Towing Guide
What are the minimum requirements for towing a trailer?
Prior to any trailer rental, the customer’s tow vehicle must be certified by Family RV’s service departmentto ensure that it meets all required towing specifications. All tow vehicles will require the following:
· Class 3 Receiver required
· Electric Brake Controller (a must)
· 2 5/16 Ball (May be different if renting a Extra-Small trailer, double check with Family RV's Service Department)
· 7 way Electric Plug at rear bumper (Trailer – RV standard)
· Extended Mirrors (if needed)
· Sway Bar (if needed)
· Weight Distribution Hitch - **Weight distribution hitch recommended. Check vehicle manufacturer tow capacity.
· Top of ball height must be between 18” and 24” from the ground dependant on trailer type – please see our service department for the exact height of your rental unit, or come in and view.
You MUST HAVE a Brake controller, 2 5/16 ball (double check size with Family RV if renting an Extra-Small Trailer), and a 7 way trailer plug.
A key aspect of buying a towable RV is understanding the tow rating of your current (or future) vehicle. Pay attention to the automobile's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (normally found on a sticker inside the driver's side door frame). This number is the maximum weight your vehicle should tow.
You don't want to fall in love with an RV only to find out the RV is too heavy for your vehicle to safely tow. To help you find the right RV, please use our Vehicle Tow Rating Finder as well as our Glossary of Terms.
What is the towing capacity of my vehicle?
RV Dry Weight + Passenger's Weight + Cargo + Liquids = Total Weight Total weight must not exceed towing capacity.
Important: When using max towing capacity to determine which RVs your vehicle can safely tow, remember that passenger weight, optional equipment, and additional cargo needs to be added into the equation. Do not exceed your vehicle's towing capacity because doing so can affect your vehicle's stopping ability, handling, or possibly even damage the drivetrain. You should always obtain your tow vehicle's trailer weight and trailer weight rating from the appropriate manufacturer before purchasing or towing a trailer and you are responsible for your purchase and operation of your tow vehicle and/or trailer.
RV Terms
The weight of the RV without any liquids, passengers, or cargo. Manufacturers weigh new units before shipping them to Camping World and record that weight as the Dry Weight. It is similar to Curb Weight for automobiles.
The combined weight of the RV (dry weight), plus liquids, passengers, and cargo.
The maximum allowable weight of an RV. The Gross Vehicle Weight should not exceed the RV's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
The weight placed on the hitch when the trailer is coupled to your vehicle. The tongue weight should be 10-15% of the RV's gross vehicle weight.
Automobile Terms
The weight of the automobile without any passengers, liquids, or cargo (similar to Dry Weight for RVs).
The combined weight of the automobile (Curb Weight), plus liquids, passengers, cargo, and, when towing an RV, the RV's tongue weight.
Note: When towing an RV, the entire weight of the trailer is not considered to be part of the automobile's Gross Vehicle Weight, but the tongue weight is part of the automobile's Gross Vehicle Weight.
The maximum allowable weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight, which includes the Tongue Weight of the attached RV, should not exceed your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Generally, the manufacturer's rating of the maximum gross weight limit of the loaded tow vehicle combined with the attached RV.
The manufacturer's rating of the maximum weight limit that can safely be towed by your specific vehicle. Weight is calculated by adding the RV's Gross Vehicle Weight with the weights of passengers, liquids or cargo in your vehicle.