Choosing the SUV for Towing Your Adventure Vehicles: RVs, ATVs, Boats, Dirt Bikes, and Motorcycles

Whether you’re towing a cozy RV for a weekend retreat in nature, hauling your ATV for a thrilling off-road adventure, or bringing a boat to enjoy the open waters, selecting the right SUV can make all the difference. Your choice hinges not only on how much weight you’ll be towing but also on the balance of power, efficiency, and comfort. In this guide, we'll delve deep into choosing the best SUVs for towing various adventure vehicles and how each caters to specific needs, ensuring every journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Heavy-Duty Towing: RVs, Boats, and Large Trailers

Adventure outings often mean traveling heavy. When your excursions include sizable RVs or boats, your vehicle's towing capacity needs to accommodate the weight without compromising safety or comfort. For these applications, full-size SUVs and trucks are usually your go-to options.

The Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer is a stellar choice, offering up to 10,000 lbs of towing capacity when equipped with its Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow Package. This package includes crucial components like a 3.92 axle ratio and a trailer brake control system, ensuring your journey is both effective and safe. Similarly, the GMC Hummer EV SUV stands out with its dual electric motors, also capable of towing 10,000 lbs. Although an electric SUV, it does not compromise on towing power, providing a sustainable yet robust solution for your adventures.

The Ford Expedition and Expedition Max should also be on your radar, particularly when their towing capabilities stretch up to 9,300 lbs with a proper tow package. Meanwhile, Toyota Sequoia provides a solid option with its hybrid V6 powertrain, supporting up to 9,520 lbs. These vehicles are particularly beneficial thanks to their full-sized build that easily integrates heavy-duty trailering packages, axle adjustments, and even transmission coolers to ensure sustained towing performance without hitches.

Mid-Weight Towing: ATVs and Dirt Bikes

For activities involving ATVs and dirt bikes, you may prioritize a balanced vehicle that combines passenger comfort with midway towing capabilities. Mid-size SUVs often hit the sweet spot here, offering the flexibility of carrying load along with passengers, making sure entire families can join the adventure.

The Dodge Durango, at its higher trims (R/T and SRT), boasts an impressive 8,700 lbs towing capacity. This makes it a worthy companion when you’re heading out for some ATV or dirt bike fun. The Chevrolet Tahoe and its cousin, the GMC Yukon, serve well too with their 8,400 lbs capability when equipped with a Max Trailering Package.

Moreover, the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX80, both powered by sturdy V8 engines, provide a towing capacity of 8,500 lbs. These vehicles combine towing strength with luxury, offering a smooth ride even in less-than-ideal terrains. For mid-weight towing, choosing vehicles equipped with more traditional V8 engines over turbocharged options can also contribute positively to more stable towing experiences.

Light Towing: Motorcycles and Small Trailers

When your adventures only require light towing, such as small trailers or motorcycles, compact SUVs present a viable option. Lightweight and nimble, these vehicles can handle such tasks efficiently while offering excellent fuel economy, making them ideal for close-range travel or beginner towing explorations.

The Mazda CX-50 offers up to 3,500 lbs of towing capacity, an impressive feat for its size. Equipped with the right hitch and cooling systems, this SUV can manage gentle towing tasks effectively. Similarly, the Toyota Highlander, with its 3,500 lbs capacity, is reliable for light loads, especially on all-wheel-drive models.

For those who prefer something a bit more rugged, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk offers a comfortable towing capacity of 4,500 lbs when fitted with a tow package. These vehicles focus on providing compactness paired with capability, meeting the needs of those who require light towing but aren’t interested in managing the bulk and expense of full-sized vehicles.

Optimizing Towing Performance

Regardless of your chosen vehicle, certain features can enhance your towing experience. Always opt for factory-installed tow packages to ensure optimal heat management and stability. Consider using weight distribution hitches especially for loads over 5,000 lbs, which can greatly improve control and safety.

Furthermore, trucks equipped with diesel engines, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe’s 3.0L diesel option, offer better torque and efficiency for sustained towing journeys. These engines typically provide more towing power compared to their gasoline counterparts, allowing for a more relaxed driving experience with less strain on the vehicle.

Making Your Decision

Choosing the right SUV is critical to optimizing your adventure travel experience, not just in terms of capability but also in safety and enjoyment. Evaluate your needs by considering the type of vehicles you intend to tow most frequently, and select from the options that best fit your lifestyle.

Our adventures at What A Ride remind us that the excitement and stories are not just in the destinations but also in the journey itself. With the right vehicle, you can pave the way for endless wandering and incredible memories. Join the conversation with us and venture on to discover some of the best itineraries we’ve crafted for powered adventures. Because isn’t life all about hitting the road, skidding in broadside, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’?