The Best RV Tow Vehicles For 2022
With a new year of RV travel around the corner, it’s a good idea to look out for the best RV tow vehicles that are on the horizon. Every fifth wheel or travel trailer needs to be paired with a good tow vehicle and the automotive industry is always pushing limits on how much their cars can haul.
Depending on the size and type of RV you’re pulling, you’ll need different things from your tow vehicle. For example, if it’s a fifth wheel, you’ll need a heavy duty truck. Below we’ve compiled a list of the best 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and 1-ton trucks for 2022. As a bonus, we’ve also included one of the most promising SUVs for RV towing. Not everyone needs an RV tow vehicle with the highest weight class, but it’s good to know what the upper limits of each type are!
Best 1/2 Ton Truck: Toyota Tundra
1/2 ton trucks are fairly small, but they pack a lot of towing power in their compact frames. There are several models on the market, but one of the best RV tow vehicles is the 2022 Toyota Tundra.
This all-new vehicle has a maximum towing capacity of 11,175 lbs (with the TRD Pro trim). Even the weakest Toyota Tundra can pull 10,890 lbs. though, so you’re guaranteed to get a great performance no matter what. Considering the size of these trucks, a towing capacity this high is impressive.
In addition, the 2022 Toyota Tundra has a maximum payload of 1,740 lbs. which is more than enough for most trailer hitches. You can also fill up the trunk with furniture and not go over the limit. These vehicles are versatile and great for towing or just everyday driving! Their beds range between 5.5-6.5 feet long (depending on the selected trim).
This truck is capable of pulling most travel trailers and lightweight fifth wheels. Many fifth wheels weigh more than 10,000 lbs though, so a larger size of truck may be needed to safely handle something as large and bulky as this. If you have an RV that lies within its towing range, however, you should definitely consider the Tundra.
For more details on the 2022 Toyota Tundra, visit the product page here.
Best 3/4 Ton Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
If you’re looking for RV tow vehicles with a little bit more power, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD could be the right choice for you! This is a 3/4 ton truck, which fits between 1/2 ton and 1-ton trucks in terms of size, power, and towing capacity.
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD has a maximum towing capacity of 18,150 lbs (with certain trims and upgrades). The standard towing capacity of the base vehicle is 14,500 lbs, which is still high enough to haul most trailers and light-medium fifth wheels.
These trucks have a payload of 3,817 lbs as well, so they can haul twice as much in their truck bed compared to the Toyota Tundra. If you plan on carrying a lot of heavy equipment or items in the bed of your truck, you’ll love the strength and sturdy design of this Chevy.
In addition, this Silverado can generate 910 pound-feet of torque, so it can power through all kinds of difficult terrain and steep inclines. If you want power, this is a fantastic choice.
If you’re interested in learning more about this vehicle and could like to see more detailed specifications, visit the product page for the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD here.
Best 1 1/2-Ton Truck: Ford Super-Duty F-450
1 1/2-ton trucks are the heavy-hitters of the automotive world. These vehicles are built for serious towing and are fantastic RV tow vehicles. If you have a massive trailer or fifth wheel, you’ll definitely want to look into getting a Ford Super-Duty F-450.
When you select certain trims, this vehicle can pull up to 37,000 lbs. There are only a few trims that can manage this weight, such as the F-4504×2 with the 6.7L Turbo Diesel Engine. The Ford website recommends that the safe maximum tow capacity for fifth wheels is 32,500 lbs. Though this is a bit lighter, it’s still plenty of power and weight for any RV.
It’s a rare RV that weighs more than 30,000 lbs, but you’ll be ready to handle anything if you’re using a Ford F-450 to tackle the challenge.
The payload specifications vary depending on the build and trim of the truck, but the most that these vehicles can carry in their truck bed is 7,850 lbs. You’ll probably never need to transport that much weight in the bed, but it’s possible with these new 2022 Ford models. Even the lower end of the spectrum is about 3,000 lbs, which is still more than enough to meet the needs of most people.
The Ford Super-Duty F-450 is a true monster that can tow just about any RV on the market. If you want to learn more about it, visit the product page here.
Best SUV: Ford Expedition
Not everyone needs or wants a truck when they buy an RV. You can tow most trailers with a strong SUV as long as it’s not a fifth wheel. If you want a vehicle that’s sturdy, reliable, and big enough for your whole family, the Ford Expedition is worth a look.
This SUV can seat up to 8 people and is built Ford tough! It’s meant to be a heavy-duty car that can perform equally well as a tow vehicle and for everyday commutes. If you buy a model with the proper trim, a Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,300 lbs. Even the weaker models can tow 9,000 lbs or more, so the difference isn’t too extreme.
A towing capacity like this is suitable for most travel trailers. You can also tow boats, storage units, and other bulky items behind your car as well. This vehicle is an excellent all-around option that you can take just about anywhere. To learn more about it and view detailed specs, check out the product page here.
If you’re looking to buy a new tow vehicle, hopefully, one of the models on this list caught your eye. Manufacturers are constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible and RV tow vehicles are getting stronger all the time.
Driving or towing an RV is different. You can’t drive as far, as long, or as fast. Knowing where you need to stop at the end of the day is a challenge, unless you have RV LIFE Trip Wizard. The unique Driving Radius provided by RV LIFE Trip Wizard shows you exactly where to stop and find a campground or RV park, based on criteria you have set. Plan ahead, plan smart, and know exactly where to stop.
Related articles:
Key question: Does the 2022 Tundra have a transmission cooler? Couldn’t find it in your link. The 2019-21 Tundra models did not, not even an option.
Emily, please explain more in how you arrived at best in class for each catagory. The information you provided is not enough. Thanks