Fifth-Wheel Towing
    Connects directly over the truck bed for improved weight distribution and control.

Key RV Towing Terms (Glossary)

  • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) – Maximum weight the RV can safely carry

  • GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) – Max combined weight of vehicle + RV

  • Tongue Weight – Downward force applied to the hitch (typically 10–15%)

  • Dry Weight vs. Loaded Weight – Empty RV weight vs. real-world travel weight

How to Tow an RV Safely

Step 1 – Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity

Always confirm towing capacity before selecting or hooking up an RV.

  • Look inside the driver-side door jamb for the manufacturer label

  • Check the owner’s manual or official manufacturer website

Typical U.S. examples:

  • Ford F-150: ~8,000–14,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

  • Chevy Silverado 1500: ~7,500–13,300 lbs

Never exceed the lower of GCWR or hitch rating.

Step 2 – Choose the Right RV Towing Setup

Selecting proper towing equipment is critical for stability and safety.

Hitch Types

  • Class III: Light trailers (up to ~8,000 lbs)

  • Class IV: Medium trailers

  • Class V: Heavy-duty towing

Essential Towing Components

  • Weight distribution hitch – Reduces rear sag and improves steering

  • Sway control system – Minimizes trailer sway in crosswinds

Infanta recommends choosing a towing setup designed for stability and long-distance comfort, especially for family travel across diverse U.S. road conditions.

Step 3 – Proper Hitching & Connection

  • Ensure hitch height is level

  • Cross safety chains under the coupler

  • Adjust and test the brake controller before driving

Incorrect hitching is one of the most common causes of RV towing incidents.

RV Towing Checklist (Before Every Trip)

Pre-Trip RV Towing Checklist

  • Check tire pressure (tow vehicle + RV)

  • Test brakes and all lights

  • Confirm hitch lock is secured

  • Verify load distribution

  • Adjust towing mirrors

RV Towing Capacity Explained (Avoid Overloading)

Overloading remains a leading contributor to RV towing accidents in the U.S.

How to Calculate Safe Towing Weight

  1. Determine loaded RV weight

  2. Calculate tongue weight (10–15% of total RV weight)

  3. Compare with vehicle towing capacity and payload limits

Real-World Example

Can a half-ton pickup tow a 25-foot travel trailer?

  • Trailer loaded weight: ~6,500 lbs

  • Tongue weight: ~800 lbs

  • Result: Possible only if payload, hitch, and GCWR limits are respected

When in doubt, choose lighter setups for long-distance travel.

Best RV Towing Setup for Different Scenarios

Weekend Camping

  • Lightweight travel trailer

  • Class III hitch

  • Basic sway control

Long-Distance Road Trips

  • Weight distribution hitch

  • Integrated brake controller

  • Enhanced cooling and suspension

Family Travel with Kids

  • Stable towing geometry

  • Predictable braking performance

  • Comfort-focused interior layouts

Off-Road & National Parks

  • Shorter trailers

  • Higher ground clearance

  • Reinforced suspension systems

Infanta focuses on RV setups that balance safety, lightweight engineering, and comfort—making them ideal for extended U.S. road trips.

Common RV Towing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

  • Ignoring tongue weight calculations

  • Skipping brake controller calibration

  • Driving too fast (speed limits vary by state)

  • Forgetting legal brake requirements (often required over 3,000 lbs)

Avoiding these mistakes dramatically improves safety and vehicle longevity.

FAQ – RV Towing Guide

How much weight can my SUV tow?
Check the manufacturer’s towing capacity and payload ratings.

Do I need trailer brakes?
Most U.S. states require them for trailers over 3,000 lbs.

Can I tow an RV across state lines legally?
Yes, as long as your setup complies with weight and brake regulations.

What speed should I tow an RV at?
Typically 55–65 mph, depending on state laws and conditions.

Is RV towing hard for beginners?
With the right setup and checklist, beginners can tow safely and confidently.

Conclusion: Tow Smarter, Safer, and With Confidence

RV towing doesn’t have to be intimidating. By understanding towing capacity, using the right equipment, and following a proven checklist, you can enjoy safer and more comfortable journeys.

This RV towing guide reflects the most searched and trusted towing practices in the U.S. market—and with the right setup, your next RV adventure can start with confidence.