The towable RV world is dominated by a select core group of vehicles—those equipped with the drivetrains and options to tow immense payloads. The 6.6L turbo-diesel Chevy Silverado 3500 is rated at 22,600 pounds with the 3.73:1 axle, and the 6.7L F-450 Crew Cab can drag 24,700 pounds of family fun. Impressive. But what if you have a Hyundai Santa Fe (3,500-pound capacity), a Suzuki Grand Vitara (3,000-pound capacity), or a Kia Sorrento (3,500-pound capacity)? Does it seem unreasonable to be able to tow a trailer with a convertible or a standard family car? Of course not, as there are countless cars and SUVs being made today with tow ratings that will allow a wide range of options—from a small utility trailer and a jet ski, all the way up to popup campers and fullsize travel trailers.
The Buick Enclave is a base-luxury model that might be better suited getting groceries or taking the family to the movies than it would to a campground, but the standard 3.6L V-6 produces 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. With the $525 towing package option, the Enclave is capable of hauling up to 4,500 pounds. A perfect pairing example: the Rockford Mini Lite 1905 trailer. It’s a 20-foot fully appointed trailer tipping the scales at only 2,945 pounds. It sleeps four and has a full kitchen and bathroom.
There seems to be no reason to ever see a Volvo with a trailer close behind—especially a four-seat hardtop convertible like the C70—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. The C70 comes standard with the five-cylinder 227-horsepower engine with the ability to deliver 236 lb-ft of torque, the exact engine found in the C30. Both cars are rated to pull up to 2,000 pounds, which doesn’t sound like much until you consider the Viking 1706LS from Coachman, a 12-foot popup trailer that sleeps six. It offers a wide-stance suspension for better stability, and a steel powdercoated frame built for strength.
Expensive luxury cars aren’t the only models sold in the U.S. that afford the ability to cruise the distant campgrounds. The reasonably priced and popular Honda Pilot (with 4WD) offers a standard variable torque-management system, a heavy-duty transmission cooler, and a radiator with two 160-watt electric fans. With the addition of the $220 hitch harness option, it’s ready to tow up to 4,500 pounds. With the recent purchase of SunnyBrook RV, Winnebago has expanded from its iconic motorhome market into the towable RV world with the introduction of the Minnie travel trailer, specifically the 1801FB. With bright exterior colors and unique interior designs, the new 19-foot Minnies come fully equipped and can sleep four, all at 3,330 pounds.
Small cars are noted for their fuel economy, perky engines, and compact prices, not for their towing capacity. There are scant manufacturers that actually bother to address the subject, but Toyota has, claiming its Matrix—equipped with a 2.4L inline-four with 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque—is capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds, which isn’t much but is perfect for a teardrop trailer as funky as it is practical. Little Guys offers its 148-inch-long, 6-Wide model aluminum teardrop trailer that can be pulled by most any compact car. Weighing in at a miniscule 1,020 pounds, the 6-Wide (named so because it has a 6-foot-wide interior) is equipped with interior cabinets, king-sized bed, and an exterior galley (with optional mini fridge). An optional power package supplies a variety of power needs.
Just because you own a family sedan or an SUV doesn’t mean you’ll be left out of the camping experience. You just need to broaden your horizons, as there is a big world out there for small RVs.
Perfect Pairings
Buick Enclave + Rockford Mini Lite
288 horsepower,..........2,945 pounds
270 lb-ft of torque
Volvo C70 + Viking 1706LS 227 horsepower,........2,098 pounds
236 lb-ft of torque
Honda Pilot + Winnebago Minnie
250 horsepower,..............3,330 pounds
253 lb-ft of torque
Toyota Matrix + Little Guy 158 horsepower,.............1,020 pounds
162 lb-ft of torque
