Togo RV Highlights the ‘Best Vehicles for RV Towing in 2023’

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an edited excerpt of an article published by Togo RV, part of Roadpass Digital. Click here to read the article in full.

SUVs have grown in popularity with drivers, and as a result, there are more choices than even when it comes to shopping for a vehicle for RV towing. With so many options, it can be tough to decide which model to buy. But what you’re towing and how much it weighs may significantly narrow down your options for a new rig.

Towing capacity is just one of the factors you should consider when selecting a vehicle for pulling a trailer. RVs are particularly susceptible to wind resistance and have a higher tongue weight than other types of trailers, which means you’ll need to pay attention to the hitch rating. In addition to passengers, you should know the weight of the onboard gear you may be hauling.

These important specifications will vary between trim levels, and will often be found on the driver’s side door jamb. For the safety of you and everyone else in the vehicle and on the road, these numbers should never be exceeded.

After finding a vehicle that can meet the mechanical minimum requirements, look for additional technology that could improve the driving experience, including sway stability, hitch cameras, and electronic integration packages.

RVing continues to grow in popularity, and automakers are keeping up with integrated features and comforts that make towing your RV not just easier, but more comfortable and enjoyable. We like these options that make the joys of RVing more accessible and less intimidating, even for newbies.

The Best 2023 Trucks for Towing

While trucks aren’t the only way to tow, it’s a growing segment with many versatile options, and this is just a short list of options to consider. However, buyers don’t need to finance the biggest truck they can afford to ensure they can tow their trailer. While some shoppers may get hung up on size, it’s not the most important factor to consider.

Compact Trucks

The revitalized compact truck segment is capable of towing a wide range of campers, and with starting prices of less than $30,000, a compact truck could be a wise choice for buyers looking for an affordable way to get started RVing.

2023 JEEP GLADIATOR – Jeep released the Gladiator in 2020 into the compact truck segment that had been dormant for some time. The competition in the space is heating up, but the versatility, impressive specifications, and durability of the Gladiator are why it remains a top choice for 2023. In addition to the EcoDiesel engine, the recent plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain is another fuel-efficient option with high-torque and selectable drive modes for off-road adventures.

• Max. towing capacity: 7,700 pounds
• Max. payload: 1,710 pounds

Midsize Trucks

With more configurations than the compact segment, midsize trucks offer drivers increased flexibility for finding the right-sized vehicle that can be used for work and play at a reasonable price.

2023 FORD RANGER – Reintroduced to North America in 2019, the Ford Ranger continues to lead its segment in affordability, fuel economy, and towing capability. Equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 270 and 310 pound-feet of torque, it’s available with a four-seater SuperCab or five-seater SuperCrew configuration, and a 5- or 6-foot bed.

• Max. towing capacity: 7,500 pounds
• Max. payload: 1,905 pounds

2023 NISSAN FRONTIER – Redesigned last model year and equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, the Frontier is the most powerful option in the segment. The midsize truck is available with either a four-seater King cab with a 73.3-inch bed or a five-seater Crew cab with a 59.5- or 73.3-inch bed.

• Max. towing capacity: 6,720 pounds
• Max. payload: up to 1,600 pounds

Full-Size Trucks

With high ride heights, increasingly luxurious cabins, and the ability to haul a lot of gear, full-size trucks are gaining popularity with buyers as daily drivers. These workhorses are often offered with a wide range of mechanical configurations, cabin options, and available equipment to build the perfect adventuring rig while providing comfort typically found in premium SUVs.

2023 FORD F150 – With six powertrains (seven if you count the all-electric Lightning), three cabs, three bed lengths, and nearly all models available with standard 4×2 and available 4×4 (except the 3.0-liter V2 engine, which is 4×4 only), there’s a Ford F150 that will suit your needs. The most capable model of the line is equipped with the 3.5-liter turbocharged engine, which can tow up to 14,00 pounds. The runner-up is the more fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V6 turbocharged hybrid powertrain, which adds the generator-like capability to power small appliances from the bed of your truck.

• Max. towing capacity, conventional: 14,000 pounds
• Max. towing capacity, hybrid: 12,700 pounds
• Max. payload, conventional: 3,325 pounds
• Max. payload, hybrid: 2,100 pounds

2023 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 – Although it doesn’t have the highest towing capacity, the Silverado 1500 is available with hands-free, semi-autonomous Super Cruise technology that can be used while towing, which makes it a good option for buyers prioritizing ease when shopping for a rig. Buyers can choose from four engine options (five, including the upcoming all-electric Silverado EV), three cabs, three beds, and nine trims to find the right configuration for their trailering needs.

• Max. towing capacity: 13,300 pounds
• Max. payload: 2,260 pounds

Heavy-Duty Trucks

With some RVs, only a heavy-duty pickup truck will suffice. The battle for the most capable heavy-duty truck is tight, but you can’t go wrong with any of the major truck manufacturers in this category for towing. However, the weight of the trailer typically dictates the short list of pickups that will work. In addition to maximum capacities, heavy-duty trucks will offer the latest trailer integration technology, such as tire pressure monitoring systems for RV tires, surround-trailer cameras, and auto-hitching options.

2023 RAM 2500 AND 3500 – It’s considered one of the most highly awarded heavy-duty pickup trucks due to its range of powerful engines, including a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine with 1,075 pound-feet of torque and a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque.

• Max. towing capacity Ram 3500: 37,090 pounds
• Max. payload Ram 3500: 7,680 pounds
• Max. towing capacity Ram 2500: 19,980 pounds
• Max. payload Ram 2500: 4,000 pounds

Click here to read the article in full, including Togo RV’s selections for SUVs and minivans.

Source: https://rvbusiness.com/togo-rv-highlights-the-best-vehicles-for-rv-towing-in-2023/