If you didn’t already own an adequate vehicle to tow a new trailer or fifth wheel you purchased, chances are you had to buy one. Most RVers know that an underpowered tow vehicle will not do the job properly and can even pose a danger. Are we right?
RV salesmen will sometimes tell you when asked if your present tow vehicle is adequate, that it is perfectly fine for towing your new rig. But they can often be far more interested in their commission than your RVing experience after your purchase.
Of course, matching the tow vehicle to the RV isn’t always straightforward. It’s not just about horsepower—factors like payload capacity, axle ratios, wheelbase, braking ability, and the type of terrain you plan to travel all come into play. Some RVers find themselves deep in the weeds of specs and towing guides, only to realize the safest and simplest path is to upgrade their vehicle entirely.
So when you bought your RV, did you buy a new vehicle to tow it? Or were you all set, with no need to spend what can be a lot of money these days on a vehicle substantial enough to tow something as long and heavy as some trailers and fifth wheels.
If you did, indeed, buy a new vehicle, please leave a comment and tell us about your experience including what vehicle you bought and why you chose (or had) to buy it. Please be as specific as you can.
As always, thank you for participating in this poll.
MORE POLLS LIKE THIS:
- If you buy another RV, will it most likely be motorized or a towable?
- Was the first RV you purchased motorized or a towable?
- How many miles are on your motorhome or tow vehicle?
RVDT2675
We were full-timing in a Class C MH while we searched for our 5er. During that time we also searched for the tow vehicle – a 1-ton dually/diesel. We bought our 2018 Ram 3500 Big Horn before we decided on our rig. Figured the truck could tow whatever we decided on.
Good choice.
Great choice of vehicle.
I’m not sure which of the 3 choices apply to my situation. I had a vehicle so I bought a TT that it could tow.
Before, but it turned out to be too small, so also after (sigh).
Had a 75 Scout II and bought the trailer to fit the approximate tow rating. 5000 pound tow rating and the trailer was rated for 5650. Towed for many years. I did twist off a drive shaft once with the trailer on so we continued the trip in front wheel drive. Twisted the replacement drive shaft later when four wheeling. The Scout in 75 had a weak drive shaft if you worked them hard. Had that Scout until December 31 1999 when an out of control Explorer totaled it. I miss that truck.
Many people bad mouthed International trucks and scouts…but I liked them myself…the trucks were tough beasts back in the day.
Bought the truck years ahead of time, bought the trailer thinking they would be a match. Decided the gas motor wasn’t enough so I bought a diesel, which worked great. Then I got a “bigger is better” bug and bought a dually and then bought a bigger trailer. Of course, decades ago, I started with a tent
The first and and last answer are actually the same. Using the vehicle you already have is the same as buying one before.
I bought my truck in 2015. It had the HD tow package. I bought the trailer in 2018 and made sure my truck could pull it. The only thing I changed on the truck was to install load range E tires to eliminate the tire squat.
When we bought our 2022 Gulf Stream Coach 189DD, we already had our 2020 Subaru Ascent with 5,000 pound factory towing capability.
What the survey does not cover is our 2017 Keystone Cougar 33SAB. We didn’t and still don’t own anything to tow this trailer. We had it commercially moved from the dealer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to a Texas Hill Country RV park. We have had it moved 3X (twice to sites in the same park and once to a new park) by friends – but would have used a paid service. Even if we used a paid service for all moves, we would still be tens of thousands of dollars ahead of buying a truck.
I did the opposite. I built a teardrop trailer small enough to be towed by a 4-cylinder Escape. A deer put an end to the Escape, so I replaced it with a V6 Explorer.
I used my original half ton truck for the first year. I had planned on replacing my truck regardless as it was getting aged. I opted for a 3/4 ton and glad I did. A much better towing experience. Our camper is definitely half ton towable at 7000 lbs and 28 ft., but the 3/4 ton truck made a substantial difference. Peace of mind is priceless.
Back in the early 80s I bought a 14′ Smokey camping trailer. I bought a 71 Chevy Kingswood station wagon that had a 402 big block in it. Plenty of power and stability to tow it.
We bought the 5th wheel AND the truck together and this old lady ended up selling her Subaru and just driving the diesel truck because HE didn’t want to drive the truck. I fell in love with MY truck — don’t drive it a lot but I love it — 2004 Ford 250 diesel and a 2004 Fleetwood Prowler. Love ’em both.
My first truck was a 65 Ford 100 twin I beam suspension, I towed easily the 18″ TT. That Ford was a beast.
When we bought our 5th wheel, my Tundra was 8 years old and high in mileage, and it wasn’t rated to tow the camper. So I bought my new truck because it was time to replace it, but the trailer drove what I picked-3/4 ton GMC.
Eight years ago I bought my Chevy Colorado truck and an RPod trailer. I picked them up on the same day, trading my Subaru for the truck. I stopped at a Walmart to do a quick backup test, then headed to the ferry to get home. I wasn’t worried about my backup skills because I spent years hauling a utility trailer around my large wooded property. The truck now has over 100,000 miles on it and probably 70k was pulling the trailer and traveling all over the US. I’m still happy with both and not planning to change anytime soon.