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Can You Tow an RV Trailer With a Lifted Truck?

Can You Tow an RV Trailer With a Lifted Truck?

Aaron Richardson

  • Last Updated: March 22, 2024
  • 9 minutes read

Putting a lift kit in your truck is a bold move that lets you dominate the road.

Though there are a few functional concerns that come about when you want to use that same lifted truck to tow a travel trailer or a fifth wheel.

With a lot of questions towering over this topic, it seemed like high time to hitch up on the technical details of how to tow an RV trailer with a lifted truck.

IN THIS ARTICLE

Is It Possible to Tow an RV with a Lifted Truck?

Yes, you can tow an RV with a lifted truck If the lift to the truck’s suspension is minor the changes are largely cosmetic, and the truck still has all of the necessary equipment available to tow an RV like a large travel trailer or a fifth-wheel.

With most of these, you are simply lifting the body, while leaving the suspension and wheels at the original height. A scenario like this does not affect the lifted truck’s ability to tow.

In a more extreme lift of more than say 2 to 4 inches, or a lift that dramatically alters the truck’s rear suspension system, the relationship between the towing components and the trailer start to change. This is one of those times where the devil truly is in the details.

It’s important to note that anytime you modify the suspension, other systems such as steering, braking, aerodynamics, and stability will also be altered to some degree.

With an extreme lift of 6 to 8 inches or more, the safety of the vehicle and the passengers can be compromised when under load.

Any time you modify the geometry or profile of a factory-spec suspension system, you also end up changing many other factors associated with towing. Not the least of which is the location of the hitch. 

If your trailer’s tongue no longer lines up properly with the hitch on the truck, you are going to have a stability problem.

You also need to account for the way the lifted truck’s suspension system will be softer. This will cause it to squat more when under load.

This can have the net effect of making the front end sit higher than normal. This can further cause the front tires to lose traction, which will affect the response of the steering. 

Can You Tow A Fifth Wheel or Toy Hauler with A Lifted Truck?

You can tow a 5th wheel trailer with a lifted truck. Though you absolutely need to get the trailer as close to level as possible.

This might mean making some adjustments to your truck’s cargo box in order to accommodate a higher 6 to 8-inch lift clearance that a lot of fifth wheels need to be safely towed.

Sometimes this can be as simple as removing the tailgate of your pickup truck or perhaps using a different low-profile hitch installed in the box to compensate for variances in height.

Problems You May Run Into When Towing With a Lifted Truck

Problems You May Run Into When Towing With a Lifted Truck

The biggest problems that come with using a lifted truck as your tow vehicle are related to safety and roadworthiness. some safety issues that may make it something you should avoid.

Instability When Towing with a Lifted Truck

Instability is a serious concern when towing with a lifted truck. Any time that your trailer isn’t stable, you will have control and handling issues.

These problems will only get worse at highway speeds and can lead to disastrous problems on loose surfaces with a steep grade or pitch.

Cargo Box Deformation

If the lift of other modifications affects the structure supporting your truck’s cargo box, it can cause the box to sag, shift, or otherwise deform.

This can affect handling with bumper pulling and can cause severe damage and instability if you need to tow a fifth-wheel trailer.

Braking Issues

You will likely find changes in your braking system after lifting your truck, which is minor and not something you’ll notice too much when you aren’t under load.

Yet when you tow with a lifted truck the braking performance will be more noticeable.

You will need to allow for a greater minimum braking distance. Especially when you are pulling a heavy trailer.

How To Make Towing With a Lifted Truck Safer

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to can improve the safety and performance when towing with a lifted truck.

This starts with some relatively commonsense precautionary measures.

Improving Stability with a Drop Hitch

A simple drop hitch essentially lowers the ball joint to a more manageable height for towing.

Best of all a drop hitch is fairly easy to install and makes it easier for the hitch on your lifted truck to line up properly with the tongue on your trailer.

Just bear in mind that a drop hitch does absolutely nothing to address the “Squat” effect created by a lifted truck’s soft suspension system.

Tips for Preventing Sagging & Squatting Under Load

Preventing the rear end of your truck from squatting or sagging under the extra weight applied by your trailer, can often be addressed by adding a suspension helper spring.

There are several of these special springs on the market. You can usually find a leaf, air, or rubber version to match your truck’s modified suspension system best.

If you aren’t sure which one is best, the strongest and most reliable type tends to be rubber springs.

Most of these installs also require adding a pair of spacers along with the necessary hardware.

You might need to use different spacers of 1 or .5-inches to mix and match the components until you get the ideal ride height.

Can You Pull a Fifth Wheel With a 4-Inch Lift?

You can tow a fifth-wheel trailer with a truck that has a modest four-inch lift.

Though there are a few things you need to do to make sure the tongue and the hitch connect properly, without affecting stability, handling, and towing performance.

This starts with lowering the hitch to the lowest setting possible. The underlying goal is to get the trailer to ride as close to level as possible.

Though this still might only get you around 3 inches of clearance, which is not enough considering that most fifth-wheel trailers need at least.4 inches of clearance to be properly stable.

You might not notice the effects of this clearance variance when you are driving at speed down a smooth highway.

However, it will really be noticeable when reversing or driving down rough, uneven roads with a 4-inch lifted truck.

Another adjustment you have to make is to accept the damage that will be done to your truck’s bed walls and tailgate.

If you want a perfect paint job, then using a lift truck to tow a 5th wheel is not a very good idea.

Can You Pull a Fifth Wheel With a 6-Inch Lift?

When you really dig into the details, it’s not advisable to try to tow a fifth-wheel trailer with a truck that has a six-inch lift.

The problem with towing a 5th wheel trailer with a 6-inch lift installed is that the additional height essentially robs you of the clearance required to tow a 5th wheel properly.

This will affect the handling and maneuverability of the trailer, even if you can manage to pull it straight forward at speed.

To be able to safely tow a fifth-wheel in a truck with a six-inch lift, your only feasible option is to lift your trailer 6 inches.

Unfortunately, this solution isn’t safe and can easily lead to a dangerous level of sway. Especially in a heavy trailer or one that is fully loaded to near the payload capacity.

At the same time, the soft springs used in most six-inch lifts are often too soft to handle the heavy load of a fifth-wheel trailer’s tongue.

The lift springs used for a six-inch lift are designed to provide a soft, smooth ride, and typically aren’t rated for the trailer weight load.

Towing a Camper With a 6-Inch Lift

A lot of modern pickup trucks can tow between 5,000 to 20,000 pounds, which means you likely won’t have to worry about how the lift affects the maximum towing capacity when you want to pull a modest-sized travel trailer.

Though a standard hitch isn’t going to work for a truck with a 6-inch lift.

Here again, compensating for this variance starts with using a drop hitch to help keep the trailer level.

Most are rated for at least 36,000 pounds, which is more than enough to handle most of the travel trailers and campers you find on the road today.

There are even drop hitches that are designed to go six or more inches down.

This gives you the ability to properly level the relationship between the trailer’s tongue and your truck’s hitch.

Can You Pull a Gooseneck Trailer with a Lifted Truck?

Here again, you run into the same problems you would trying to tow a 5th wheel trailer with a lifted truck.

You will have stability and handling issues as well as challenges with clearance.

You also need to note that the springs might not be fully rated to handle the weight of the trailer which can stress and damage multiple structural and suspension system components.

So, even if you can manage to adjust for the clearance issues, the stability and handling can exceed what is roadworthy in the real world.

Can You Put A Truck Camper on Your Lifted Truck?

The biggest challenge faced by trying to put a truck camper on a lifted truck comes from the soft suspension system that comes with most lifts. Especially lift kits of 6-inches or more.

When you put the weight of a large truck camper into the cargo box, it can cause a severe amount of sag in the back of the truck.

At the same time, it starts to lift the front tires, which can affect steering, handling, and traction, which worsen with loose surfaces or when driving up inclines.

Then when you get to your location, the jack stands for the truck camper likely won’t extend all the way down to find purchase on the ground.

This makes it exceedingly dangerous to occupy, as the entire soft suspension system will become increasingly top-heavy with the weight of you and your family members.

The only way to risk it with this sort of setup is to build footing stands that are at least six inches high.

Then you can position these footings directly under the hydraulic jacks of the truck camper.

This will give them the purchase they need to support you. However, you are still looking at a top-heavy rig that can still be prone to tipping over.

Especially if your improvised footings can’t 100% take the weight and even one of them kicks out on you in the middle of the night.

Ultimately, the safety risks are too high to put a truck camper in a truck that has been lifted by 4 or more inches.

Aaron Richardson

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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I have a ram 2506.7 diesel at 2010, it has a 6 inch lift and 38 inch wheels and tires. I have a 33 foot travel trailer that is a 2022 grand design dry weight is approximately 7000 pounds. Is it safe to pull my travel trailer with my truck lifted so high and I also have a blue ox stabilizer sway bar on it. Is it safe? I’ve never pulled it yet with my truck.?

Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson

Towing a travel trailer with a lifted truck can introduce additional challenges and risks compared to towing with a stock height truck. While your 2010 RAM 2500 6.7 diesel has sufficient towing capacity to handle the 7,000-pound dry weight of your 2022 Grand Design travel trailer, the 6-inch lift and 38-inch wheels and tires may affect the stability and safety of the towing setup.

Here are some factors to consider when towing with a lifted truck:

Increased center of gravity: A lift kit raises the center of gravity of your truck, which can make it more prone to rollovers, especially when towing a heavy load. This issue can be exacerbated by the large 38-inch tires.

Altered towing geometry: The lifted truck can affect the towing geometry, potentially causing the trailer to sit at an angle. This uneven weight distribution can lead to reduced stability, increased sway, and less effective braking.

Sway control: Although you have a Blue Ox stabilizer sway bar installed, the effectiveness of the sway control may be diminished if the trailer is not level due to the lift. You may need to adjust the hitch height to ensure the trailer is level when connected to your truck.

To improve the safety and stability of your towing setup, consider the following recommendations:

Adjust the hitch height: Ensure your trailer is level when connected to your truck by adjusting the hitch height. This will help maintain proper weight distribution and improve the effectiveness of your sway control system.

Use a weight distribution hitch: A weight distribution hitch can help distribute the trailer’s weight evenly across the truck’s axles, improving stability, and reducing sway.

Perform a test drive: Before embarking on a long trip, perform a test drive with the trailer to get a feel for how the setup handles. Pay close attention to sway, braking, and overall stability.

Monitor tire pressure: Ensure all tires on both the truck and trailer are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Drive cautiously: When towing a trailer with a lifted truck, it’s essential to drive cautiously, especially when making turns, changing lanes, or encountering strong crosswinds.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to consider these factors and make necessary adjustments to ensure the safest possible towing experience.

I realized my last comment was supposed to say “I have a 2010, ram, 2500, 6.7 diesel Cummings. With a 6 inch lift is it safe to pull my 33 foot travel trailer? I do have a blue ox sway bar on my tow hitch. Heavy duty. Just need to know if it’s safe?

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Towing with a lifted truck: A guide

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One of the common questions we get goes something like this “Will lifting my truck effect my tow capacity?” or “How tall can I lift my truck and still tow my gooseneck trailer?” or even “What will my tow capacity be after lifting my truck?” Well, to be honest those are all loaded questions that will require digging in for a better understanding of your particular needs. We get these questions most often with 3/4 and 1-ton (aka HD) truck owners, the real workhorses, but the topic comes up with 1/2-ton truck owners, Jeeps and just about anything with a hitch on it. Some of the things you’ll need to answer to point you in the right direction are questions like how big are you wanting to lift your truck, what wheel and tire package are you planning to use and what is the load rating, are you adding other mods (airbag, add-a-leaf, etc.) to help with weight distribution, and what are you trying to tow (trailer type and loaded weight)?

First question ,  Does lifting a truck affect tow capacity?

Likely yes, but to what extent depends on your setup. The fact of the matter is when lifting your truck you are raising the center of gravity as well as changing the steering and driveline angles. Installing a quality suspension lift like the one we offer here at BDS helps, they come complete, work within factory vehicle parameters and offer great on/offroad performance and handling. When installing larger tires/wheels you are adding more rotating mass to turn/stop. Adding a trailer to the equation piles on more weight and strain.

lifted truck rear suspension

Suspension Configuration - One factor includes the configuration of your suspension - are you running a large rear lift block in the back or is there a replacement (taller) leaf spring? Typically the factory leaf springs, especially on HD trucks use a brawny multi-leaf design with integrated overload leaf to ensure plenty of load capacity. Adding a lift block and longer u-bolts is an acceptable way to net additional lift and retain the original spring’s load capacity, but taller lift blocks have the potential to “axle wrap” during heavy torque and hard launches. Adding a traction bar like the BDS Recoil Traction Bars can help control the rear axle for a wide range of driving conditions. With aftermarket leaf springs, they have more arch to achieve the lift without the need for a lift block. These leaf packs are designed to provide on-road comfort, offroad performance and oftentimes have an overload leaf built in for heavier loads. In the case of RAM 2500s with rear coil springs BDS offers a progressive rate coil spring to help provide additional spring rate the more the spring is compressed.

lifted gmc sierra

Shocks are another factor. Having a shock designed specifically for your application is critical, but even then the additional load can cause additional forces on the shock and not allow it to perform at their best. Shocks with compression adjustment like the FOX 2.5 Performance Elite (PE) series offer a larger aluminum body with reservoir that features high/low speed compression adjustments allow for increased fluid capacity, easy tunability, and faster cooling regardless of where you’re towing (on/off road).

rear suspension of lifted truck

Air Bags - One common upgrade to help with load capacity and towing stability are help airbags. There are a few options on the market and most will work with lifted applications (using factory springs) to allow you to air up the bags when you need them, and keep them uninflated for everyday use/comfort. One thing to note is for lifts with replacement leaf springs with more arch, modifications may be needed to install. Similarly add-a-leaf kits can be used to help stiffen up the leaf pack to help support additional weight, however these can’t be easily removed to retain factory ride quality when unloaded.

lifted f250 towing trailer

Tires/Wheels – Your tires are effectively your first point of suspension to absorb bumps in the road while providing traction and supporting the weight of the vehicle. Your vehicles original GVWR is contingent on the tires installed so if going from a 32” tall tire with a E load rating to a 37” tire with a D load rating there will be changes to both the handling of the vehicle due to the large sidewall, but also the lower load rating. Similarly wheels have a load rating, going larger, smaller, or wider than stock will have an effect on vehicle performance and overall load/tow capacity. Smaller wheels and more tire sidewall are great for aired down offroad, but not ideal for towing.

lifted ford dually

Gearing – If you are lifting your truck, installing larger wheels/tires and still running the factory gear ratio in the axles this will effect the overall performance as it will throw off the engine RPMs, transmissions shift points and cause more strain on the powertrain. Now we’re not saying it is a requirement to re-gear your truck if you plan to tow and depending on the difference in tire size you may still have acceptable driving/tow performance, but it is a factor to consider. There are several programmers on the market to help adjust shift points as well as tune to regain the perceived loss in engine performance caused by trying to turn the larger wheel/tire mass.

Second Question , Can I still tow my trailer?

This will depend on your particular situation. Are we talking about a TAG (tow behind), a 5 th wheel (in bed) or gooseneck (in bed) trailer? Most trailers can accommodate some additional height from the vehicle towing it, but even that depend on the trailer. For TAG trailers, a drop hitch can be used to effectively tow the trailer. The main limitation you’ll find to lift height is how large of a drop hitch you have and what that hitch is rated for.

As you get into the realm of 5 th wheel and gooseneck hitches, vehicle height is more critical as no one wants to take out a tailgate or bedside turning a sharp corner. Some trailers have adjustment to accommodate various hitch heights so there’s a good chance you’ll be able still use it once install a lift on your tow rig, however we suggest taking some measurements first to ensure you have clearance for the additional height from the lift kit and larger tire diameter you plan to install. Other factors will be if it is a tandem or tri-axle as you’ll want to maintain as level as possible of a trailer height.

lifted truck with trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

 can you hook a trailer to a lifted truck.

Absolutely, hooking a trailer to a lifted truck is entirely feasible. However, it's crucial to ensure that the lifted truck's suspension modifications, hitch, and trailer specifications are compatible and properly adjusted to guarantee safe and efficient towing operations.

Is it harder to tow with a lifted truck?

Towing with a lifted truck presents unique situations, yet it's not inherently more difficult. While the altered center of gravity due to the lifted suspension may necessitate adjustments in driving technique, modern suspension enhancements, such as upgraded shocks and stabilizers, can mitigate any challenges, offering a smoother towing experience even under demanding conditions.

Does a 4 inch lift affect towing?

Indeed, a 4-inch lift can influence towing performance. It's essential to consider that lifting a truck alters its geometry, potentially impacting factors like towing stability and weight distribution. However, advancements in suspension technology, coupled with proper setup and tuning, can minimize any adverse effects, ensuring that the lifted truck maintains its towing prowess even with the added height.

Why does my lifted truck sag when I tow?

The phenomenon of a lifted truck sagging during towing primarily stems from the redistribution of weight and the strain exerted on the suspension system by the added load. The lifted suspension may experience greater compression due to the increased leverage, leading to temporary sagging. Nonetheless, strategic suspension upgrades, such as heavy-duty springs and airbags, can effectively counteract this tendency, maintaining optimal ride height and stability while towing.

How much towing capacity do you lose with a lift?

The reduction in towing capacity resulting from a lift is contingent upon various factors, including the lift height, truck model, and suspension modifications. While lifting a truck may marginally affect its towing capacity due to changes in weight distribution and aerodynamics, proactive measures such as reinforcing the frame and upgrading the braking system can effectively mitigate any potential losses, allowing lifted trucks to confidently tackle towing tasks with minimal compromise.

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What to Know about Towing with a Lifted Truck

Towing with a Lifted Truck

Towing with a Lifted Truck: What You Should Know

A suspension lift is one of the most exciting upgrades you can install on a pickup truck. They’ll offer a cool new look, but it’s important to note the ways it changes your performance. Once your truck is lifted, there may be some changes in your ability to tow. Not all of those changes are negative. In fact, there are some benefits to towing with a lifted truck. On the flip side, though, there are also some things you need to caution yourself for.

Read through this short guide to learn some of the basics about towing with a suspension lift. At the end, we’ll also tell you more about Ultimate Rides , just in case you’re thinking about upgrading vehicles. Let us know if you have any questions and someone from our team will be happy to help!

Attaching a Drop Hitch

While your truck will be higher up off the ground, whatever you plan on towing most likely will not. That means you may have to install a drop hitch onto your truck. This is a towing hitch that drops down to accommodate the difference in height between the truck and trailer. It’s important to choose your drop hitch carefully. Some are stronger than others, so make sure to buy an option that suits what you plan on towing. It’s also worth noting that not everything will require a drop hitch. Do your research and make some measurements to find out whether or not the trailer or object you’re towing will need one or not. If you’re not sure, bring your truck to suspension experts and they should be able to provide more useful details, or even hook you up with a quality towing setup.

The Types of Trailers Your Truck Can Tow May Change

If you need to tow something particularly heavy, you may run into trouble with a lifted truck. That’s because most drop hitches can only tow a certain amount of weight, and it’s typically less than what you’d get from a standard towing setup. Because the drop hitch hangs down from the truck, it simply can’t hold as much weight. That means you’ll have to carefully pick and choose what you do and don’t tow with your truck. For extremely heavy trailers and things of that nature, you may want to opt for a different vehicle to tow them.

However, there are some benefits you can find from quality suspension. You’ll have more room between your truck and the ground, meaning you have far less of a chance of bottoming out. The key is ensuring your truck is equipped with everything you need to tow your specific trailer. Lifted vehicles can be outfitted to tow heavy equipment or trailers, so just make sure to do your homework before hitting the road in your current truck setup.

Towing with a Lifted Truck

Watch Out for Sway

Typically installing a suspension lift also means that you’ll eventually install larger tires. While this is fine for most situations, it can cause your rear end or trailer to sway, especially when pulling something heavy. You’re going to feel a difference in the way your vehicle handles while you’re towing. It’s still safe, but you’ll need to learn those differences so you can compensate in the way you drive. Towing a trailer or similar object with a lifted truck is still possible, but you’ll need to be sensitive to the changes in your steering and handling.

Driving a truck that can tow a trailer is incredibly useful, but it’s important to be aware that extra precautions must be taken. Make sure you know how much your trailer weighs, and ensure that your truck is safely able to tow that amount of weight. If everything checks out, you’ll still need to take an added level of care while out on the road. Avoid driving your truck at very high speeds, and always keep an eye on the trailer.

High-Quality Suspension is Beneficial for Trailer Towing

If you don’t get a great quality suspension job done when installing the suspension lift, you may run into trouble down the line. Low-quality suspension jobs are going to feel the weight of towing much more than a high-quality job would. Changing the suspension of your vehicle is going to completely alter the geometry. If everything isn’t done exactly correctly, that could result in major changes to the way your truck handles. In general terms, better suspension means you’ll have better towing capabilities.

If you alter your truck’s suspension at home, and you’re not a certified expert, there are many things that may go wrong. Lifted truck suspension can be very tricky, especially for newcomers. If you see towing in your truck’s future, the best thing you can do is bring your vehicle to professionals for inspection or to make alterations to better suit your towing needs.

Attempting to tow with a body lift kit typically won’t offer the best results. These kits raise up your truck’s body only, using spacers or something similar, without actually altering the suspension of the truck. Trying to tow something on a truck equipped with a body lift kit could cause safety issues. We always recommend consulting with a professional who can offer more insight on your truck before towing anything.

Towing with Your Lifted Truck is Safe – Just Know What You’re Doing

We definitely don’t want to talk you out of towing with a lifted truck. We just want all of our readers to stay as safe as possible no matter what truck they’re driving. You can still tow in a truck with a suspension lift. It’s just very important to know how it’ll be different than standard towing. As long as you remain aware of all the differences that have to do with your lift, and don’t do anything that your truck can’t handle, you’ll be in the clear to tow with a lifted truck. If you are unsure on any of these points, be sure to contact a professional before doing any towing with your truck. Our team here at Ultimate Rides will be able to set you straight.

Towing with a Lifted Truck

Ultimate Rides Offers Lifted Trucks Today

Are you in need of a new or used lifted truck, or do you want a team to upgrade or lift your current vehicle? If so, then look no further than Ultimate Rides. We’re an auto dealer based out of the Chicago area that offers vehicle delivery to drivers around the United States and beyond. Our team of ASE-certified technicians are some of the best when it comes to building custom trucks, especially those with a suspension lift. Learn a little bit more about us, and feel free to call our office when you’re ready to start driving something new and exciting or wish to lift your current truck.

Building a Truck in the Lift Center

The majority of the cars, trucks and SUVs in our inventory already feature some kind of customization from our team, such as a high-quality lift kit. In addition to that, every vehicle is available to send over to our lift center when you decide which upgrade you’d want. We’ll be able to change or add on any accessories, modifications or adjustments you’d like. That includes suspension lifts, LED headlights , custom interiors, running boards, performance chips, bull bars, or whatever else you can think of. If you’d prefer, we can even install a specific lift kit. Just let us know which lift product you’d like and we can order it for you.

You can decide to pay for the costs of this work upfront, or you can include it in the total financing cost of your vehicle. This allows you to pay off the custom work over time, making it affordable for just about everyone. Additionally, you can hire us to upgrade your current vehicle. We’re located an hour outside of Chicago, so as long as you can get it to us, go ahead and call us to schedule an appointment. We’ll listen to you and go over everything you’d like done with the vehicle. From there, our team will get to work to bring your vision to life.

These days, finding a team of mechanics to lift or customize your truck you can trust is difficult. We understand that, but if you’re willing to trust us we promise to do right by you. Our team works carefully and in good time, so you won’t be without a vehicle for long. Let us know if you think Ultimate Rides can help you find or build the truck of your dreams. Be sure to tell us that you plan on using the vehicle to tow! We’ll make sure your lift setup is suited to towing. When we’ve finished, you can get right into towing with a lifted truck.

Reliable Shipping and Quality Customer Service

Ultimate Rides provides custom vehicles not just for the drivers in our area, but for the entire United States. We know that not everyone has a custom auto dealer in their area, and those that do can’t always trust that their work is the best. At Ultimate Rides, we put an emphasis on the quality of our vehicles as well as providing exactly what our customers are looking for. That’s what sets us apart from anyone else, and why drivers from all around choose us for their vehicles.

Trucks with a lift kit are more popular than ever. Though some drivers try to install their own lift at home, the results aren’t always the best. That’s why opting for professional lift installation is usually the better decision. Think about your truck’s quality, and how you don’t want to compromise that due to some avoidable mistakes. At Ultimate Rides, we have a ton of experience working on custom trucks, and you can count on us for reliable and mistake-free installation at a fair price. Additionally, we have quite a few trucks for sale with a lift pre-installed.

Give us a call and let us know you want a custom truck with shipping. We’ll go over the options in our inventory with you, and we can even help you locate something specific that we don’t have. Once you’ve made a final decision (or we get the vehicle in our hands), we’ll go over financing with you. Our team will make sure your clear on the details, and you can once again decide if you’d like to pay for shipping costs now or include them in the financing deal. From the time the vehicle is ready, it should arrive to you within a week.

Contact Us Today to Begin

As we said before, Ultimate Rides is located outside the great city of Chicago. If you’re in our area and would like to stop in for a visit, you can find us at 38 W. Division St., Coal City, IL 60416. That’s about an hour south of the city, but we assure you that we’re well worth the drive. If you’d rather just get in touch with us over the phone, reach out to 815-634-3900 to begin.

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travel trailer with lifted truck

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10 Perfect Travel Trailers to Tow With Your Half-Ton Truck

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Airstream Bambi 22FB

We’ve curated 10 camper trailers perfect for half-ton pickups that cover a broad range of styles, construction, and design characteristics. Among this selection of travel trailers are towable habitats to satisfy an array of interests ranging from relaxed family camping to energetic backcountry exploration.

If you’re looking for something that sleeps an entire troop of family members, we’ve got that. If it’s a deep off-road reach you’re hankerin’ for, that’s here, too. If you like something a little cushy while having outdoor adventure close at hand, you’re in luck. Take a look, compare features and specifications, and then check out more options and information on each travel trailer manufacturer’s website.

Note: All prices listed are MSRP.

10 Perfect Half-Ton Pickup Compatible Camper Trailers

Airstream bambi 22fb : $69,200+.

Airstream Bambi 22FB

  • Base weight: 3,900 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 500 lbs.
  • GVWR: 5,000 lbs.
  • Overall length: 21 ft., 11 in.
  • Exterior width: 8 ft.
  • Exterior height: 9 ft., 3 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 4 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 4
  • LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 23 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 30 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 17 gals.

The Airstream Bambi trailer line is available in four different models ranging from 16 to 22 feet in length. The Bambi is a perfect example of Airstream’s classically stylish aluminum design and sturdy construction. We chose to highlight the Bambi 22FB floorplan because it’s the largest member of the Bambi family, is easily maneuverable, and is a great fit for a half-ton pickup truck like the Ford F-150 .

Airstream Bambi 22FB

Airstream has been a pioneer in the RV industry since its inception in 1931. The Bambi travel trailer line is a masterpiece of maximizing available space while still delivering top-of-the-class features and amenities. The Bambi 22FB is big enough to comfortably sleep four people.

It offers a primary front bed with a view and a fully equipped bathroom. It also offers a large storage closet, spacious and well-equipped kitchen, and convertible U-shaped dinette.

Airstream Bambi 22FB

As with most Airstream trailers, the Bambi’s exterior is a semi-monocoque aluminum superstructure instead of the more typical wood-framed camping trailer construction. Running gear includes a torsion axle suspension and ST 225/75R15 tires on 15-inch aluminum wheels.

The Airstream Bambi 22FB delivers as standard equipment a 26-inch-wide entry door, rear-view monitoring system, LED lighting seemingly everywhere, and an enclosed, aluminum insulated and heated underbelly. Equipment often on the options list of other trailers, like an LED HD television with DVD and omnidirectional antenna, are also standard on this camping trailer.

Coleman Lantern 285BH : $43,320

Coleman Lantern 285BH

  • Base weight: 6,611 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 869 lbs.
  • GVWR: 9,680 lbs.
  • Overall length: 32 ft., 9 in.
  • Exterior height: 11 ft., 2 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 8
  • LPG capacity: Dual 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 60 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 42 gals.
  • Black water tank: 42 gals.

Coleman’s iconic pop-up tent trailer that so many began their family camping experiences in a generation ago is no longer being built. However, the Coleman trailer brand and its legendary utility have been transformed under the Dutchmen RV umbrella. A fully featured line of Coleman travel trailers is now available that can serve as a perfect support system for outdoor adventures.

Coleman Lantern 285BH

The Coleman Lantern 285BH is on the larger end of our scope of interest here but remains easily towable (with a weight-distributing hitch) using a half-ton pickup truck such as the Chevy Silverado 1500. We think the Coleman Lantern 285BH camping trailer would be a good choice for a larger family or an extended family group that enjoys the outdoors.

It features bunk beds, a large slide-out with a convertible couch and dinette, and a primary bedroom with a queen-size mattress. This combo makes it capable of sleeping up to eight people.

Coleman Lantern 285BH

An insulated structure with a metal exterior panel, wood framing with thermal insulation, and a Lauan (a hardwood plywood) interior panel is a typical trailer construction method used for the Coleman Lantern. Its roof features a Lauan interior panel, wood framing, fiberglass insulation, 3/8-inch decking, and an EPDM (synthetic rubber membrane) top layer.

Standard amenities in the Coleman Lantern include 28-inch entrance doors, a 13,500-BTU air conditioner, a power awning, interior 120V and 12V power outlets, an enclosed underbelly, and an exterior shower. The Coleman Lantern 285BH camping trailer also features a full kitchen with a three-burner cooktop, microwave, 10-cubic-foot fridge, and a large sink kitchen with a high-rise faucet.

Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 (Unplugged Package) : $50,000

Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 UnPlugged Package

  • Base weight: 5,306 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 734 lbs.
  • GVWR: 7,734 lbs. 
  • Overall length: 26 ft., 2 in.
  • Exterior height: 11 ft., 3 in.
  • Freshwater tank: 40 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 40 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 30 gals.

Forest River offers more than a dozen different RV brands and configurations ranging from motorhomes, toy haulers, fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, and pop-up tent trailers in all shapes and sizes. One of our favorites is the Forest River No Boundaries line of travel trailers that are perfect for half-ton pickups.

Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 UnPlugged Package

The Forest River No Boundaries travel trailers are rugged towables, ranging in length from 12 to 25 feet, designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. They offer adaptable storage solutions for bikes , kayaks, SUPs , surfboards, skis, and fishing equipment.

Helping transport you deeper into the wild with higher than typical ground clearance, larger-diameter tires, and a nimble suspension system, the Forest River No Boundaries allows you to set up camp in locations others would find inaccessible.

Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 UnPlugged Package

Our choice would be the Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 Unplugged Package travel trailer. Like all the No Boundaries trailers, 20.3 offers familiar standard equipment and a host of useful options to choose from. The UnPlugged Package model adds four lithium-ion batteries, a digital control screen, remote A/C control, and a heavy-duty solar panel.

Interior living amenities include a sofa and 60×80-inch Murphy bed up front, slide-out with a convertible dinette and well-equipped kitchen mid-ship, 52×74-inch bunk beds, and a bathroom with shower stall in the rear of the trailer. Available options start with a 13.5K-BTU AC unit, 5,500-BTU heat strip, power tongue jack, and a batwing awning .

inTech RV O-V-R Adventure : $61,880

inTech RV O-V-R Adventure

  • Base weight: 5,700 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 1,100 lbs.
  • GVWR: 8,500 lbs.
  • Overall length: 29 ft., 3 in.
  • Exterior width: 8 ft., 3 in.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft., 6 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 11 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 6
  • Freshwater tank: 44 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 39 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 26 gals.

The inTech O-V-R Adventure travel trailer is what the RV industry refers to as a tow hauler. It does a great job of carrying motorcycles or UTVs and at the same time providing its inhabitants with comfortable and modern creature comforts and amenities.

A lightweight but sturdy all-aluminum frame and body supported by a torsion axle suspension team up to help better manage irregular road surfaces on the way to your outdoor adventure destination.

inTech RV O-V-R Adventure

The versatile interior design utilizes every inch of the space inside the inTech O-V-R Adventure trailer. The voluminous trailer box has a cargo hold length of 13 feet, 3 inches, but can easily be converted from toy hauling duty to living, dining, and sleeping space in a matter of minutes. The well-equipped modern kitchen, wet bath (enclosed shower stall with a porcelain toilet), and large (60×80-inch memory foam queen) front bedroom are static.

inTech RV O-V-R Adventure

Standard equipment for the O-V-R Adventure trailer includes a power tongue jack, 25K-BTU furnace heater, 15K-BTU ducted air conditioning system, and a heated underbelly with line heaters and tank heat pads. The ramp door is 7 feet, 1 inch wide and 6 feet, 7 inches high.

Available options are few because it’s already loaded. However, a pair of 75-inch foldup couch/beds for the interior dinette, an 18-foot power awning with wind protection that auto retracts, and an Off-Grid Package that includes a 400W solar power system with a 2,000W inverter perfectly round out the inTech O-V-R Adventure toy hauler trailer.

Jayco Jay Feather 26RL : $52,275

Jayco Jay Feather 26RL

  • Base weight: 6,115 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 690 lbs.
  • GVWR: 7,500 lbs.
  • Overall length: 31 ft., 11 in.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft., 8 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 6 in.
  • Freshwater tank: 55 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 31 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 31 gals.

The Jayco Jay Feather 26RL travel trailer is a perfect fit for a Toyota Tundra or any of the half-ton pickup trucks available today. The Jay Feather 26RL was designed to offer a large open space in the rear of the trailer with a wide pull-out holding a convertible dinette, a big fridge, and a pantry closet.

Opposite the 26RL trailer’s pull-out is a full kitchen with an L-shaped counter and overhead cabinets, a dual sink, a three-burner stove, and a microwave. An entertainment center and LED TV are integrated into the kitchen area and can be seen from the dinette or from the theater seats (optional) along the back wall.

Jayco Jay Feather 26RL

A 60×75-inch queen bed and plenty of storage space make up the roomy front primary bedroom that can be accessed from inside the Jay Feather 26RL trailer or from the outside through a second door. The bathroom in between the front bedroom and main living area is generously sized with an enclosed shower, a separate flush toilet, and a large sink.

Jayco Jay Feather 26RL

Standard equipment includes desirables like a 35K-BTU furnace heater, a 15K-BTU A/C, an 8-cubic-foot fridge, ball-bearing drawer guides, residential-style kitchen countertops, and a 20-foot awning.

Jayco’s Jay Feather 26RL travel trailer is built on an I-beam main frame with an integrated A-frame structure for strength and durability. The trailer body is made up of a welded-aluminum-framed, vacuum-bonded laminated side. Its rear walls have a fiberglass exterior siding that is lightweight yet sturdy and well-insulated.

The floor is a 2-inch vacuum-bonded panel with foam insulation, and the waterproof and insulated roof is based on trussed wood (2×2-inch studs) and plywood construction that offers high weight-bearing performance.

Lance Camper 2445 : $89,024

Lance Camper 2445

  • Base weight: 6,605 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 605 lbs.
  • GVWR: 8,700 lbs.
  • Overall length: 29 ft., 10 in.
  • Exterior width: 8 ft., 3/8 in.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft., 5 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 8 in.
  • LPG capacity: 20-lb. tank
  • Freshwater tank: 45 gals.
  • Black water tank: 40 gals.

The Lance 2445 travel trailer is another great match for a half-ton pickup such as the GMC Sierra 1500 . If the name Lance Camper sounds familiar, it should. Lance has been building one of the RV industry’s best slide-in truck campers and continues to do so. A few years ago, Lance also began building a full line of high-end travel trailers with the same attention to detail and quality that made its truck camper a bestseller.

Lance Camper 2445

Part of a 12-model line of Lance travel trailers running from just under 15 feet to nearly 30 feet in length, the Lance 2445 travel trailer offers a primary bedroom up front with Lance’s SkyView dual-pane radius windows, a slide-out carrying a convertible dinette, and bunk beds in the tail end.

Built upon an aluminum frame, the Lance 2445 travel trailer’s construction features high-density foam block insulation, dual-layer Adzel composite (no wood) panel, and a crowned roof topped with a synthetic membrane.

Lance Camper 2445

Standard interior features of the Lance 2445 travel trailer include an enclosed glass shower stall and porcelain toilet. The kitchen offers a 21-inch oven, three-burner range, microwave, 6-cubic-foot fridge, and undermounted residential-style sink.

Electrical equipment includes ducted A/C, a heater, exterior solar quick connect (SAE port), systems monitor panel, and USB, 120V, and 12V power ports. Among your choice of options for the Lance 2445 travel trailer are a 1,500W inverter, a 190W solar panel, and Lance’s own easy-loading roof rack. The optional shock absorber package can make dirt roads easier to manage on the way to find some adventure.

Opus Camper OP15 : $65,000

Opus Camper OP15

  • Base weight: 5,159 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 410 lbs.
  • GVWR: 6,393 lbs.
  • Overall (closed) length: 23 ft.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft.
  • Exterior height (roof closed): 8 ft., 10 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 5 in. (open) / 5 ft., 5 in. (closed)
  • Freshwater tank: 63 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 17 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 10 gals.

Called an off-road hybrid caravan by its builder, the Opus Camper OP15 is a serious overlanding machine designed for those outdoor enthusiasts who like getting far away from it all while having all the comforts and amenities of home. Newly reengineered for severe off-road environments, the independent trailing arm suspension system underneath the bomb-shelter-sturdy Opus OP15 trailer’s cabin features dual shock absorbers and larger springs repositioned for improved performance.

Opus Camper OP15

The interior of the Opus Camper OP15 trailer increases in size dramatically once it’s parked and the pop-top roof and rear slide-out are extended. Inside the OP15 you’ll find a king-size bed, bunk beds, a dining lounge with plush seating and an adjustable table, plenty of storage space, and a full bathroom with shower, sink, and flush toilet.

The OP15 trailer’s outdoor slide-out kitchen delivers a stainless-steel sink, a four-burner stainless steel stove, and a food-prep deck. A second outdoor slide-out carries a 12V fridge/freezer combo.

Opus Camper OP15

The Opus Camper OP15 scores more off-road points with its 360-degree articulating trailer hitch and large all-terrain tires (including two spares). A fully galvanized welded chassis and drawbar, stone guard, heavy-duty safety chains, and electric brakes are standard equipment.

Fully loaded for off-grid adventure the OP 15 also offers three 100A AGM batteries, a 300W solar panel setup, and utility storage for two 6-gallon fuel cans as standard. You can boost that capability with options such as a DC charger, or lithium batteries and an upgraded charger.

Outdoors RV Back Country Series 24KRS : $80,060

Outdoors RV Back Country Series 24KRS

  • Base weight: 7,430 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 965 lbs.
  • GVWR: 9,995 lbs.
  • Overall length: 28 ft., 8 in.
  • Exterior height: 11 ft., 6 in.
  • LPG capacity: 80 lbs.
  • Freshwater tank: 100 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 80 gals. 

One of the heavier examples in this buyer’s guide of travel trailers well suited for half-ton pickup trucks is the Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS. The Back Country 24HRS was designed for the outdoor enthusiast who is more likely to camp off-grid and off-road.

Stocked with standard features such as a 36K on-board LPG-powered generator, a 170W solar panel with controller, and 100 gallons of freshwater capacity, the Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS is capable of sustaining itself and its inhabitants for much more than just a 3-day weekend getaway.

Outdoors RV Back Country Series 24KRS

Noted by its builder as designed for “mountain states and western Canada,” the Backcountry 24KRS is delivered with equipment that are options on many other travel trailers. Thermal pane windows, triple-layered roof insulation, insulated slide-out floor, insulated exterior luggage doors, and a fully enclosed, insulated, and heated underbelly make it a good choice for winter or shoulder-season camping. Off-road chops include an integrated A-frame chassis with a heavy-duty off-road suspension and beefy six-lug 5,000-pound-capacity axles.

Outdoors RV Back Country Series 24KRS

The Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS travel trailer’s ability to handle tough roads and long trips is countered with a host of upscale appointments and creature comforts to make the adventure easy to enjoy. A large bathroom is filled with a sink, flush toilet, and roomy shower stall. The kitchen offers a three-burner stove/oven, a large stainless-steel sink with a high-arch faucet, a microwave oven, a huge fridge, and lots of prep space.

Between the 60×80-inch primary bed, a convertible dinette, and a sleeper sofa, there’s room to sleep up to six. And the interior is built out in sturdy and attractive cabinetry that offers enough storage space for all your gear.

TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland : $57,874

TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland

  • Base weight: 3,486 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 510 lbs.
  • Overall length: 19 ft.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft., 6in.
  • Exterior height: 7 ft. (closed) / 10 ft., 1 in. (open)
  • Interior height: 4 ft., 7 in. (closed) / Up to 7 ft., 10 in. (open) 
  • Freshwater tank: 20 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 22 gals.

The TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland trailer is an admittedly nontraditional travel trailer. Its unique nature is part of what makes it a good choice for half-ton pickup trucks like the Nissan Titan . It may look a bit like a giant insect, but the Mantis 5.2 Overland camping trailer has everything you need to enjoy a comfortable middle-of-nowhere experience.

Based on the TAXA Mantis 5.2 (the company’s largest floorplan), the Overland edition retains all of the original’s creature comforts and conveniences while inheriting a higher level of off-grid and long-term camping capability.

TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland

The Mantis 5.2 Overland travel trailer is loaded with a fully equipped kitchen, a combo furnace heater/hot water system, storage compartments everywhere, and comfortable sleeping accommodations for four people. An optional pop-up rooftop tent can sleep two more.

TAXA Outdoors added some serious rough-road handling features like a 360-degree rotation/three-axis hitch for optimum trailer control on or off-road. The Mantis 5.2 Overland trailer rides on a powder-coated steel chassis with a 5,200-pound-rated Timbren axle-less suspension system and a 4-inch body lift. This setup gives the trailer 14 inches of ground clearance, perfect for off-road camping adventures.

TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland

A mix of aluminum composite panels, Baltic Birch plywood, and an aluminum and steel structural skeleton make up the atypical shape of the TAXA Mantis 5.2 Overland travel trailer. On the long list of available features are handy items like acrylic windows with screens and shades, batwing-style awnings, and exterior hot and cold showers. An integrated 12V electrical system, wet bath with cassette toilet, and 8K-BTU A/C make long trips even more comfortable.

Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX : $51,354

Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX

  • Base weight: 5,610 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 570 lbs.
  • GVWR: 7,285 lbs.
  • Overall length: 27 ft., 6 in.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft., 6 in.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft., 4 in.
  • Freshwater tank: 78 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 30 gals.

Venture RV currently builds six different travel trailer lines, each offering its own design and engineering flavor. Dozens of Venture RV trailers ranging from 3,000 to 9,000 pounds (base weight) are ideal for a half-ton pickup like the Ford F-150.

Our favorite Venture RV line is the Sonic X, of which there are two floorplans. We will focus on the Sonix X SN220VRBX travel trailer with its large rear-bathroom floorplan.

Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX

The Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX travel trailer and its SN211VDBX (rear bunk bed plan) cousin are the same length and nearly the same weight. Both feature a high-clearance off-road-capable NXG chassis and two 3,500-pound capacity torsion axles, making it easier to get the Sonic X trailer into campsites others can’t reach.

Go-anywhere standard equipment for the Sonix X trailers includes a tubular brush guard, welded tube bumper, roof-mounted LED lightbars, and off-road tires. Designed to be self-sustainable for long periods of time, the Sonix X trailers offer extended off-grid adventure with standard equipment like two 190W roof-mounted solar panels, two 250A lithium-ion batteries, and a 2,000W inverter/charger.

Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX

The floorplan of the Venture Sonix X SN220VRBX travel trailer is laid out with a 60×75-inch primary bed (or with a Murphy bed with sofa) up front. The center section of the trailer carries a slide-out holding an 88×47-inch convertible dinette directly across from a well-stocked kitchen that offers a large sink, three-burner stove, oven, and a 7-cubic-foot refrigerator .

The rear section of the SN220VRBX trailer houses a bathroom with a flush toilet, a large sink, and a 34-inch glass radius enclosed shower. A large exterior-accessed storage garage compartment for outdoor gear is standard on both Sonix X trailers.

How Much Can a Half-Ton Truck Tow?

How much trailer can a half-ton truck — F-150, Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, RAM 1500, Tundra, and Titan — tow ?

As an example, tow ratings for the bestselling Ford F-150 can range from 5,000 to 14,000 pounds. This depends upon cab configuration, truck bed size, 2WD or 4WD, engine size, and the final drive ratios (ring-and-pinion gear set ratios).

In addition, some high ratings require additional payload or towing packages. All these aspects combine to establish a pickup truck’s maximum tow rating — also referred to as the maximum trailer weight rating.   

The bestselling Ford F-150 cab configuration (according to 2022 model sales) is the SuperCrew. We’ll use that as a starting point. The 2023 Ford F-150 SuperCrew short bed 2WD with a 3.3L V-6 engine and 3.55-ratio axle gears is rated at 5,100 pounds.

On the other end of the scale is the 2023 Ford F-150 SuperCrew short bed 2WD with a 3.5L turbocharged V-6 engine, 3.55 axle gears, and optional payload package scores a 14,000-pound tow rating.

Detailed tow ratings are listed in your truck’s owner’s manual. Tow ratings for some older trucks can be found on RV.com . The Ford Motor Company website also offers a Towing Guide to help find your truck’s maximum trailer weight rating. 

Travel Trailer Terminology You Should Know

There are a few terms that trailer manufacturers use in their specification charts that you should know and understand.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum permissible weight for a trailer, including all cargo, fluids, LPG, and optional equipment.

Unladen, Dry, Tare, or Base Weight: These all mean the same thing — the total weight of the unloaded trailer in standard equipment trim, with no cargo, fluids (freshwater), or LPG.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): Sometimes referred to as Rated Cargo Load, this is the maximum amount of cargo weight the trailer can safely hold. This includes everything you load into the trailer, full water tanks, filled propane tanks, and batteries.

Tongue or Hitch Weight: The weight the trailer will place upon the hitch of your truck. More than 500 pounds of tongue weight on a half-ton pickup will likely place undue stress on the rear suspension and unload the front end, adversely affecting the truck’s steering and overall handling. In this case, the use of a weight-distributing hitch can redeploy some of the weight from the hitch back to the trailer’s axle(s).

Overall or Exterior Length: Commonly refers to the length of the trailer from the hitch ball-coupler to the back of the rear bumper.

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Stuart Bourdon profile

A passion for anything automotive (especially off-road vehicles), camping, and photography led Stuart to a life exploring the mountains and deserts of the Southwest and Baja, and a career in automotive, outdoor, and RV journalism. He has held editorial staff positions at publications such as Four Wheeler, 4Wheel & Off-Road, Jp (all-Jeep), Trailer Boats, and Camping Life. When not behind a camera or in front of a computer, Stuart can often be found behind the wheel.

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Timbren

Towing with a Lifted Truck

Things you need to know to tow with a lifted truck safely.

Lifted Ford F150 towing an SUV

Introduction

Are you wondering if it’s a good idea to tow a trailer with a lifted truck? The following article will try to answer this question. We’ll also answer questions like:

Can you tow with a lifted truck?

Can you make towing with a lifted truck safer, can you fix the squat on your lifted pick-up.

  • What are Timbren spacer kits for?

In answer to the above question, absolutely you can! But a lifted truck isn’t the most ideal setup for towing. When you modify the suspension, things like steering, braking, aerodynamics, and stability are suddenly altered. In some cases, your personal safety will be compromised. There are basically two reasons why a lifted truck is less than ideal for towing:

First, the extra-height of a lifted truck will make it difficult to keep the trailer stable. When you change the factory geometry of a standard suspension, you change a lot of things. One of them is the location of the hitch.  If the tongue on the trailer doesn’t line up properly with the hitch on the truck, that’s a problem.

Second, the truck’s softer, off-road suspension will squat under load. If the rear of your lifted truck squats, the front end is going to sit higher than normal. If that happens, the front tires will lose their traction, creating a serious issue with steering.  At the end of the day, a sagging rear suspension creates instability, hampered steering, and reduced traction – an accident just waiting to happen.

* One more thing you should know: If you regularly tow with a saggy rear end, the suspension components will wear out faster. There are solutions to this problem which we’ll cover in the next section.

Timbren Helper Springs and Spacer kits for Lifted Trucks

Even though a lifted truck isn’t the most ideal arrangement for towing, you can increase safety and performance by applying some precautionary measures.

  • To stabilize the trailer, you’ll need to install a drop hitch. Thanks to its shape, this accessory lowers the ball joint to a manageable height. A drop hitch is fairly easy to install and will allow the hitch on the truck to line up properly with the tongue on the trailer. Even though a drop hitch improves trailer height, it can’t address the squat on the tow vehicle.
  • When you add weight to the back, you can expect the truck’s rear end to sag. This situation happens even if the load is within the vehicle’s original towing capacity. To prevent the back end of your truck from sagging under the additional weight of the trailer, it will be necessary to install a suspension helper spring. There are various types of helper springs on the market. The most popular are leaf, air, and rubber. The strongest and most reliable are rubber springs.

Diagram of where the suspension upgrade spacers go for the lifted truck

So far, we have clearly stated: A lifted tow vehicle that squats under load puts added stress on the suspension components. Additionally, a sagging rear suspension creates instability, hampered steering, and reduced traction.

The best solution to the problem of suspension squat is a Timbren SES upgrade kit . Timbren SES (Suspension Enhancement System) kits for pickups are designed to work with a standard-height suspension. Unfortunately, if installed on a pickup with a 2”- 3” lift, the truck will continue to squat.

Hey, no worries! A simple-to-install Timbren spacer kit will compensate for the extra height.

Here’s how it works: Each spacer kit comes with two 1” and two 1/2” spacers along with all the necessary hardware, allowing the customer to mix and match the components to achieve the desired ride height. For more information on how to install a Timbren spacer kit click on the image below.

To find out what is currently available, visit our website.

Even though a lifted truck isn’t the most ideal setup for towing, with a few easy adjustments you’ll be able to pull a trailer without the usual safety issues.

A Timbren SES kit is the best way to reduce squatting and increase stability. However, if you’re still experiencing squatting and instability after installing it on your lifted pickup truck, you can add a Timbren spacer kit to ensure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck.

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Towing Fifth Wheel with Lifted Truck

Owning a truck and getting a lift kit installed is fun.

When younger, it can provide extra visual punch when riding around the neighborhood or through the superstore parking lot. However, when already owning one, it’s fair to ask whether towing fifth wheel with lifted truck is possible.

In this article, we’ll provide an answer to this question. Then we dig deeper into what’s possible at different lift levels, actions to make towing more level, and where to draw the line.

Truck Could Sag at the Rear

Less traction making driving harder, stability issues for lifted trucks, optional steps to tow a fifth wheel with 4 inch lifted truck, here are the options for 6” lift pull a fifth wheel:, towing a travel trailer with a lifted truck, towing a fifth wheel camper with a lifted truck, closing thoughts, related articles.

A lifted truck presents some obstacles for RVers who have a 5’er, travel trailer, camper, or another type of RV.

The issue mainly relates to how a lifted truck is typically higher than the RV it’s towing.

Due to this and without some modifications, the trailer hitch will cause the fifth wheel to ride too high.

It adds strain to the hitch, but also adds weight and stress to the fifth wheel’s rear axle and tires.

As a result, there are practical limits on trucks and their lifts when wanting to enjoy the RV lifestyle.

Fortunately, there are some possible tweaks to make it possible or more significant changes depending on what tow vehicle you own.

Do bear in mind that it’s not just about a 4 inch lift or 6 inch lift…

For example, 35” tires might be taller than factory standard if they were beefed up too. Therefore, it’s the overall increase in height with the lift and any bigger tires that should be factored in.  

Lifted Truck Pulling a Fifth Wheel: Considerations When Doing It

Different concerns are apparent when set on using a lifted truck for towing.

Here are a few to be aware of:

A truck carrying considerable towing weight will likely sit lower at the back.

The full weight of the fifth wheel or other RV towable will be bearing down on the rear hitch.

The rear axle will respond to support the weight, however, when the truck is sitting too low, that’s a cause for concern.

Riding too low at the back will often cause damage to the truck’s suspension over time.

Furthermore, the leaf springs will be crushed down and become less responsive, especially the more frequently the truck is used for towing excessive weights.

With the rear axle taking much of the extra strain, the front axle has its own difficulties too.

The reduced weight on the front axle leads to poor traction for the tires. With less traction, the truck and what you’re towing will be harder to steer.

Also, course corrections will be even more sluggish than they would normally be when towing.

With a 4 inch lift or a 6 inch lift, any driver towing an RV will tell you that it’s troublesome.

Driving any distance requires greater concentration to avoid highway difficulties, let alone going over uneven ground at a campground.

Typically, a lifted truck translates into a higher nose angle for your RV.

Just the process of lifting the truck has resulted in the fifth wheel hitch being automatically higher; the same is true for the bumper height on a travel trailer, etc.

As a result, at higher speeds, the steeper angle from the tow hitch to the truck creates considerable sway and reduced control when under tow.

At slower speeds, it’s far less noticeable but higher speeds make it more acute. This is primarily why lifted trucks and towing fifth wheels or other RVs are somewhat problematic.

Read Also: Single Axle vs Double Axle Travel Trailer?

Towing Fifth Wheel with 4 inch Lift?

Are you intent on towing with 4 inch lift because your truck already has the lift kit installed or you’re eying one? Well, okay then…

Firstly, know that a 4-inch lift is less troublesome than a 6 inch one. So, that’s something, at least.

The key consideration with a fifth wheel is the height difference between the truck’s bed rails and the overhang of the fifth wheel nose.

It needs to be 6 inches or more to ensure that on the bumpier ground, the nose won’t ever make contact with the truck.

It might seem like an excessive distance, but off-road driving or even getting to the RTR event in Quartzite, Arizona every January usually involves driving over uneven terrain.

It pays to be prepared.

  • Get a fifth wheel trailer drop hitch . It helps because it allows the truck to tow from a lower position despite still being raised.
  • Raise the pin height ; this usually goes hand-in-hand with a drop hitch. Check with an RV garage before attempting this step.
  • Change the tires to a smaller size . It indirectly lowers the lift too.
  • Remove the lift kit from the truck. May be seen as excessive by some RVers, but a few even consider replacing the truck to get one that’ll tow well. However, removing the lift kit usually solves the problem when the above suggestions did not.

Read Also: Can a Toyota Tacoma Pull a Camper?

Can a Truck with a 6” Lift Pull a Fifth Wheel?

A 6” lift pull is on the far end of the extreme for pulling a fifth wheel. We make no bones about that. It’s a big ask!

The tailgate will be over 60” off the ground with the fifth wheel’s nose riding way too high.

The lift springs won’t often be built to support the strain of towing when the truck and the fifth wheel aren’t level with each other.

Also, aftermarket lift kits may not have as durable springs compared to the factory-fitted ones on the truck making them even less suitable for towing.

In most situations, we’d strongly advise against towing with a 6-inch lift for safety reasons .

The issue will be that the rear axles of both the truck and the fifth wheel will be truly tested, with the steeper angle of the tow causing unwarranted strain.

It risks towing system failure while driving on the highway, which would be extremely dangerous for the driver, passengers, and other road users.

  • Remove the lift kit from the truck . Tragic, perhaps, but far, far safer.
  • Upgrade the lift spring system to withstand the extra weight.
  • Replace the tires with smaller ones . These must still have sufficient weight-bearing capacity but indirectly reduce the height disparity between the truck and the fifth wheel.
  • Lift the fifth wheel . There are lift kits for fifth wheels to get them riding higher. It’s unconventional, but it’s possible.

Using some combination of the above options may solve the issue with a 6-inch lift.

However, most likely, towing without the lift is the best answer. The sway when under tow, at any reasonable speeds, is going to make the driving experience difficult to manage.

Read Also: What Size Camper Can a Chevy 1500 Pull?

A travel trailer will share many of the same considerations as a fifth wheel or a toy hauler.

It’s still a large, bulky, and difficult tow. While it likely weighs less than a fifth wheel, any travel trailer will still ride significantly lower than a lifted truck.

Therefore, adjustments will need to be made to the truck or the travel trailer to either reduce or eliminate the possibility of towing at an uneven level.

Another option is towing a fifth wheel camper with a lifted truck.

With a camper, they’re much smaller, lighter, and easier to tow.

Given that modern trucks can tow between 4,900 pounds and up to 19,000 pounds, there is usually little trouble towing a camper.

However, towing a camper with a 6-inch lift on the truck is another matter.

The lightness of the camper, along with less durability compared to more expensive fifth wheels or travel trailers, means even more care should be taken. Not less.

As such, a drop hitch is again needed to get the towing height to match more closely.

Reducing the truck’s lift height is also worthwhile.

Don’t expect a camper to manage height disparities better; it will sway even more due to being lightweight.

The driving experience with a lifted truck isn’t going to be enjoyable when towing an RV, including a fifth wheel, toy hauler, travel trailer, or camper.

The greater the distance and the faster you wish to travel, the bumpier and more variable the ride.

Keeping the fifth wheel on the road when the sway increases as the rate of speed does too, is something that RVers complain about a lot. Towing is hard enough, without using a lifted truck to do it.

  • Can a Toyota Tacoma Pull a Camper?
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BulletProof Hitches™

Towing With Your Lifted Truck

Towing With Your Lifted Truck

Towing with a lifted truck can present many problems. Many newer trucks can tow anywhere from 5,000lbs to 20,000+lbs. When towing with a lifted truck, a drop hitch will be required to make sure the hitch ball sits at a height comparable to the height of the trailer coupler. Most companies do not offer drop hitches that exceed the tow rating of new diesel trucks and that is where BulletProof Hitches comes in to play.

With drop hitches rated up to 36,000lbs and drop sizes up to 16", finding a drop hitch that fits both the needs of the user and the capabilities of the towing vehicle is now possible. Adding suspension lifts and larger tires to otherwise normal trucks is quite a trend these days, and here at BulletProof Hitches, we don't think this should limit your ability to tow the trailers you need to tow.

Here is a quick example. If you own a new 3/4-ton truck and want to tow a trailer but also want to put a 10" lift and 37" tires on your truck, your options for towing the 15,000+lbs your truck is capable of are very slim or non-existent. Most drop hitches are either not long enough or not strong enough to handle the capabilities of the truck.

With a BulletProof Hitch, you are able to tow any trailer - whether it is a 1 7/8", 2", 2 5/16" or pintle - with one adjustable drop hitch. We offer a variety of shank sizes and drop sizes to fit all makes and models, and with a lifetime warranty, you never have to worry about your hitch bending or breaking under load.

For more information on our hitches, please visit our "About The BulletProof Hitch" page here: https://www.bulletproofhitches.com/pages/about-the-bulletproof-hitch-1

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Can You Pull a 5th Wheel With a Lifted Truck? (4 vs 6-Inch)

  • August 13, 2021 /
  • RV Towing /
  • By James V.

Trucks are not the same. They can be customized and people take that opportunity to make their truck function the way they want it to. But when it comes to towing a 5th wheel, those customization efforts may not have been a good idea. They just may get in the way of properly towing your 5th wheel.

Can you pull a 5th wheel with a lifted truck? It is possible to p ull a 5th wheel with a lifted truck but the key is that you need to pull the trailer as close to level as possible.

That means you may have to make some adjustments in your truck bed to accommodate the 6 to 8-inch clearance most 5th wheels need for towing.

To learn more about this topic and if it is a good idea, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to know about to make the right towing decisions for your rig. Take a few minutes to see if this is a good option for you or not.

Is it Bad to Tow With a Lifted Truck?

Is-it-Bad-to-Tow-With-a-Lifted-Truck

It is not the best idea to try. There are several reasons for saying this. While it is possible to tow with a lifted truck, you are going to run into some safety issues that may make it something you should avoid.

First, the lifted truck may create some trailer instability. When your trailer is not stable, then you may have some control issues to deal with as you travel. Second, the suspension needed for a lifted truck is not made for towing and your truck could sag a bit when you place the weight of the trailer on the bed.

Third, you may find that the braking system will be affected the most. You may not have issues but your body may be very tired of towing when you get done. There is a lot more work involved in this situation.

Finally, you may find that the lift kit installed in your truck may not be lowered far enough to make up for the clearance the 5th wheel trailer needs. Also, you may find that your truck parts are more stressed than normal because of the lift kit that was installed.

Do some research into this issue as you may find that you will get different opinions from different 5th wheel owners who have done this before you. All of their input should be valuable to you.

Can You Pull a Fifth Wheel With a 4-Inch Lift?

Can-You-Pull-a-Fifth-Wheel-With-a-4-Inch-Lift

This is another possibility and some people say that they have no issues with this setup. However, while they may not have issues, they do complain about it quite a lot. The reason they complain is the adjustments that have to be made in order to tow a 5th wheel trailer.

One of the adjustments that had to be made was that the owner had to lower the hitch to the lowest setting possible. That was just to get the trailer to ride level. However, when he did that, he found that he had only 3 inches of clearance.

This is not good because a 5th wheel generally needs a minimum of 4 inches of clearance to work well. This lack of clearance is okay if you are traveling down smooth highway roads. But when it comes to backing up, and non-smooth roads you are going to have some trouble.

Another adjustment you have to make is to accept the damage that will be done to your truck’s bed walls and tailgate. If you want a perfect paint job, then using a lift truck to tow a 5th wheel is not a very good idea.

Then you may notice a difference in pulling power when you move from smaller tires to larger ones on your truck.

Can You Pull a Fifth Wheel With a 6-Inch Lift?

Can-You-Pull-a-Fifth-Wheel-With-a-6-Inch-Lift

Some experts will be amazed if you can tow a 5th wheel trailer with a 6-inch lift. That amount of extra height takes away all the clearance you will need in order to tow a 5th wheel correctly. You may not need the clearance during the towing time but in the maneuvering time, you will need it.

The best thing to do would be to return the truck to its factory height. But if you are determined to tow with a 6-inch truck, then your only option would be to lift your trailer 6 inches. This is not exactly safe as you will experience more sway as the trailer becomes too heavy.

Another issue you will find is that if you add springs to your system to get that 6-inch lift, then the springs may be too soft to handle the heavy load. Lift springs are soft to ensure a smoother ride when you go off-road. This means once you add springs to your current system, they will not be rated for the trailer weight load.

Then if you have a 60-inch height from the ground to the top of your tailgate, you will have problems as well. The trailer will be nose high making it difficult to tow.

Towing Camper With 6-Inch Lift

Towing-Camper-With-6-Inch-Lift

This is a bit different scenario than towing a 5th wheel trailer. Most newer trucks are given the ability to tow 5,000 to 20,000 pounds approx. And depending on the make and model of your truck. However, a standard hitch is not going to work when you give your truck a 6-inch lift.

You will need a drop hitch in order to keep the trailer level and the good news is that most drop hitches are rated for up to 36,000 pounds. That will take a lot of stress off your mind when you hook up your camper. You have a lot of leeway when you use a drop hitch as they can go up to 16 inches in size.

The flexibility of these drop hitches gives you a lot o more room when you want to go higher in your lift. If you want 10-inch lifts, there is a drop hitch that will accommodate that extra height. The key is these hitches are not made for 5th wheel trailers so don’t even try it or think about it.

Lifted Truck With a Gooseneck Trailer

Lifted-Truck-With-a-Gooseneck-Trailer

This is going to be about the same as trying to tow a 5th wheel trailer. There are going to be issues that you will not have thought of as most people are concentrating on customizing their truck and looking cool or wanting to go off-road.

In other words, they are trying to have their cake and eat it too. Yet, many people do this. They use their lifted truck to tow a gooseneck trailer. They want the best of both worlds and they are willing to make the adjustments to get it.

The issues will be clearance, sway, and stopping. The springs may not be rated for the weight of the trailer which will eventually end up providing you with a lot of stressed truck parts in the long run.

Then you have the opinion of those who feel that any person adding a lift kit to their current truck is ruining one of the main features of the truck. The tow weight capacity which in their minds is the most powerful feature the factory trucks have.

Also, these same people feel that if you need a tow truck buy a tow truck, and if you want an off-road truck, then buy one and tow it behind the trailer. But everyone has their own view of this situation. Let’s just say while others are doing this, it is not the best idea you can have or follow.

Lift Trucks and Traditional Truck Campers

Lift-Trucks-and-Traditional-Truck-Campers

There is a problem these days as many people use the word camper for trailers. They seem to have forgotten that there are still traditional truck campers on the market and their new use of that term causes some confusion.

In this situation, there should be no problem with putting your traditional truck camper on your lift truck. You can enjoy the extra height you get from the ground and still go over roads that most trailers cannot access.

But if you want to go off-roading without the camper, you will have to lift it off your truck at the campground and keep it secure and stationary. Then put it back on your truck when you are done.

Some Final Words

Lift trucks are not really tow vehicles. If you add springs you ruin the tow capacity rating and make life a lot more difficult for you. Then when you try towing a 5th wheel, you are asking for trouble due to all the adjustments that need to be made.

Sometimes it is best just to have a separate tow vehicle for towing and a lift truck for the fun activities.

Related Posts

Can You Put a Weight Distribution Hitch On a Lifted Truck?

Can a 1500 Pull a 5th Wheel? (Half-Ton Ram, Sierra, Silverado)

What Is The Towing Capacity of a Thor? (Majestic, Ace, Axis)

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ARIES

The Ultimate Guide to Drop Hitch Towing

A CURT drop drop hitch is perfect for towing multiple trailers or towing with a tall truck.

The Difference Between a Drop Hitch & Rise Hitch

When towing a trailer, alignment is crucial. Drop hitches are designed to lower the connection point for tall trucks and allow the trailer tongue to remain level with the ground.      Rise hitches on the other hand perform the opposite function, elevating the connection to align the trailer tongue with shorter vehicles.     A drop hitch aligns the towing vehicle with trailers by extending downwards, while a rise hitch achieves alignment by extending upwards. Their primary purpose is to maintain a level connection between the vehicle and trailer, which minimizes stress on the towing system and enhances safety, stability, and fuel efficiency.     Whether it's a lifted pick-up or a compact SUV, CURT drop hitches allow you to level your trailer connection and ensure that you have the appropriate hitch to match your trailer.  

Important Details to Consider When Purchasing a Drop Hitch

A CURT drop hitch improves your towing experience by allowing you to quickly level multiple trailers and tow safely.

Removable Pins The removable hitch pins hold the coupler attachment in position. For height adjustments, the pins can be taken out, allowing the coupler to be raised or lowered as needed.

The styles of drop hitches are varied but all adjustable trailer hitches has the same essential parts.

The Varying Styles of CURT Adjustable Drop Hitches

Image

How to Calculate Drop & Determine Which Drop Hitch is Best for Towing

In order to use an adjustable drop hitch, you will first need to know what the proper ball height is for your trailer. Then, you can choose the correct adjustable hitch. 

Adjustable hitches offer a simple, easy solution for towing by adjusting to varying trailers with differing ball heights and payloads, however, you will need to know the amount of drop or rise needed to level your tow vehicle with your trailer. 

This easy, five-step process will help you to calculate the correct drop or rise height. But first, you will need to have your truck and trailer available, and make sure they're both parked and sitting level with the ground.  

Tools are needed. Be sure to have a tape measure, level, pencil and paper available to record your measurements.  

The Written, Step by Step Process of Calculating Drop for a Drop Hitch

Step 1: Measure the Distance from the Ground to the Receiver Tube

Use your tape measure to determine the height from the ground to the receiver tube on your tow vehicle, making sure to measure up to the top inside edge of the receiver tube for the accurate height.

Make a note of this measurement for future reference. In the example shown in the video above, this measurement is 21-3/4".

Step 2: Measure the Height from the Ground to the Coupler  

Next, to level your trailer, place the level on the trailer frame nearest to the coupler. Adjust the trailer by raising or lowering it until it's level with the ground.

Then, take your measuring tape and determine the distance from the ground to the bottom edge of the trailer coupler.

Note down this measurement too. In the example provided above, this measurement is 15-1/2".

Step 3: Establish Your Drop or Rise

After accurately measuring and recording both the receiver height and the coupler height, calculate your drop or rise number by subtracting the coupler height from the receiver height.

In the example provided above, the receiver height measures 21-3/4", and the coupler height is 15-1/2", resulting in a difference of –6-1/4". This indicates that the trailer would require a drop of approximately 6".

Measuring your rise or drop height is easy with this five-step process

You're now prepared to buy a CURT adjustable trailer hitch that aligns with your towing requirements!

Step 5 (optional): Measure Other Trailers You Will Be Towing 

Should you own more than one trailer, repeat this procedure for each trailer you intend to tow with, as it's essential to ensure that your adjustable trailer hitch falls within the range suitable for all the trailers you regularly use.

How to Install a Drop Hitch, Step by Step

In the following steps, we'll guide you on how to install a drop hitch. It is required to first have a receiver hitch installed in your tow vehicle.      Be sure the receiver hitch is rated for the gross trailer weight and tongue weight of your trailer before installing a drop hitch and towing.    

1: Insert the Drop Hitch

Slide the drop hitch into the receiver tube of your truck, making sure it fits snugly. If there's any resistance, make sure the receiver is clean and free of debris.    2: Align the Pin Hole

Carefully align the hitch pinhole with the receiver tube's pinhole. This might require some slight adjustments. Ensure proper alignment as this will secure the hitch in place.    3: Secure the Hitch Pin

Insert the hitch pin through the aligned holes, and lock it with a clip or locking mechanism. This step ensures that the drop hitch remains firmly attached to the vehicle during towing.    4: Attach the Trailer Ball Mount

Select the appropriate ball mount for your towing needs and secure it to the drop hitch. Ensure that it's tightly fastened using the provided bolts or pins, as this connection will bear the weight of the trailer.    5: Connect the Trailer

Lower the trailer coupler onto the ball mount, making sure it locks securely in place. Double-check the connection to ensure that it's robust and that the locking mechanism is engaged.    6: Verify Alignment

Use a level or visual cues to ensure that the trailer is level with the truck. This alignment is critical for safe towing, as an uneven connection can cause instability.    7: Attach Safety Chains

Connect the safety chains from the trailer to the truck, crossing them under the hitch to form an "X." This setup provides added security and ensures that the trailer remains connected to the truck even if the primary hitch connection fails.    8: Check Lights and Electrical Connections

If your trailer has lights or other electrical components, connect the wiring harness and verify that all lights are working correctly.    9: Perform a Final Inspection

Walk around the entire setup, double-checking all connections, locks, chains, and electrical components. Look for anything that might seem out of place or insecure.     Now, you're ready to tow!

Enjoy the confidence and peace of mind that comes with a properly installed CURT drop hitch. Remember to follow all safety guidelines and consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a towing professional if you have any questions or concerns. 

How to Install & Set the Height on an Adjustable Drop Hitch, Step by Step

Now that you've found your rise or drop height and have purchased a CURT adjustable hitch, you're ready to install and set the coupler height.  

Before you begin, make sure your trailer is parked on a level surface and that it’s sitting parallel with the ground. You will also need to have the correct tow ball right-side-up. Check with your trailer coupler to see if the 2" or 2-5/16" ball is needed.  

Follow this video-guided, quick 3-step process for setting the correct height on your adjustable hitch.

Step 1: Install the Shank

First, insert the horizontal shank of the adjustable hitch into the receiver tube on your tow vehicle . Secure the hitch with a pin and clip.  

Step 2: Measure the Coupler Height

Using a measuring tape, measure from the bottom of the trailer coupler to the ground . Remember this number, as this is the height you will be setting your ball to next.  

Measuring your rise or drop height is easy with this three-step process

3: Ensure Compatibility Between Ball and Coupler Sizes Much like receivers and shanks, the hitch ball and trailer coupler must be of the identical size. Therefore, understanding the coupler sizes of all your trailers is vital when buying an adjustable hitch.

Adjustable hitches might include one ball, others two, and some even three. If your fleet consists of multiple coupler sizes, opt for a hitch that can accommodate all of them.

Also, note that CURT adjustable pintle hook trailer hitches are available, suitable for towing trailers equipped with a lunette ring.

4: Assess Your Height Adjustment Needs After adhering to the above guidelines for determining the required hitch height, calculate the amount of rise or drop necessary. Choose an adjustable hitch that spans the range between your "shortest" and "tallest" trailers.

Common Accessories for a CURT Adjustable Drop Hitch

Adjustable hitches do more than add flexibility for trailer height. There are many different accessories for different types of towing and beyond.  

Replacement Rebellion XD Dual Ball, 2

These photographs, recommendations, and approximations are intended for demonstration purposes only and do not reflect the specifications of any particular hitch , tow vehicle, recreational vehicle or trailer. Always consult the manufacturer’s owner’s manual.  

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Drop Hitches

What is the purpose of a drop hitch?    Drop hitches serve to align taller trucks with trailers, ensuring a level towing connection. This alignment minimizes strain on the towing system, improves stability, and increases fuel efficiency, thus playing a crucial role in safe and effective towing.       How much drop does my hitch need?    The required drop depends on the height difference between the vehicle and the trailer. Factors such as the load, the vehicle's suspension, and the trailer's design can influence this. CURT provides a comprehensive guide and expert assistance to help you find the right fit tailored to your specific situation.       Does a drop hitch affect towing capacity?    While a drop hitch itself doesn't change the vehicle's towing capacity, it's vital to select one that matches the vehicle's rated capacity. A mismatch can lead to unsafe towing conditions. CURT ensures that you have access to a range of drop hitches designed to fit different towing capacities.       Does a drop hitch affect tongue weight?    A drop hitch doesn't inherently affect tongue weight, but it must be chosen considering the rated tongue weight for the vehicle and trailer. Ensuring that the tongue weight falls within the specified range is crucial for maintaining balance and control during towing.       Do you need a drop hitch if your truck is lifted?    Lifting a truck increases its height, often requiring the use of a drop hitch to maintain a level connection with the trailer. A drop hitch compensates for the added height, ensuring that the trailer aligns properly with the lifted truck, thus maintaining stability and safety.       Can you flip over a drop hitch?    Some drop hitch models, including certain offerings from CURT, can be flipped over to function as a rise hitch. This dual functionality provides both drop and rise options, allowing for greater versatility in matching different trailer heights.       What is the most common drop hitch?    The "common" drop hitch varies based on individual needs, vehicle types, and towing requirements. CURT's diverse selection offers something for every situation, whether it's adjustable or fixed, steel or aluminum. Consulting with a CURT expert can lead you to the most suitable option for your specific needs.       Should your trailer be level when towing?    Yes, having a level trailer is paramount to ensuring safety, stability, and efficient towing. An uneven connection can cause irregular wear on tires, strain the towing system, and even impact braking effectiveness. Drop hitches, like those offered by CURT, are instrumental in achieving this level connection, contributing to a more controlled and comfortable towing experience. 

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10 Compact Travel Trailers Perfect for Small Trucks

Toyota Tacoma Pulling a Camper

Are you looking for the perfect travel trailer to pair with your small truck?

If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Because in this blog post, we’ll be highlighting the 10 best travel trailers for small trucks , from ultra-lightweight compact models to larger models with all the amenities from home.

So whether you’re a solo traveler or have a family in tow, or prefer a minimalist or luxury camping experience, there’s sure to be a travel trailer on this list that’s perfect for your needs and camping style.

Top 10 Travel Trailers for Small Trucks (Lightest to Heaviest)

*Before towing any travel trailer with a small truck, it’s important to check that the truck can handle the weight of the trailer. By making sure that the fully loaded weight of the trailer is below the max tow capacity of the truck.

1. Happier Camper HC1

Quick specs.

  • Price : $34,450
  • Dry Weight : 1,100 Pounds
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 3,500 Pounds
  • Length : 13 Feet
  • Sleeping Capacity : 5
  • Bathroom : Porta Potty (Optional)

While the Happier Camper HC1 isn’t the most affordable travel trailer on this list that can be pulled by a small truck, it’s definitely the lightest.

As the HC1 has a dry weight of just 1,100 pounds and an average fully loaded weight of only 1,600 pounds.

Making this small travel trailer roughly a thousand pounds lighter compared to the next trailer on this list.

Because of this, even the smallest and least capable compact trucks, such as the Ford Maveric and the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow this camper with ease .

Happier Camper HC1 Floor Plan

Happy Camper HC1 Floor Plan

It’s not just the trailer’s ultra-lightweight that makes it great though, as the HC1 is also the most versatile and flexible trailer on this list as well.

As the HC1 has a fully customizable interior, thanks to its ADAPTIV™ floorplan.

Allowing it to be equipped with a variety of ADAPTIV™ components, including everything from storage and bed cubes to table tops and a kitchenette cube.

The HC1 can even be equipped with a small porta-potty.

Making it one of the smallest campers on the market that still offers a bathroom.

To see other small lightweight campers with a bathroom, check out our blog post “ 10 Smallest Travel Trailers with a Dry Bath “.

Happier Camper HC1 Interior

In addition, another distinctive feature of the Happier Camper HC1 is that it’s the only camper that I’m aware of that you can actually remove all the interior components of the camper.

Allowing you to use the trailer as an enclosed utility trailer or a toy hauler for even more versatility.

And thanks to the HC1’s double door design and large rear flip-up hatch, loading and unloading the camper is a breeze, no matter what configuration the trailer is in.

To see more information on the Happier Camper HC1 and to find out how to order one, check out Happier Camper’s website by clicking here .

2. Scamp 16-Foot Deluxe

  • Price : $17,000
  • Dry Weight : 2,200 Pounds
  • Length : 16 Feet
  • Sleeping Capacity : 4
  • Bathroom : 3-Piece Wet Bath

For those looking for a compact ultra-lightweight camper with all the features of a full-size travel trailer, you definitely need to check out the Scamp 16-Foot Deluxe .

Which is the big brother to the Scamp 13-Foot .

As this lightweight fiberglass camper offers a four-person sleeping capacity, a full-featured galley, a three-piece wet bath, and a decent amount of storage, all in a package that weighs just 2,200 pounds and that’s only 16 feet long.

Scamp 16-Foot Deluxe Layout C Floor Plan

Scamp 16-Foot Deluxe Layout C Floor Plan

If you’re wondering how fiberglass campers are able to be so much lighter compared to more traditional travel trailers, it’s all about how they’re constructed.

Because while most travel trailers utilize a traditional stick frame construction of either wood or aluminum with multiple layers of cladding or sheeting overtop, fiberglass campers are constructed using a molded fiberglass shell.

Made by laying layers of fiberglass mat or fabric over a mold in the shape of the desired camper, which is then covered in a layer of resin to create a strong, rigid structure.

Eliminating the need for an internal wood or metal framework as well as the various layers of cladding or sheeting overtop.

Which helps to save considerable weight.

Scamp 16-Foot Deluxe Interior

And because fiberglass campers are molded from large pieces of fiberglass they also tend to hold up much better over time and are much less prone to leaks.

It’s not all good news for fiberglass campers though, as they tend to be more expensive, offer less of a thermal barrier, and can be much more expensive to repair compared to more traditional travel trailers.

To find out what affects the price of a 16-Foot Scamp, check out our blog post “ How Much Does a 16-Foot Scamp Trailer Cost? “.

3. Casita Freedom Deluxe

  • Price : $32,694
  • Dry Weight : 2,480 Pounds
  • Length : 17 Feet
  • Sleeping Capacity : 2

The Casita Freedom Deluxe is another popular fiberglass camper that has a very similar length and weight compared to the Scamp 16-Foot Deluxe from above.

However, despite their similar lengths and weights, these two fiberglass campers couldn’t be more different on the inside.

Because while the 16-Foot Scamp focuses more on being family-friendly, by offering a four-person sleeping capacity and bunk beds, the Casita Freedom Deluxe is all about maximizing comfort and convenience for two.

Making the Freedom Deluxe perfect for couples or for anyone looking for maximum comfort in a small lightweight camper .

Casita Freedom Deluxe Floor Plan

Casita Freedom Deluxe Floor Plan

As the Casita Freedom Deluxe offers numerous comfort and convenience features not typically found on trailers 17 feet in length.

Including such features as a large rear dinette booth that converts into a double bed, a full-featured galley, two caption swivel chairs with an accompanying table, a three-piece wet bath, and a large wardrobe closet.

Plus, this Casita model like all Casita trailers offers many added benefits, thanks to its lightweight fiberglass construction, including improved towability, a highly weather-resistant exterior, and long-lasting durability.

Which is probably why Casita trailers, like other fiberglass campers, tend to hold their value far better compared to more traditionally built RVs.

Casita Freedom Deluxe Interior

Also, if you like the Casita Freedom but need a more family-friendly floor plan not to worry.

As Casita produces five different models, including the Spirit, the Independence, the Heritage, the Freedom, and the Liberty, many of which offer family-friendly floor plans with higher sleeping capacities.

To see the various models and floor plans available for the Casita, check out our blog post “ Casita Trailer Pricing Guide: All Models Included “.

4. Forest River R-Pod RP-171

  • Price : $23,000
  • Dry Weight : 2,714 Pounds
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 3,840 Pounds
  • Length : 19 Feet

The Forest River R-Pod RP-171 is the first mass-produced travel trailer on this list that’s made by one of the main RV manufacturers.

However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

As the R-Pod like all Forest River travel trailers, such as the Geo Pro , the Wolf Pup , and the Wild Wood are able to benefit from Forest River’s economies of scale.

Most notable of which is faster and quicker innovation as well as cost savings.

As the Forest River R-Pod, which was first released in 2008 is one of the most feature-rich and economical small travel trailers you can buy .

Which is why the Forest River R-Pod is one of the most popular small lightweight campers on the road today.

Forest River R-Pod RP-171 Floor Plan

Forest River R-Pod RP-171 Floorplan

Available in 10 different trim levels and floorplans, one of the most popular versions of the R-Pod is the RP-171 .

Due in large part to the trailer’s well-laid-out floorplan and feature-rich design.

Because despite being the lightest and second smallest R-Pod available, the 171 still manages to offer all the features that the larger and heavier trim levels offer.

Forest River R-Pod RP-171 Galley

Including such features as a four-person sleeping capacity, a convertible dinette booth, a fixed rear queen-size bed, a bathroom, plenty of interior and exterior storage, and a full-featured galley.

As well as tons of standard upgrades, including Azdel construction, a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof, a roof-mounted 13,500 BTU AC, a propane furnace, designer Carefree® flooring, and residential-style shaker cabinetry.

For a more in-depth review and walkthrough of the R-Pod RP-171, check out our blog post “ Forest River R-Pod 171 (In-Depth Review & Walkthrough) “.

5. Lance 1475S

  • Price : $45,000
  • Dry Weight : 3,225 Pounds
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4,500 Pounds
  • Length : 19 Feet 8 Inches
  • Sleeping Capacity : 3
  • Bathroom : 3-Piece Dry Bath

Another great travel trailer perfect for couples and small trucks is the Lance 1475S .

As this lightweight compact camper has a dry weight of just 3,225 pounds and an overall length of less than 20 feet, while still offering every amenity that a couple or small family would need while camping.

Including such amenities as a full-featured galley, a spacious three-piece dry bath, and a large fixed front east-to-west bed.

As well as a good amount of storage and a comfortable couch that’s on a shallow slide-out, the really helps to open up the interior of the camper.

Lance 1475S Floor Plan

Lance 1475S Floor Plan

And because the sofa on the 1475S can be converted into a sleeping space, this smaller camper can actually sleep three people at a time, while still offering all the above amenities.

The best part though is that we haven’t even mentioned the main features that set the Lance travel trailer apart from other campers.

Because the Lance travel trailer and its various models (11 in total) are considered premium campers, thanks to all their high-end features.

Lance 1475S Galley

As all Lance travel trailers including the Lance 1475S offer numerous class-leading features, including a best-in-class all-weather package, an enclosed underbelly with insulated and heated holding tanks, and a one-piece PVC roof.

As well as ducted heat, thermopane Euro windows with screens and blackout shades, high-end cabinetry, and solid surface countertops to name just a few.

To see what affects the price of the Lance 1475S and how much other Lance travel trailers cost, check out our blog post “ How Much is a Lance Travel Trailer? Full Cost Breakdown “.

6. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS

  • Price : $29,000
  • Dry Weight : 3,375 Pounds
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4,479 Pounds
  • Length : 20 Feet 2 Inches

Another popular travel trailer made by Forest River that can be towed by a small truck is the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS .

As the Geo Pro G19FBS has a dry weight of only 3,375 pounds.

Allowing the camper trailer to be pulled by a variety of small trucks.

Despite its lighter weight though, this particular Geo Pro still manages to offer two very rare features for a lightweight camper, including a slide-out as well as a full three-piece dry bath.

Which really helps to improve the overall livability and comfort inside the camper.

Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS Floor Plan

Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS Floorplan

The trailer’s slide-out and dry bath aren’t the only things that make this camper great though, as the G19FBS also offers tons of other upgrades and premium features as well.

Including such features as a full kitchen, with a three-burner cooktop, an oven, a stainless steel sink, a microwave, and a good size double-door 12V refrigerator.

Forest River Geo Pro 19FBS Interior

As well as standard solar power, a power awning, frameless windows, lots of interior and exterior storage, a large flip-down sofa, a fully-equipped entertainment center, exterior speakers, and a full-size east-to-west queen bed.

For a more in-depth review and walkthrough of the Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS, check out our blog post “ Forest River Geo Pro 19FBS (Full Review & Walkthrough) “.

7. Airstream Basecamp 20X

  • Price : $58,000
  • Dry Weight : 3,500 Pounds
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4,300 Pounds
  • Bathroom : 2-Piece Wet Bath

While Airstream is perhaps best known for its iconic “Silver Bullet” trailers, they actually make another type of travel trailer called the Basecamp , which is a complete departure from their classic “Silver Bullet” design.

As the Basecamp was built from the ground up to be the ultimate adventure camper .

Available in two main models.

The Airstream Basecamp 20X, which is the upgraded version of the standard Basecamp 20, and the big brother to the Basecamp 16 and 16X is one of the best off-road and off-grid campers you can pair with a small truck.

Airstream Basecamp 20X Floor Plan

Airstream Basecamp 20X Floorplan

As the Basecamp 20X offers a slew of off-road and off-grid features that make exploring the backcountry not only possible but enjoyable .

By including features like a 3-inch lift kit, Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, stainless steel front stone guards, a 300W roof-mounted solar package, good-size holding tanks, an enclosed and insulated aluminum heated underbelly, and 12V tank heaters.

Just because the Airstream Basecamp 20X is off-grid friendly though, that doesn’t mean that it’s void of all creature comforts.

In fact, the Basecamp 20X actually offers a surprising amount of creature comforts.

Including a fully functional galley, two convertible dinette booths, a self-contained wet bath, a four-person sleeping capacity, and plenty of flexible storage.

Airstream Basecamp 20X Interior

Plus, the Basecamp 20X also offers numerous premium features as well, like an aluminum exterior, handcrafted aluminum entry doors, and windows, a semi-monocoque aluminum superstructure, and a Truma Combi™ Eco Plus heating system.

As well as aluminum interior walls and ceiling, handcrafted Italian laminated cabinetry, panoramic front windows, blackout shades, and stain-resistant indoor/outdoor cushions.

For more information on the Airstream Basecamp 20X and to find out what affects the cost of the Basecamp, check out our blog post “ How Much is an Airstream Basecamp? Cost Breakdown “.

8. Winnebago Hike H172BH

  • Price : $25,000
  • Dry Weight : 3,596 Pounds
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4,200 Pounds
  • Length : 20 Feet 8 Inches
  • Sleeping Capacity : 6

Another travel trailer that’s great for small trucks and boondocking in the backcountry is the Winnebago Hike H172BH.

Because just like the Airstream Basecamp from above, the Winnebago Hike, was designed from the ground up for off-road and off-grid adventures .

Thanks to numerous standard features, including a heavy-duty axle and suspension, 15-inch offroad tires with an axle lift, a propane heating system with dual propane tanks, roof-mounted solar prep, an oversized 31-gallon freshwater tank, and enclosed tanks with 12V heating pads.

Winnebago Hike H172BH Floor Plan

Winnebago Hike H172BH Floor Plan

Available in 5 different trim levels and floor plans, one of the most popular trim levels is the H172BH , thanks to the trailer’s rear bunk house.

As this allows the camper to sleep up to six at a time when combined with its large convertible u-shaped dinette booth in the front.

Which is pretty amazing for a travel trailer that’s just over 20 feet long.

A large sleeping capacity isn’t the only thing this trailer has to offer though, as the trailer also features a large slide-out that helps to open up its interior.

Giving the camper a spacious feel inside despite its smaller size.

Winnebago Hike H172BH Interior

In addition, this camper trailer also features a full three-piece dry bath as well as an outdoor kitchen, which is pretty rare on a 20-foot trailer.

One of the most striking features of the Winnebago Hike though has to be its unique exoskeleton, which actually serves a couple of purposes beyond just making the camper look cool and rugged.

As the exoskeleton not only helps to protect the fiberglass walls and roof of the camper, but it also provides endless attachment points on the camper’s exterior to attach outdoor toys and gear.

To see other trim levels of the Winnebago Hike and how much they cost, check out our blog post “ How Much Does the Winnebago Hike Cost? Answered “.

9. Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH

  • Price : $26,000
  • Dry Weight : 3,775 Pounds
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4,995 Pounds

Like the Winnebago Hike from above, the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH is another popular lightweight bunkhouse travel trailer, that a variety of small trucks can pull.

As the Jay Feather Micro 171BH has a dry weight of just 3,775 pounds.

Where these two bunkhouse travel trailers differ though is in their slide-out or lack thereof.

Because while the above Hike H172BH offers a mid-slide-out, the Jay Feather Micro 171BH offers no slide-out at all.

Which at first might seem like a real drawback.

However, there are some advantages to a travel trailer with no slide-outs.

For instance travel trailers with no slide-outs tend to cost less, weigh less, offer easier setup, have fewer mechanical issues, and are less prone to leaking.

Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH Floor Plan

Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH Floor Plan

Despite having no slide-out though, the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH still manages to offer all the same features and amenities of a travel trailer of similar size with a slide.

As the Jay Feather Micro 171BH offers a three-piece dry bath, a full-featured galley, a convertible dinette booth, an east-to-west short RV queen-sized bed , and a good amount of interior and exterior storage.

Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH Bathroom

Plus, the 171BH also offers tons of standard features and upgrades as well, including Azdel construction, a Glacier package with an enclosed underbelly, a magnum truss roof system with a one-piece seamless roof, a power tongue jack and awning, and a 15,000 BTU air conditioner on the exterior.

As well as residential vinyl flooring with cold crack resistance, residential-style kitchen countertops, an on-demand tankless water heater, four-inch high-density cushions, and decorative roller shades with a reflective backer on the interior.

For more info on the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Jayco’s website by clicking here .

10. Airstream Bambi 20FB

  • Price : $67,000
  • Dry Weight : 4,000 Pounds
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 5,000 Pounds
  • Length : 20 Feet 7 Inches

The Airstream Bambi, which is the smallest and lightest “Silver Bullet” model made by Airstream, makes the perfect companion for small truck owners looking for a high-end camping experience.

As the Bambi, which is offered in four different trim levels, has a dry weight of at or less than 4,000 pounds, depending on the trim level.

While still offering one of the most premium and luxurious camping experiences available in a compact lightweight camper.

Airstream Bambi 20FB Floor Plan

Airstream Bambi 20FB Floor Plan

And one of the best trim levels for the Bambi, in our opinion is the 20FB.

As the Airstream Bambi 20FB offers a nice compromise between the smallest and largest versions.

By offering a larger more spacious interior, while still maintaining Bambi’s trademark compact lightweight design, with an overall length of 20 feet 7 inches and a dry weight of 4,000 pounds.

Airstream Bambi 20FB Kitchen

In addition, the Bambi 20FB also offers one of the largest kitchens with the most counter space on this list.

Thanks to the trailer’s large rear L-shaped kitchen.

Making the trailer a great choice for cooks and amateur chefs alike that really want to be able to spread out while cooking.

For more info on the Airstream Bambi and what affects its price, check out our blog post “ How Much is an Airstream Bambi? Full Cost Breakdown “.

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Travel Trailer for a Small Truck

Airstream Basecamp

Now that we’ve seen some of the best and most popular travel trailers for small trucks, we thought that it was important to briefly go over what to consider and look for when choosing a travel trailer for a small truck.

Small Truck Max Towing Capacity

One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a travel trailer for a small truck is the max towing capacity of the truck.

As this will have the biggest impact on the size and type of travel trailer you can pull with the truck.

To give you an idea of the typical max towing capacity for a small truck take a look at the below list.

Which lists some of the most popular compact trucks and their corresponding max tow capacities.

Small Truck Max Towing Capacities (Least to Most)

  • Ford Maverick – 2,000 Pounds
  • Hyundai Santa Cruz – 3,500 to 5,000 Pounds
  • Chevrolet Colorado – 3,500 to 6,000 Pounds
  • Toyota Tacoma – 3,500 to 6,800 Pounds
  • GMC Canyon – 6,000 Pounds
  • Nissan Frontier – 6,230 to 6,720 Pounds
  • Ford Ranger – 7,500 Pounds

*Max tow capacities displayed are for the most recent model year.

Regardless of the small truck though, when choosing a travel trailer, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go with a travel trailer that has an unloaded vehicle weight and a fully loaded weight considerably below the max towing capacity of the truck.

As this will ensure that you have the power and capacity needed to safely tow the trailer regardless of conditions or terrain, and will help to prevent accidents or breakdowns on the road.

Another crucial factor to consider when buying a travel trailer for a small truck is your RV budget.

As this will help to narrow down your options and make it easier to find the best fit for you, your budget, and your truck.

So to help provide some budgeting guidance when shopping for a travel trailer, we created the below list.

Which highlights five important RV budget rules that everyone should follow when shopping for an RV.

5 RV Budgeting Rules to Follow When Buying an RV

  • Actually Have a Budget : The first step in budgeting for an RV is to actually have one and not just wing it on the RV lot. So before you ever look at your first RV, sit down with your finances to figure out how much you can actually afford to spend on one. As this will help you narrow down your options, allow you to focus on RVs within your price range, and keep you from looking at RVs you can’t afford.
  • Don’t Break the Bank : When figuring out your RV budget, keep in mind that the whole point of RVing is not to buy the most expensive RV you can afford but instead to be able to enjoy the RV lifestyle. So make sure you have plenty of money left over in your bank account after you buy the RV for travel.
  • Shop for Deals : RV pricing can fluctuate substantially, especially throughout the year. So keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and other promotions. Also, keep in mind that the best RV deals are often found during the RV off-season (October – February). So consider shopping for a travel trailer in the fall or winter months, if you’re hoping to find the best price.
  • Shop Around for Financing : If you need to finance your RV, shop around to find the best rates and terms. And don’t forget about your local bank, as they can be a great alternative to lot financing.
  • Don’t Forget About Used RVs : Buying a used RV can be a cost-effective way to get the RV of your dreams without breaking the bank. Also, buying a used one allows you to avoid the heavy early depreciation common on new RVs.

The Different Types of Travel Trailers a Small Truck Can Tow

There are many different types of travel trailers on the road today that a small truck can tow, and the type you choose can have a big impact on the type of camping or RVing you do.

To illustrate this point, below we’ve listed some of the most popular types of campers available today for small trucks and the style of camping they’re best suited for.

Teardrop Trailers

Cheapest Teardrop Trailer

A teardrop trailer is a small lightweight camper designed to be towed by smaller vehicles, making them ideal for small trucks.

These trailers typically have a streamlined, aerodynamic shape and are built on a small, lightweight chassis.

Teardrop campers have a basic layout and design, which often includes sleeping for two, a small simple exterior galley, and basic amenities.

However, more upgraded teardrop campers can have additional features such as awnings, rooftop tents, screen rooms, electrical systems, and heating and cooling.

Teardrop campers are a popular choice for minimalist solo or couples camping.

As the trailers provide a small basic cozy living space that’s easy to tow and set up.

To see the cheapest teardrop trailers on the market today, check out our blog post “ The 12 Cheapest Teardrop Trailers You Can Buy! “.

Pop-Up Trailers

Aliner Pop Up Camper

A pop-up trailer or tent trailer is a small, lightweight camper that can be easily towed by smaller vehicles, such as small trucks.

As these trailers are not only lightweight but also have a very low profile, thanks to their pop-up design, utilizing fold-down canvas or fiberglass walls that “pop up” when the trailer is in camp mode.

Like teardrop trailers, pop-up campers typically have a basic layout, with a small kitchen area, a sleeping area, and a small amount of exterior and interior storage.

But where they differ is in their headroom and interior living space.

Because, unlike teardrop campers, pop-up campers have a fully walkable interior, due to their pop-up design.

Pop-ups are a good choice for those who want an affordable compact, lightweight RV for occasional camping trips.

To find out how affordable, check out our blog post “ The 10 Cheapest Pop-Up Campers You Can Buy “.

Lightweight Travel Trailers

Casita Spirit Travel Trailer

Lightweight travel trailers are one of the most popular types of campers for small trucks.

As they provide all the features and benefits of larger full-size travel trailers just in a smaller lightweight package.

Offering a good amount of interior space as well as many amenities, like full-featured kitchens, bathrooms, plenty of sleeping capacity, and lots of storage space.

All while still being light enough to be towed by most small trucks as well as small SUVs .

Lightweight travel trailers are a good choice for those who want a bit more space and comfort, but still want to be able to easily tow their trailer with a small tow vehicle.

Toy Haulers

Toy Haulers Under 5,000 Pounds

One of the last types of travel trailers that a small truck can tow is a toy hauler, which is a cross between a travel trailer and an enclosed utility trailer.

Because while toy haulers have all the same amenities as a travel trailer, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping quarters, they also have a garage area that can be used to store and transport recreational toys.

Making them a great choice for those who want to camp and travel, while still being able to bring all their toys and recreational vehicles with them .

It’s worth noting though that due to the heavier nature of most toy haulers, many will exceed the max tow capacity for a small truck.

The good news, however, is that there are many lightweight toy haulers available today that small trucks can tow, which you can see by checking out our blog post “ Top 10 Toy Haulers Under 5,000 Pounds (with Pricing) “.

Travel Trailer Sleeping Capacity and Arrangements

Travel trailer sleeping capacity can range from as few as two to more than six, depending on the size of the camper and its design.

So before choosing a travel trailer for your small truck, it’s important to consider how many people you need to sleep inside the camper as well as the level of comfort and convenience you want the camper to offer in regards to sleeping.

For example, do you want the trailer to have a separate or private sleeping area, or are you okay with everyone sleeping in the same communal area?

Also, worth considering is whether you want the trailer to offer fixed sleeping locations or whether you’re ok with converting a couch or a dinette booth into a sleeping space each night.

Travel Trailer Features and Amenities

Another important factor to consider when choosing a travel trailer for a small truck is what features and amenities you want the camper to offer.

As there can be big differences in features from one trailer to the next.

For example, minimalist-style campers will often only offer very basic accommodations, such as a place to sleep and perhaps a little bit of storage, while more feature-rich campers can offer all the comforts and conveniences of a modern home.

So when choosing a travel trailer to pair with a small truck, it’s important to think about what features you’d like the camper to offer.

To help you decide what’s important to you when looking at travel trailer build-outs.

Choosing the best travel trailer for your small truck can seem overwhelming at first, due to the sheer number of travel trailers and campers on the market today.

However, we hope that our list of the 10 best travel trailers for small trucks has helped you to narrow down your search, or at least helped you figure out what you want and don’t want in a travel trailer.

Regardless of which travel trailer you end up going with though, we hope you find the perfect travel trailer for you and your family and wish you many many years of happy camping!

Jason is an avid lover of RVs and the RV lifestyle. He is both a writer and editor for RV Owner HQ and has been RVing and camping for over 20 years.

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Truck PowerUp

8 Best Weight Distribution Hitches with Sway Control

Sure, your pickup truck has a sufficient tow rating for that travel trailer you have your sights on, but is that all you should be concerned about?

A weight distribution hitch with sway control is not always a requirement, but there are few better ways of protecting that brand new (to you) Silverado 1500, and your (future) cozy camper. The additional stability could mean the difference between a long white-knuckled trip and the family camping vacation of a lifetime.

best weight distribution hitch with sway control reviews

A weight distribution hitch is essentially a contraption that reduces the weight being applied to the tongue of the tow vehicle through the power of leverage. This is desirable to level the trailer and truck, and required when nearing or exceeding (not recommended) the truck’s rated tongue capacity.

Sway control is typically a device added to a weight distribution system that uses friction to increase the amount of force required for the trailer to pivot around the attachment point. This helps to prevent lane wandering and control sway back and forth (hence the name). It can be especially helpful in high winds and when navigating mountainous roads.

Table of Contents

Top Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control in 2024

1. eaz lift 48058 : best elite trailer equalizer hitch.

best equalizer hitch

The assembly comes with the typical-diameter (2-5/16-inch) hitch ball, a perfect anti sway appliance with U-bolts, as well as the chains beneficially pre-installed. That’s why, the sway prevention set is easy to mount and pretty flexible, providing a 6-inch height setting .

Interesting information

The weight distribution system is produced by the famous Camco Manufacturing, Inc. that is an experienced company, producing various automotive accessories, including towing products since 1966 . It’s a US-based producer, with the headquarter in North Carolina . Having got 5 manufacturing facilities in the USA and one in China, the company is proud of its top-quality products, superior service, and competitive pricing .

Thus, the hitch is really durable. The shank is made of the strongest steel. It has 4 holes, so no drilling is required anymore. The weight distribution hitch is hefty and heavy-weight. Meanwhile, it may require some adjustments, as only the basic parts, including the sway ball, but not the hardware, are made of steel. The bolts, washers, and nuts are a bit flimsy, as usual, so you may use them or buy and utilize the most reliable ones.

The sway prevention hitch is covered by a 5-year warranty , that is quite moderate for the industry. It works quietly and pretty forcibly, being virtually the best equalizer hitch, meeting the basic towing needs and requirements.

  • adjustable;
  • no-drill installation;
  • made of steel.
  • some flimsy parts or hardware are included.

2. Blue Ox BXW1500 : Best High-Capacity Sway Control Hitch

blue ox weight distribution hitch reviews

The weight leveling kit is proudly produced in the USA (in Pender, NE state), in a factory with a longtime experience that started working since the early 1980s as Automatic Equipment Co. This prominent producer stands out by the top quality and sophisticated, open design hauling products. Consisting of spring bars, latches, brackets and pre-adjusted, easy-to-use heads, they are geometrically optimized, well-built.

Features and Specifications

Any additional adjustments are not necessary. The heads are open, providing easy access to the ball to tighten it. The torsion bars are beneficially made of top-grade steel, being able to flex and rotate 90 degrees. They are self-locking, including no extra pins or clips, able to back up, requiring no stops to fix the chains.

Thus, being virtually the best weight distribution and impactful sway control hitch, the device is intuitive to setup . Very good instructional videos can be watched on the manufacturer’s website. Additionally, the system enables the best possible usability, driving stability and handling improvement .

It completely eliminates sway, even in strong winds , providing amazingly smooth, safe, quiet rides. Generally, I guess, it’s the best self-adjusting weight distribution hitch with reliable sway control, high-capacity, long-lasting and noiseless.

The sway prevention system keeps the caravan perfectly centered. It fits minivans and pickups up to ¾ tons rating, like F150 or Chevy 2500 HD.

  • fast to setup, hook and disconnect;
  • lifetime warranty;
  • all-weather no-sway results;
  • inter-changeable torsion bars.
  • you can get grease from the hitch while putting it on;
  • the U-bolts may wear out during heavy use and require replacement.

3. Andersen Mfg 3350 : Best Universal Anti Sway Hitch

anti sway trailer hitch reviews

Andersen Hitches is a US-based, family-owned company that has 50+ years of faultless experience. Having got an innovative and spacious fabrication complex in Idaho Falls , the brand is famous for its top-quality products and unique technologies.

Thus, the weight distribution hitch is revolutionary in terms of technologies and materials. The kit is sway eliminating, anti-bounce, providing really smooth and noiseless trailer’s towing. It’s based on motion-dampening mechanism, including the patented springs, made of urethane .

Useful information

The installation and handling are amazingly easy due to the light assembly’s weight. The complete setup may take no more than half an hour. The sway eliminating set includes the standard, 2-5/16 ball that moves with the coupler, requiring no grease. The brackets and essential hardware are enclosed.

The hitch fits the 5-6-inch frame caravan’s brackets , rising and setting the bars. A clear and complete fitment guide is provided on the manufacturer’s website. The system provides 4-inch drop/rise , following the situation on the road. Finally, to remove it, just pull the pin out.

  • lightweight;
  • simple, innovative design;
  • intuitive to install and remove;
  • anti-bounce.
  • it can make an unpleasant sound when turning a tight corner;
  • the plastic insert and bushings may require replacement in some years.

4. Reese 66559 : Best Trunnion, RV Weight Distribution Hitch

best rv weight distribution hitch guide

The sway control kit prevents wagging and pitching , being virtually quiet during the hauling. It improves the truck’s brake control and handling, evenly apportioning the load forces.

Useful accessories

The weight distribution appliance features the thick, 30-inch spring bars, the lifting brackets, a steady-flex trunnion head, being powder-coated, sleek and long-lasting. Even the hardware is solid and reliable that is not common for the sets of automobile parts and accessories. Lifetime warranty speaks for the system’s durability.

Standing out by significant weight that makes about 93 pounds , the sway control assembly is hefty. All your family members or several friends would come together to carry it to the garage. The distribution hitch is produced under Reese brand by the famous Horizon Global Corporation that started operation in 1952 in North America (Plymouth, MI) that is recognized as the premium towing systems’ manufacturer. So, I think, this weight apportioning kit is produced in the USA , being reliable and top-quality. I highlight it among the best sway control systems thanks to its usability and durability.

The weight distribution device accurately fits 2” receivers and (according to the producer’s website) 5”-7” frames when it does about top-mount couplers. Bottom-mount ones work also on the 4” frames perfectly well. The hitch is fast to install, easy to connect and uncouple. The installation video and the guide are freely accessible, helping with the mounting perfectly well.

However, the top-quality, highly-efficient hitch also has some drawbacks. The hitch ball isn’t sent with the parcel. The part is to fit the sway prevention system, being 1-1/4-inch in diameter. Additionally, the powder coating is thick and available inside the threads. It might eliminate corrosion completely, but inserting the bolts isn’t the easiest actually, requiring applying some physical strength and a suitable torque wrench (3/4”-drive or 1/2”-drive).

  • thick powder coat;
  • easy to connect;
  • no-drill, intuitive installation.
  • the hitch ball is offered at additional cost.

5. Pro Series 49903 : Best Welded Weight Distribution Trailer Hitch

best travel trailer hitches guide

The weight transferring set is ready-to-mount, pre-installed, including a hitch and a sway balls, the essential hardware. The torsion devices and rounded, welded, made of top-grade, solid steel. An instructional video is available and it can help you significantly with the setup. The user manual is a bit complicated, unfortunately.

Additional information

So, the hitch is intuitive to collect and mount, easy to setup and use. The mounting commonly takes up to an hour. Just turn the washers and the rivet on the head, changing the tilt, according to the available trailer’s particularities. The shank’s height is also adjustable with the bolts easily.

Meanwhile, the weight distribution hitch is seemingly made in China, being delivered with a Reese label on it. I would say, it’s top-quality, well-designed and user-friendly, but it still may require frequent lubricating , for example, using a grease gun. The hitch can make some noise, especially by turning or backup.

  • adjustable hitch’s head and bars;
  • made of thick steel;
  • 10-year manufacturer’s warranty;
  • a bit noisy without lubrication;
  • heavy-weight.

6. Curt Manufacturing 17007 : Best Load Leveling Hitch

best load leveling hitch

The hitch is really well-designed, high-capacity and reliable. It’s not too heavy in terms of the weight, but able to handle up to 14,000 lbs . of weight totally. The sway prevention assembly includes 2” * 2” hitch heads, round bars, attachment tabs, an adjustable shank, the hardware. Additionally, it’s beneficially covered by limited lifetime manufacturer warranty (one-year on the finish and parts).

The bars are beneficially produced from steel, forged, powder-coated, to ensure the premium corrosion resistance, durability, and anti-scratch protection. It’s easy to setup and disconnect, as it requires only removing of the pin and clip.

More information

However, the hitch ball is absent in the parcel, and it’s necessary to buy a 2-5/16-inch one separately, preferably made by Curt Manufacturing , obtaining the best compatibility. A receiver lock can be bought optionally to protect the pin from being removed, making the hitch theft-proof.

As to the installation, it’s quite intuitive. But the manual is not completely clear for the beginners or the drivers, going to deal with towing for the first time. I would suggest putting the bottom adjustment bolt in at about 3 quarters and using 5 washers. The parts require some lubrication . Adjustment is pretty simple, taking only a couple of minutes and it can be performed on the road.

  • simple-to-adjust;
  • corrosion-resistant and durable;
  • precise leveling abilities;
  • heavy-duty heads included.
  • a 2-5/16 ball is to be purchased additionally.

7. Camco Chem 48733 : Best Trailer Weight Distribution System

best trailer weight distribution system

The hitch includes no chains, but it lets the trailer turn easily, performing flawlessly. The Recurve R6 sway control kit’s design is innovative, providing the premium ground clearance. It automatically disengages on tough corners or on the icy roads when you don’t need it. This way, it makes maneuvering much smoother than the similar weight distribution hitches allow.

Interesting benefits

The hitch looks subtle and sleek due to the black finish; it’s really massive and heavy-duty . The installation is not complicated or time-consuming. Only the instructions are a bit long and not too clear. The bar mounts are a bit flimsy, twisting excessively. Additionally, the lanyard pins are easy to lose. In this case, the manufacturer sends the replacement ones very fast.

  • innovative design;
  • highly efficient on the corners;
  • heavy-weight;
  • heavy-duty.
  • common mounts and pins issues.

8. Equal-i-zer 90-00-1200 : Reliable Sway Control Hitch

reliable sway control hitch

75 years of dedication, make the company leading and reliable. Ed Hedgepeth founded it in 1945 in Utah. Initially, it worked as Mobile Manufacturing. Then moved from one city to another (Salt Lake City –Lindon – Provo). Nowadays, it gets special (reader’s choice) awards every year. It’s a reliable proof of the products’ quality and usability.

Having the hitch installed, you can drive safely. Any quick maneuver doesn’t cause lane wandering. Gusty winds don’t keep you from driving. 4-point hitch is unrivaled. It ensures the highest level of resistance to sway. It distributes the caravan’s weight to all axes. The accessory improves braking and steering.

Features and Benefits

The hitch consists of the strongest, high-grade American steel. It includes a pair of 12-inches long shanks and a head. Control brackets and 36”-long spring bars are its essential parts. Find a couple, two, three rivets, washers and installation hardware inside the parcel. Installation is intuitive. But the ball is not available. You’ll have to buy it additionally.

  • heavy-duty;
  • easy-to-use;
  • intuitive to install;
  • no ball included;
  • might make some noise while turning.

Get more information by reading the recall forum users.

Buyer’s Guide

Is a weight leveling and distribution system an unnecessary gadget, recommended by obtrusive sellers or an essential towing accessory ? Let’s check it.

When Do You Require a Weight Distribution Hitch?

When you buy a caravan to go camping or sightseeing, you could mention that it’s quite large and heavy. Your pickup truck is definitely powerful and impressive, but its weight is significantly less (50%, at least) than the camper trailer’s tonnage. So, a towing device is commonly required by the vehicles’ manufacturers. It’s necessary to ensure all road users’ safety.

What Does a Weight Distribution Hitch Actually Do?

The set levels the caravan, transferring the weight to all axes, making the tongue be perfectly leveled. The advanced weight distribution kits stand out by the built-in sway reducing features . They provide the necessary towing safety, preventing lane wandering , making driving soft and quiet, improving the tow vehicle braking and steering.

Thus, selecting the best weight distribution and anti-sway hitch to haul the camper , consider:

  • the necessary capacity;
  • the kit’s ease of setting up and adjusting;
  • the type of the torsion bar;
  • the finish;
  • availability of the basic parts.

The principal ratings, indicative of the weight distribution hitch’s performance are GTW and TW .

Gross (total) caravan’s weight or GTW shows the tonnage of the completely loaded trailer that is being towed.

TW (tongue caravan’s weight) designates the tongue mass, including the weight of the stuff delivered behind the rear tow vehicle’s axle, for example, in the pickup truck’s bed.

Tongue weight commonly makes from 9% to 11% (or up to 15%) of the trailer’s tonnage. Thus, before selecting the suitable system that performs weight carrying and distributing functions, it’s recommended to measure the loads delivered in the cargo area and inside the trailer. This way, you avoid raising or lowering the front truck’s end. The suitable-capacity weight distribution hitch provides level, well-controlled, smooth travel. The rating is to be indicated in your truck’s and the caravan’s owner manuals, and should never be exceeded.

Spring Bar Types For Weights

The weight distribution system commonly comes with one of 2 spring bar types , such as:

  • round (intuitive to setup, providing better clearance);
  • trunnion (standing out by higher load capacity).

The anti-sway option is essential to improve control and braking. Eliminating any risk of the trailer falling on harsh corners or bumps with the nearest vehicles due to abrupt wind or the trailer radius overbalance.

Carbide or black powder finish is preferable as it ensures great, sleek appearance and premium durability, making the hitch corrosion-resistant and high-performance.

All the weight distribution assemblies I recommend you are user-friendly and intuitive to setup. The installation takes up to half an hour, requiring only common tools and basic skills.

Finally, the pre-assembled kits that have all the essential parts included are preferable. Otherwise, compare the total weight distribution hitches’ costs, adding the optional components’ prices.

How to Properly Set Up the Delivered Weight Distribution Hitch?

The kit installed to the receiver commonly includes :

  • a class 3,4 or 5 hitches (it should have a weight rating label attached);
  • a head set;
  • 2 bars with chains or without them;
  • 2 lift brackets.

A hitch ball may be included or recommended to buy separately.

Thus, mounting the properly fitting weight distribution kit:

  • level the caravan’s tongue, paralleling it with the parking field;
  • mount the shank initially, then the hitch’s head and the ball;
  • add the torsion bars.
  • tighten the available bolts, connecting the weight distribution assembly.

How to Adjust the Pre-Installed Weight Distribution Hitch?

Level the tongue jack by tightening the ball or the brackets, either by lifting the chains and hooking them.

How to Prevent Bounces, Bumps, and Sway?

Being able to adjust a sway control bar (by connecting its end to your truck’s suspension) . Level both the caravan and the light truck and ensure the complete driving and towing safety. Above all, check the wagon’s weight. Using the scale of any kind. Subsequently, distribute the cargo weight correspondingly. All tires are to be equally inflated. Additionally, try to avoid abrupt winds.

Where to Buy a Hand-picked Weight Distribution Hitch?

How to buy a weight distributor and lifting device with the highest rating? First, you can visit the local auto parts store. Secondly, visit the nearest dealer of the manufacturer. And also to glance to the seller of the trailer or service center. The weight distribution set can be installed and adjusted there. But the prices on online shops or platforms like Amazon are more affordable. The information provided is complete and detailed.

Is a weight leveling and distribution system yet another unnecessary gadget or is it an essential towing accessory ? The answer is, of course: it depends. The single largest factor happens to be the weight being applied on the rear of the vehicle, and how that relates to the vehicle’s actual load capacity.

What Happens When Weight is Added to the Back of Your Pickup Truck?

Weight added to the truck bed at, or in front of the rear axle adds load to the front and rear axles that’s proportional to the distance it’s placed from the center of the two axles. Pickup trucks are designed to compensate for added load on the rear axle by being front-heavy (we discuss this in more detail in our Adding Weight to Your Truck Bed Buyer’s Guide). 

Adding weight behind the rear axle also adds load to the rear axle, but in contrast, reduces the load on the front axle. This is fine…until it’s taken too far.

As you add weight to the tongue of your truck, you will notice that the rear end of the truck begins to “squat” – this is the suspension compressing under the load. When it gets to a certain point, you may notice the front of the vehicle begin to rise. As this happens, the ride and the handling dynamics of the truck change significantly.

Technically, a weight distribution hitch is required when you’re towing a trailer and the tongue weight is nearing or exceeds that of your truck’s rated capacity. That said, you may not know the actual numbers, or your situation may just be more complex. 

What’s the simplest way to tell, visually? Hook up your trailer and look at your rig from the side. The truck should be sitting level, or with the rear slightly lower than the front, and the trailer should be sitting level. If the front of the truck is lifted significantly from its typical ride height, or if the truck and trailer form a “V,” you definitely need a weight distribution system (or you need to reevaluate your trailer).

The safest bet is to plan on using a weight distribution hitch if you’re towing a trailer or camper that is anywhere near your truck’s tow rating. It won’t hurt, and it can help ensure the safety of yourself and all those on the road around you.

A weight distribution hitch (or system) mechanically shifts some load from a truck’s rear axles to the front axles, and helps lift the front of the trailer being towed. For the mechanically inclined reader, the system is introducing a torque preload (in the vertical plane) at the hitch joint.

Properly distributing the load applied to the truck’s axles and leveling the whole rig greatly improves handling and helps prevent trailer sway or fishtailing, which can be catastrophic.

An anti-sway feature (might be built-in to the system you choose, or can be added) further dampens sway or lane wandering that can occur on the highway due to towing a large trailer or camper. This is accomplished by adding resistance to the left and right movement of the hitch joint (horizontal plane). This adds stability and increases driver comfort for long hauls on the highway, but likely must be removed for maneuvering in tight spaces. 

What should you look for when selecting the best weight distribution and anti-sway hitch to haul your camper or other heavy trailer?

A few things to consider:

  • The required tow capacity;
  • the type of torsion bar;
  • availability of replacement parts.

Two of the most important numbers to understand are GTW and TW .

Gross Trailer Weight or GTW represents the weight of the completely loaded trailer that is being towed.

Tongue weight or TW specifies the portion of the weight applied at the point of attachment (hitch). When a trailer is loaded properly, the tongue weight is typically between 9% and 15% of the gross trailer weight (GTW). 

Before selecting a weight distribution system, it’s recommended that you determine your truck’s towing capacity and tongue weight rating, as well as the gross trailer weight and tongue weight of the trailer you wish to tow. These numbers will quickly narrow your product selection.

Spring Bar Types 

The weight distribution system commonly comes with one of 2 spring bar types : round, and trunnion.

Round spring bars tend to be used in systems with lower weight ratings, are a bit more difficult to install, but are less expensive.

Trunnion bars typically have a higher weight rating, are easier to install, and provide more ground clearance.

Anti-Sway Option

Many weight distribution systems have the option to add, or come with an anti-sway system. An anti-sway option is a great addition to improve stability and comfort for long hauls.

All the weight distribution assemblies I recommend here are user-friendly and intuitive to set up. Installation can take up to half an hour and requires only common tools and basic skills.

  • a class 3,4 or 5 hitch (it should have a weight rating label attached);
  • 2 spring bars, with or without chains;
  • 2 lift brackets;
  • a hitch ball may be included.

Mounting your new weight distribution kit:

  • use the jack foot to level or lift the tongue of the trailer slightly beyond level;
  • add the torsion bars;
  • tighten the available bolts, connecting the weight distribution assembly;
  • slowly lower the jack foot until all of the trailer’s weight is on the truck;
  • step back and check your rig from the side – if it is sufficiently level, you’re ready to roll;

Where Can You Buy a Weight Distribution Hitch?

First, you can visit the local auto parts store. Second, you can visit the nearest dealer or manufacturer. Many trailer and camper dealers also sell systems, and they will likely even do the install and adjustment. But the prices on online shops or platforms like Amazon are typically more affordable, and have the advantage of numerous public reviews.

Final Verdict

In my opinion, BXW 1500 by Blue Ox is a great weight distribution hitch with sway control due to its extremely high loading capacity and durability. The anti-sway system 3350 from Andersen is lightweight, but it is equipped with some flimsy, plastic parts. The hitch kit 66559 by Reese is one of my favorite accessories as it helps to eliminate any pitching or wagging even in crosswinds.

Great video explainer on how this works and how to set it up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGd7NSX9w_M

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travel trailer with lifted truck

Elusive Trailer Company Logo

LIFTED DRIFTER

Built with the explorer in mind. No bounderies with high ground clearance, aerodynamic design, full off-grid system included. Many floorplan options available!

Dry Weight 2,000 – 2,750

travel trailer with lifted truck

The Savvy Campers

The Savvy Campers

travel trailer with lifted truck

Can You Put a Lift Kit on a Travel Trailer?

Most people who own a travel trailer spend their time in campgrounds, some of the best campgrounds are difficult to get to. Whether the road is bumpy, hilly, or simply not maintained, you may run into an issue of hitting your sewer line or rear bumper on obstacles.

Lifting your travel trailer is one way to solve that issue. Even on our factory trailer when we go down our curb at hour house, the sewer outlet just barely clears, a lift kit would benefit you in many situations.

Can you put a lift kit on a travel trailer?

Lift kits can be installed on many travel trailer brands. Some brands such as Winnebago give you the option to lift or lower your travel trailer with the included bracket from the factory. Most of the time you would install a kit which would flip your axle giving you more ground clearance.

Travel Trailer Lift Kits

Lift kits for trailers are called over/under kits and they can be used on a variety of trailers. There are options available depending on how big the diameter of your trailer axles are. If you cannot find a kit appropriate for your trailer, using taller suspension hangers is a good option.

Trucks and SUVs are the most commonly lifted vehicles and can be lifted or leveled with a variety of lift kits. Trailers can also be lifted with the right equipment. There can be many benefits to lifting a trailer, it allows for more clearance when off-roading or going up steep hills. For many people, lifting their trailer makes their lives easier. 

Knowing how to lift your trailer is an invaluable skill when using your trailer for these hobbies or living arrangements. It is possible to hire someone to do this on your trailer. You can also install the kits yourself as long as you know how to do so. Lift kits can be purchased online or in many stores. 

For people who engage in outdoor hobbies, like camping, or live in places with a lot of steep hills, lifting their trailer is the best option for getting around. Having a lifted trailer makes it easier to maneuver your trailer and vehicle over bumps and steep hills. For people who off-road frequently, lifting their trailers is a must. 

If you decide to install a lift kit on your trailer, it is also important to know the risks involved. These risks are similar to the risks attached to lifting your SUV or truck. The center of gravity will be lifted and can make handling the trailer more difficult. Be sure that you understand the risks before you lift your trailer.

There are many reasons to choose to lift a trailer, it makes many hobbies easier to do and makes handling a trailer easier in many instances. There are some downsides to understand as well that have to be understood before lifting your trailer.

How to Lift a Travel Trailer

There are many ways to lift a trailer once you understand the basics. There is no need to go to a professional to get your trailer lifted if you know how to work your trailer and the kit.

One way to lift your trailer is to flip the trailer axles. This moves the suspension from below the axle to above the axle to create more clearance under the trailer. If lifting your trailer this way you will need to be careful about making sure your trailer’s orientation is correct. Flipping axles incorrectly can lead to poor handling and increased tire wear.

Another way to lift your trailer is to replace the existing suspension spring hangers with taller ones. This typically requires the use of a professional though if you have all the right equipment and know how to replace spring hangers, this can be completed on your own. You will also need to be certain that all hangers are replaced at the same height.

  • Many brands such as Winnebago come factory with the ability to adjust the height of your travel trailer. There are 3-4 verticle bolt holes depending on how high you would like to lift your trailer.
  • Other brands will have a factory option to lift your trailer to get into those tight backcountry campgrounds.

Once you know how you want to lift your trailer, you should know the benefits and risks to have that height. For many people, lifting a trailer is not something to do for some extra fun but is necessary for their lifestyle. This doesn’t make the potential risks any less devastating.     

Benefits of Lifting a Travel Trailer

Depending on the lifestyle that you have, lifting your trailer is not an option. Having that extra height on your trailer makes it easier to drive off-road and go up steep hills. For people with steep driveways having a lifted trailer is a must-have.

The benefits of lifting your trailer are very similar to the benefits of lifting a car or truck. It will be harder for your trailer to get stuck in the mud or on obstacles while driving off-road. For people who camp a lot, especially in less than ideal weather, being able to avoid issues with mother nature is important.

Having a lifted trailer will also make it easier to drive over potential terrain problems, like sticks or rocks. Another important aspect to consider if you’re a camper. Having that extra height makes it easier to avoid these potential problems and it is much easier to simply drive over them.

Some of these hazards can cause damage to your trailer, such as rocks or branches affecting the undercarriage and creating lasting damage. With the extra height lifts give your trailer, these items will be less likely to even touch your trailer, much less cause lasting damage.

Even with all of these benefits, there are potential problems to consider. Changing something as important as the height of your trailer does change how your trailer will handle on the road.    

Hazards When Lifting Your Travel Trailer

Raising your trailer can contribute to similar problems as raising any other vehicle. It can cost a lot of time and money to install. Once the trailer is installed, you have changed the center of gravity and that will impact your trailer’s safety on the road.

On top of creating potential issues with the handling of your trailer, it can also cost a lot of money just like lifting a car would. The cost depends on a lot of factors but even a basic lift can cost a thousand dollars or more. A kit that you can complete the lift yourself with can still cost you close to the amount of hiring a professional. 

Lifting your trailer can also mean running into serious safety concerns. Raising your trailer changes your trailers’ center of gravity, which makes navigating road hazards more difficult. A higher center of gravity can make your trailer tip over easier in case of an emergency.

This can even impact your car at slow speeds. When handling your lifted trailer while off-roading it is important to be aware of your surroundings and what can cause potential problems for your car and trailer. 

Even more dangerously, lifted trailers have a high rollover risk. Rollovers can make bad road accidents even worse and many of the most devastating accidents involve rollover incidents. Personal injuries from roll-over accidents include neck and brain injuries, which can have devastating lifelong effects.   

While driving a lifted trailer, you should be prepared for any number of accidents, especially considering that many common uses for lifted trailers involve off-road driving. Knowing your options after an accident is critical, even more so when help can be further away than you’re used to. Driving carefully is always important and especially when your center of gravity is lifted.  

Before lifting your trailer, make sure that you understand the risks at hand. Lifting your trailer can create driving hazards not only for you but for others on the road. Adding extra mirrors, a proper weight distribution hitch, and driving slowly in high traffic areas can help minimize these risks. Even when driving off-road, be aware of your surroundings and avoid potentially dangerous situations if you can. 

Adding lifts to your trailer can help you tow the trailer better because everything is more equal, but you should keep in mind how it will handle turns and other impacts that adding lifts to your trailer will have. While you won’t have to worry about steering, there are other concerns to be worried about with the added height. 

When lifting your trailer, it is often easy to think about the benefits of having extra height on your trailer. These benefits are great and will make life easier for many people. However, the risks of lifting your trailer should not be ignored and needs to be considered before making any serious changes to a vehicle.     

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Should I Buy a Travel Trailer? The Factors of Ownership

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RV LIFE

10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Of 2022

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  • RV Trailers and Motorhomes

Ultra-lightweight Little Guy travel trailer hitched to black SUV

These lightweight travel trailers are lightweight and easy to tow. Photo courtesy of Little Guy.

Tread Lightly With These 10 Best Small Camper Trailers

The demand for small RVs is at an all-time high, and several RV manufacturers are responding to the demand for lightweight trailers that any car can pull. This list of the best lightweight travel trailers of 2022 spotlights the top-rated RVs for families, solo RVers, and adventure travelers.

  • Each small RV trailer weighs less than 5,000 pounds.
  • The ultralight trailers often cost less than a passenger car. 
  • Each trailer has one of the lightest gross vehicle weight ratings ( GVWR ) around. Just about any size truck or even some larger SUVs can pull them. 

(If you’re looking for 2023 model-year lightweight travel trailers, check out our post 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023 .)

Top 10 Picks For Lightweight Travel Trailers (Under 5,000 Pounds GVWR)

Each small RV is listed in order by weight, from lightest to heaviest.

2022 nuCamp TAG XL: The Stargazer

TAG XL small RV light travel trailer

The TAG XL weighs less than 1,500 lbs – even with all of the bells and whistles.

At the top of our super light travel trailers list is the TAG. This small RV is lightweight and easy to tow. Built with custom Ohio-Amish cabinetry, under-bed storage, and an exterior shower, this teardrop trailer is the perfect way to bring some of the comforts of home when you hit the road.

Cook in nature while using the well-equipped rear galley. At night, you’ll climb into a warm and cozy interior. Watch the stars through a large stargazing window.  There’s air conditioning, LED lighting, alloy wheels, electric brakes, and an optional solar roof package. No matter where you go, the TAG teardrop trailer is ready for adventure.

TAG XL teardrop light travel trailer

Climb into a warm, cozy interior – complete with a large window for stargazing.

  • Hitch weight: 119 lbs.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,200 lbs.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,369 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 13′ 7″
  • Full exterior height: 6′ 3″
  • Exterior width: 7′ 8″
  • Interior height: 43″
  • Freshwater capacity: 8 gallons
  • Optional A/C and heater
  • Base MSRP: $24,674

2022 TAXA TigerMoth Overland: The Ultimate Overlanding Vehicle

This rugged overland travel trailer is the ideal adventure home. The TigerMoth Overland Edition is a small RV with big features, including increased ground clearance thanks to the Timbren axle-less suspension with a 4″ lift.

You also get a number of premium accessories including a generous kitchen, roof cargo deck, and an optional tongue-mounted toolbox.

TigerMoth Overland light travel trailer

Enjoy 7+ off-grid days or longer

The TigerMoth can take you on a 7-day adventure or longer. The aerodynamic shape is fuel-efficient on the highway, and a generous interior space lets you do more with less. As a bonus, it’s also small enough to fit in a normal garage.

  • Hitch weight: 195 lbs.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,400 lbs.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,458 lbs.
  • Cargo capacity: 942 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 12′ 0″
  • Full exterior height: 7′
  • Exterior width: 6′ 7″
  • Freshwater capacity: 5 gallons
  • 5 lbs propane tank & mount
  • Pre-wired solar input
  • Four acrylic, insulated windows with screens & shades
  • 16″ alloy wheel with all-terrain tires 
  • Base MSRP: $29,350

Interior TigerMoth Overland light travel trailer

Go off-grid in comfort.

2022 Travel Lite RV Rove Lite: Lightweight And Easy To Tow

Travel Lite’s new Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer is one of the most affordable travel trailers on the market (under $20K). It’s light enough to pull behind even the smallest of vehicles. You only need a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. 

white Rove Lite small travel trailer

The new Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer is one of the most affordable RV trailers on the market. Photo courtesy of Travel Lite.

Enjoy the sleek Euro-style design made with state-of-the-art composite materials. There’s an aluminum chassis and a seamless poured-resin fiberglass roof. Interior features include a convertible bed and a bath with a shower. This small RV offers space-saving functionality at its best.

interior kitchen of Rove Lite small RV trailer

The 2022 Travel Lite RV Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer has a stylish and roomy interior. Photo courtesy of Travel Lite.

  • Hitch weight: 160 lbs.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,500 lbs.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,707 lbs.
  • Cargo capacity: 793 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 15′ 4″
  • Full exterior height: 8′ 1″
  • Exterior width: 7′ 11″
  • Freshwater capacity: 10 gallons
  • Gray-water capacity: 30 gallons
  • Black-water capacity: 5 gallons
  • On-demand tankless water heater
  • 20,000-BTU furnace
  • Base MSRP: $19,424  

Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500: New And Improved

Here’s a unique addition to our list of the best lightweight travel trailers of 2022: the ultralight, 15-foot, all fiberglass Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500 camper from L’air Camper Company in Ontario, Canada.

small white travel trailer outside among pine trees

The L’air Trillium Heritage is an ultra-lightweight travel trailer that can be easily towed by many smaller SUVs and crossovers. Photo courtesy of L’air Camper Co.

This small RV received a complete facelift for 2022. It features dual-pane acrylic windows, a bigger solar panel, a 4.6-cubic-foot fridge with a freezer, and a galley makeover.

With a GVWR of just 2,700 pounds, the Trillium is an easy tow for many smaller SUVs and crossovers. Options abound for personalizing.

inside kitchen and living area of lightweight travel trailer

The living area of the Trillium Heritage has been updated with an all-new galley and 4.2-cubic-foot fridge. Photo courtesy of L’air Camper Co.

  • Hitch weight: 180 lbs.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,700 lbs.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,650 lbs.
  • Cargo capacity: 1,050 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 15′ 2″
  • Full exterior height: 6′ 2″
  • Exterior width: 78″
  • Freshwater capacity: 13 gallons
  • Gray-water capacity: 5 gallons
  • Single 130W solar panel with charge controller
  • Base MSRP: $31,997

Venture Sonic Lite SL150VRB: Surprisingly Spacious

The Venture Sonic Lite SL150VRB has floorplans starting out at a fuel-saving 3,000 pounds! Both Sonic Lite and Sonic are engineered with a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof system. By arching the roof front to back, this system provides a more durable roof. When it rains, the water runs fore and aft.

Sonic ultralight travel trailer family camping

Sonic Lite trailers are engineered with a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof system.

  • Hitch weight: 460 lbs.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,735 lbs.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,160 lbs.
  • Cargo capacity: 575 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 19′ 11″
  • Full exterior height (with A/C): 9′ 11″
  • Exterior width: 90″
  • Freshwater capacity: 38 gallons
  • Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
  • Refrigerator: 8 cu ft
  • LP gas capacity: 20 lbs
  • Base MSRP: $34,059

2022 Little Guy Micro Max: Fits In Standard Garages

Finding a small travel trailer that can be parked inside a two-car garage isn’t easy unless you check out the new Little Guy Micro Max . This ultra-lightweight, four-season RV camper is a brand-new offering from Little Guy that will be coming out in early 2022.

white travel trailer in garage

The Micro Max ultra-lightweight trailer fits inside a standard garage! Photo courtesy Little Guy Trailers.

Some of the features included in this fully equipped micro trailer are an air conditioner, a queen bed in the rear and twin bed up front, two dining areas, an interior galley, and an outdoor shower.

Headroom is a respectable 5′ 8″, which keeps the overall travel trailer height lower than the typical garage-door opening.

inside kitchen of small lightweight travel trailers

The interior of these lightweight travel trailers feels roomy with large windows. Photo courtesy of Little Guy Trailers.

  • Hitch weight: 260 lbs.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,500 lbs.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,780 lbs.
  • Cargo capacity: 1,720 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 15′ 11″
  • Full exterior height: 6′ 10.5″
  • Exterior width: 80″
  • Freshwater capacity: 12 gallons
  • Gray-water capacity: 8 gallons
  • Base MSRP: $25,000  

Apex Nano 16R: Backcountry comfort

Be off-grid-camping ready with the Apex Nano 16R . This lightweight trailer comes with off-road tires and high-clearance suspension.

exterior of Apex Nano 16R small travel trailer, one of the best lightweight travel trailers

With a 3,800-pound GVWR, the Apex Nano 16R is compatible with most midsize pickups, SUVs, and some crossovers. Photo courtesy of Coachmen.

With heated freshwater and holding tanks, a 13.5K-BTU A/C, front bike rack, direct vent furnace, and sleeping accommodations for a family of four, the Apex Nano 16R travel trailer from the Coachmen line is a great choice for outdoor adventure-bound RVers. Its 3,800-pound GVWR is compatible with most midsize pickups, SUVs, and some crossovers.  

interior kitchen of Apex Nano 16R small travel trailer

Coachmen’s Apex Nano 16R offers a 6-cubic-foot gas/electric fridge, two-burner cooktop, and microwave. Photo courtesy of Coachmen.

  • Hitch weight: 330 lbs.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,800 lbs.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,860 lbs.
  • Cargo capacity: 940 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 19′ 7″
  • Full exterior height: 9′ 10″
  • Exterior width: 7′
  • Freshwater capacity: 50 gallons
  • Gray-water capacity: 35 gallons
  • Black-water capacity: 35 gallons
  • 6-cubic-foot gas/electric fridge
  • Two-burner cooktop and microwave
  • Base MSRP: $27,731

OPUS OP4: Adventure ready

There’s no other travel trailer setup like the Opus Camper’s OP4. After all, this innovative push-button, air-inflated tent camper inflates in less than two minutes and sleeps six.

green SUV towing orange Opus folding camping trailer

There’s no other lightweight travel trailer setup like the Opus Camper’s OP4. Photo courtesy of Opus Camper.

The OP4 has a spacious interior lounge area, high ceiling, and a ton of windows and skylights to make you feel like you’re outdoors. The external kitchen makes cooking for the family easy, and OPUS offers a long list of options, including heating, A/C, solar power, bike racks, and extension rooms to make any RV outing enjoyable.

family of 5 camping outdoors in pop-up tent trailer

The external kitchen of the Opus OP4 makes cooking for the family easy. Photo courtesy of Opus Camper.

 Features:

  • Hitch weight: 400 lbs.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,200 lbs.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,100 lbs.
  • Cargo capacity: 500 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 17′ (closed)/ 21′ 4″ (open)
  • Full exterior height: 5′ 4″ (closed)/ 7′ 10″ (open)
  • Exterior width: 7′ 2″ (closed)/ 11′ 6″ (open)
  • Freshwater capacity 40 gallons
  • Cassette toilet
  • Base MSRP: $27,999  

Forest River Rpod RP153: Ultra lightweight

small white RPOD travel trailer outside in parking lot

The 17-foot floorplan RPOD from Forest River is an ideal size for singles and couples. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

The RPOD is one of the best-selling ultra-lightweight travel trailers on the market. Forest River has expanded the line to seven models by adding a smaller version called the Rpod 153 . The 17-foot model has all the basic features of its bigger brethren, and its slightly smaller floorplan is ideal for singles and couples.

The rear bath is spacious, the galley very functional, and the Murphy bed in the front maximizes interior space. This is an RV camper that’s very well designed, appointed, and engineered. It’s a good match for half-ton pickups, midsize pickups, and SUVs.

inside RPOD small lightweight travel trailers

The 17-foot RPOD from Forest River is well-designed, appointed, and engineered. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

  • Hitch weight: 300 lbs.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,280 lbs.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,880 lbs.
  • Cargo capacity: 1,400 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 17′ 3″
  • Full exterior height: 9′ 8″
  • Exterior width: 8′
  • Freshwater capacity: 30 gallons
  • Black-water capacity: 30 gallons
  • Base MSRP: $25,500

2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS: Roomy and comfortable

Forest River’s spacious Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS caught our attention. A walk-around bed is a real rarity in a single-axle travel trailer and a testament to the designers taking to heart what customers have been asking for in years past.

exterior of Forest River 2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS travel trailer, one of the best lightweight travel trailers

Forest River’s 2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS comes with a high-clearance axle setup and 15-inch Mud Rover Radial tires. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

The large bathroom across the rear of the RV has an oversized shower, and the 72-inch sofa in the slide-out can rotate into a comfortable hide-a-bed. The Geo Pros also come with a high-clearance axle setup and 15-inch Mud Rover Radial tires well suited for backcountry RV camping.

interior of the Rockwood Geo Pro small travel trailer from Forest River, one of the best lightweight travel trailers

The 2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS has a walk-around bed, which is a rarity for a single-axle travel trailer. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,400 lbs.
  • Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,442 lbs.
  • Cargo capacity: 958 lbs.
  • Exterior length: 21′ 8″
  • Exterior width: 92″
  • Freshwater capacity: 31 gallons
  • 54″x74″ Full-size bed
  • 14-foot awning
  • Outside shower
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • Base MSRP: $32,675

That’s our list of the most innovative new lightweight travel trailers of 2022. These small RV models are big on affordability, convenience, and amenities.

As a bonus, the features are packaged in a small camper footprint. In most cases, you won’t need to purchase a tow vehicle for these trailers. To find out how much weight your car can pull, open your vehicle’s manual. Look for the maximum trailer towing capacity and you’ll find the answer.

Why lightweight travel trailers are in demand

If you’re thinking about buying one of these lightweight travel trailers, you’re in good company. Demand for big and small RV models is soaring.

For example, according to the latest issue of RV RoadSigns , the quarterly sales forecast published by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), RV manufacturers are still scrambling to meet consumer demand that started in 2020. This year, more than 600,000 new RVs will be sold. These figures are all-time high that will exceed the record-breaking RV sales of 2021.

“The remarkable production from the RV manufacturers and suppliers is nothing like we have ever seen before, and our new forecast shows the record-breaking streak will continue,” said RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby.

Editor’s note: RV manufacturer materials costs are constantly increasing. The current base costs for the small, light travel trailers on our list may have changed since the time of this writing (Q4 2021).

Connect with other RVers

One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and much more.

Related articles:

  • 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023
  • 8 Best Small Pull Behind Campers For 2022
  • A Look At The New 2022 Keystone Campers

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  • Exterior Accessories
  • Towing Products & Winches
  • Ball Mounts

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CURT 45064 Lifted Truck Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-in Receiver, 7,500 lbs, 6-Inch Drop, Black

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CURT 45064 Lifted Truck Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-in Receiver, 7,500 lbs, 6-Inch Drop, Black

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

  • DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 7,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 750 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup. It is constructed from welded steel and has a hollow shank
  • VERSATILE USE. This ball mount has a 2-inch x 2-inch shank and a 6-inch drop, making it great for larger, lifted trucks and Jeeps. It also features a 2-inch diameter ball, 5/8-inch pin hole and 9-1/4-inch overall length
  • READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
  • CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating
  • EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 2-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank, included hitch pin and pre-torqued trailer ball make installation easy

Frequently bought together

CURT 45064 Lifted Truck Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-in Receiver, 7,500 lbs, 6-Inch Drop, Black

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CURT 45134 Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-In Receiver, 7,500 lbs, 2" Drop , black

Important information

Legal disclaimer.

The information provided is for general informational purposes only.

From the manufacturer

CURT Trailer Hitch Ball Mounts

Wherever your work or play takes you

CURT offers custom trailer hitches, electrical products and a complete line of towing accessories to get you there with confidence and enjoy every mile of the journey.

CURT Ball Hitch Mount Trailer Coupler Chains

CURT Trailer Hitch Ball Mounts

A dependable connection to your lifestyle.

CURT offers a wide range of trailer hitch ball mounts in different sizes and weight capacities to meet your needs. Our standard ball mounts are available with or without a pre-torqued trailer ball.

We also offer various specialized ball hitch mount options to provide reliable towing for any application, including multi-ball mounts, 3-inch shank ball mounts, deep drop ball mounts for lifted trucks and much more to let you Bring It no matter what you're towing!

Key features of CURT ball mounts

  • Weight capacities ranging from 2,000 to 21,000 lbs.
  • Shank sizes available in 1-1/4, 2, 2-1/2 and 3 inches
  • Multiple drop and rise options to level any trailer
  • Towing starter kits available with included hitch pin, lock and trailer ball

Different types of CURT trailer hitch ball mounts

How to select a hitch ball mount.

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How to determine drop or rise

After you know how much weight you will be towing and the size of your receiver tube, you will need to determine the drop or rise necessary for your trailer.

Drop or rise is the amount of height difference between the trailer and your tow vehicle, whether that difference is positive (rise) or negative (drop).

The diagram offers a quick explanation for how to determine your needed drop or rise. Take the distance from the ground to the top of the inside of your receiver tube opening (A), and subtract it from the distance from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler (B).

B minus A equals C, the drop or rise.

Product Description

When it comes to ball mounts, a CURT loaded ball mount is the complete package. These stingers come with all necessary towing components and are pre-fitted with a factory-torqued trailer ball, eliminating the need to mount and torque your own trailer ball. This means a loaded ball mount is ready for towing right out of the package! Each one also comes with a pin and clip for mounting the ball mount into the appropriate size receiver tube. CURT offers loaded ball mounts in a variety of styles and weight ratings. This CURT loaded ball mount features a gross trailer weight capacity of 7,500 lbs. and a tongue weight capacity of 750 lbs. It comes with a 2" trailer ball, making it an excellent choice for towing most boat trailers, utility trailers, campers, livestock trailers and recreational vehicle trailers used for hauling dirt bikes, motorcycles and ATVs (NOTE: Never exceed the lowest weight capacity of any towing component; i.e. the vehicle, hitch, trailer, etc). This ball mount also has a length of 9-1/4", a drop of 6" and comes with a gloss black powder coat finish to resist rust, chipping and UV damage. All CURT loaded ball mounts feature 2" x 2" shanks and are made with the same superior quality we put into each of our products.

Product information

Technical details, additional information, warranty & support, what's in the box.

  • CURT Manufacturing - 6" Drop Loaded W/ 2" Ball (45064)

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Customers say

Customers like the quality, fit, value, appearance and tow height of the tow hitch. For example, they mention it's well built, has a nice finish and the pin hole is sized perfectly. That said some complain it didn't come with a pin or clip.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the tow hitch. They mention that it is well built, provides added strength, and is reinforced behind the drop portion. Some say that the product is perfect and works great.

"Product fits and is well made ." Read more

"...Would Highly recommend. Great quality ." Read more

"...It is made in China. The welds look thorough and strong. It looks like good quality to me and it has a brand name on it, so I have no reason to..." Read more

"...This one was reasonably priced and seems to fit and work great " Read more

Customers like the fit of the tow hitch. They mention that it seems to fit and work great. Some say that the pin hole is sized perfectly.

" Product fits and is well made." Read more

" Fits my jeep perfectly " Read more

"...we haven't taken out the boat yet this year, but it fits perfectly dodge ram 2500 it helps the boat stay level for the height difference...." Read more

"...This one was reasonably priced and seems to fit and work great" Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the tow hitch.

"...Most of the ones we found were kinda crazy priced. This one was reasonably priced and seems to fit and work great" Read more

"...This did the trick and is very well priced ." Read more

"What’s to say - it’s a drop hitch works great and affordable -" Read more

"...on my '96 4Runner, perfect drop for a 5 inch lift and great price point for the quality of hitch." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the tow hitch. They mention that it has a nice finish, the welds all look great, and the paint is fantastic. They also appreciate the welded gusset on the back side that provides added strength.

"Nice thick and shiny finish . Heavy, so I don't expect to be able to break it." Read more

"Good quality, fit, and finish , as one would expect from Curt." Read more

"...trailer hitch mount with ball is super sturdy and weighty with a nice finish . I’m completely satisfied with this purchase." Read more

"...Seems strong and nicely finished . If you dont need an adjustable mount, get this one." Read more

Customers like the tow height of the hitch. They mention it's the perfect drop height for pulling a utility trailer with a Jeep Rubicon, and it'll fit a 4" lift and a 6" lift.

"...It is the right height for our trailer to tow level . Curt has a good product...." Read more

"Great fitment on my '96 4Runner, perfect drop for a 5 inch lift and great price point for the quality of hitch." Read more

"Good Quality & Good Value Drop Trailer Hitch. A good height for my Expedition and small cargo trailer. Seems strong and nicely finished...." Read more

" Perfect drop height for pulling a utility trailer with a Jeep Rubicon...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the lack of a pin or clip in the tow hitch.

"...I removed the tape and no pin or clip was inside .Checked all of the packaging, no pin or clip." Read more

"Mine was missing the Pin and Clip that should have been with it, sorta disappointing" Read more

"Fast delivery! Missing pin and clip ." Read more

"Product came without a pin or clip . Other than that, it is a great product!" Read more

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IMAGES

  1. Towing A Travel Trailer With A Lifted Truck

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  2. MASSIVE LIFTED 1000HP TRUCK TOWS LIFTED FIFTHWHEEL TRAILER!P

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  5. Can You Tow an RV Trailer With a Lifted Truck?

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  6. Everything You Need To Know About Towing A Travel Trailer

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VIDEO

  1. Lifted Trucks Falls Off Trailer

  2. I Can’t Believe We Loaded My Truck Like This😅

  3. Cutting My Friend's Truck In Half While He's On Vacation

  4. TRAILER: LIFTED PROMO (August 2023 Edition)

  5. LIFTED CAMPER TRAILER DUNKS IN LAKE

  6. The Problem with Lifted Trucks That NOBODY Is Talking About

COMMENTS

  1. Can You Tow an RV Trailer With a Lifted Truck?

    Towing a travel trailer with a lifted truck can introduce additional challenges and risks compared to towing with a stock height truck. While your 2010 RAM 2500 6.7 diesel has sufficient towing capacity to handle the 7,000-pound dry weight of your 2022 Grand Design travel trailer, the 6-inch lift and 38-inch wheels and tires may affect the ...

  2. Can You Tow With A Lifted Truck (Explained!)

    But this doesn't mean that you cannot tow with a lifted truck; you just need to take some precautions. It's important to note that there are three kinds of suspension kits, leveling, body, and lift. The first model won't affect towing capacities as it's designed to level the truck's front end. A body lift kit works by raising the body ...

  3. Towing with a lifted truck: A guide

    The phenomenon of a lifted truck sagging during towing primarily stems from the redistribution of weight and the strain exerted on the suspension system by the added load. The lifted suspension may experience greater compression due to the increased leverage, leading to temporary sagging. Nonetheless, strategic suspension upgrades, such as ...

  4. How to Raise Your Travel Trailer Height

    One common way to lift your trailer is by "flipping" your axles. Flipping your axles just means moving your suspension from below the axle (standard, "underslung" springs) to above the axle ("overslung" springs) in order to create more clearance between the underside of the trailer and the road. Flipping your axles will give you extra height ...

  5. Can You Tow an RV with a Lifted Truck?

    Yes, it is possible to tow an RV with a lifted truck. A lifted truck typically still has all of the necessary equipment. If you want to raise the body and leave the suspension and wheels at the original height, it will not affect its ability to tow. This is generally a cosmetic change to your truck. Suspension lift kits will reduce your towing ...

  6. What to Know about Towing with a Lifted Truck

    No matter what exactly you plan on doing with your truck, it's important to know what it is and isn't capable of. Lifted trucks can definitely tow. However, you have to do some research ahead of time to know how changing your truck's geometry will alter its towing. The kind of engine you have will also have a strong effect on how much you ...

  7. 9 Best Rugged Camper Trailers for Off-Road Adventures

    Black water tank: 18 gals. Base MSRP: $55,000. The Tribe Trailers Expedition 500 is a rugged and compact hard-side pop-up camping trailer with a long list of amenities and creature comforts. It ...

  8. 10 Perfect Travel Trailers to Tow With Your Half-Ton Truck

    Dozens of Venture RV trailers ranging from 3,000 to 9,000 pounds (base weight) are ideal for a half-ton pickup like the Ford F-150. Our favorite Venture RV line is the Sonic X, of which there are ...

  9. Must Know: Towing a Fifth Wheel with a Lifted Truck on ...

    Lifting them exaggerates inherent stability issues. It's much harder to properly hitch up fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers with trucks lifted over 6 inches. Greatly increased height becomes an issue. Lifted trucks transfer fifth wheel weight balance rearwards. Moves from 15-20% on the tongue to 10% or less.

  10. Towing with a Lifted Truck

    Even though a lifted truck isn't the most ideal setup for towing, with a few easy adjustments you'll be able to pull a trailer without the usual safety issues. A Timbren SES kit is the best way to reduce squatting and increase stability. However, if you're still experiencing squatting and instability after installing it on your lifted ...

  11. Towing Fifth Wheel with Lifted Truck

    Another option is towing a fifth wheel camper with a lifted truck. With a camper, they're much smaller, lighter, and easier to tow. Given that modern trucks can tow between 4,900 pounds and up to 19,000 pounds, there is usually little trouble towing a camper. However, towing a camper with a 6-inch lift on the truck is another matter.

  12. Towing With Your Lifted Truck

    Towing with a lifted truck can present many problems. Many newer trucks can tow anywhere from 5,000lbs to 20,000+lbs. When towing with a lifted truck, a drop hitch will be required to make sure the hitch ball sits at a height comparable to the height of the trailer coupler. Most companies do not offer drop hitches that exceed the tow rating of new diesel trucks and that is where BulletProof ...

  13. Can You Pull a 5th Wheel With a Lifted Truck? (4 vs 6-Inch)

    Towing Camper With 6-Inch Lift. This is a bit different scenario than towing a 5th wheel trailer. Most newer trucks are given the ability to tow 5,000 to 20,000 pounds approx. And depending on the make and model of your truck. However, a standard hitch is not going to work when you give your truck a 6-inch lift.

  14. The Ultimate Guide to Drop Hitches for Level Towing

    Empowering your towing experience starts with selecting the right tools and a drop hitch sits at the heart of this choice. Drop hitches are perfect for tall or lifted trucks, or for towing multiple trailers with different sizes and payloads. CURT drop hitches provide a sturdy and secure connection to your trailer and allow you to quickly and easily level your trailer when towing.

  15. Best 2021 Trucks For Towing A Travel Trailer

    The restyled Chevrolet Colorado, reintroduced by Chevy as a larger more capable truck is no slouch when it comes to towing travel trailers. With its 3.6L V6 engine, the 2021 Chevy Colorado can tow up to 7,000 lbs, with a GCWR of 12,000 lbs when purchased with the trailering package. When fitted with the 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, both of those ...

  16. Travel Lite RV

    Newly Designed Truck Campers. Travel Lite heard you- Lighter weights, no wood/composite built, true off-grid camping, new and more modern designs.. So with your thoughts and input in mind, we introduce our new line! A true aluminum and laminated unit with our Rove Lite technology! Better seals, no water intrusion with a better profile and still ...

  17. 10 Compact Travel Trailers Perfect for Small Trucks

    10. Airstream Bambi 20FB. 4,000 lbs. 5,000 lbs. 4. $67,000. *Before towing any travel trailer with a small truck, it's important to check that the truck can handle the weight of the trailer. By making sure that the fully loaded weight of the trailer is below the max tow capacity of the truck. 1.

  18. 8 Best Weight Distribution Hitches with Sway Control

    The Eaz Lift 48058 highly-recommended weight distribution hitch is heavy and solid, coming with the steel basic parts. Its weight rating is quite sufficient; the mounting is not complicated; the operation is quiet and efficient. 2. Blue Ox BXW1500: Best High-Capacity Sway Control Hitch.

  19. LIFTED DRIFTER

    LIFTED DRIFTER amanda 2020-06-16T20:40:56+00:00. LIFTED DRIFTER. Built with the explorer in mind. No bounderies with high ground clearance, aerodynamic design, full off-grid system included. Many floorplan options available! Dry Weight 2,000 - 2,750. LIFTED DRIFTER.

  20. Can You Put a Lift Kit on a Travel Trailer?

    Trucks and SUVs are the most commonly lifted vehicles and can be lifted or leveled with a variety of lift kits. Trailers can also be lifted with the right equipment. There can be many benefits to lifting a trailer, it allows for more clearance when off-roading or going up steep hills. For many people, lifting their trailer makes their lives easier.

  21. 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Of 2022

    Here's a unique addition to our list of the best lightweight travel trailers of 2022: the ultralight, 15-foot, all fiberglass Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500 camper from L'air Camper Company in Ontario, Canada. The L'air Trillium Heritage is an ultra-lightweight travel trailer that can be easily towed by many smaller SUVs and crossovers.

  22. trailer lifts

    Gorilla- Lift Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist w/ Cable - 300 lbs. Retail: $299.99. Our Price: $198.76. (326) In Stock. Add to Cart. This system uses stainless steel cables with sturdy springs to make it easy for you to raise and lower the tailgate on your open utility trailer.

  23. CURT 45064 Lifted Truck Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin

    Buy CURT 45064 Lifted Truck Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-in Receiver, 7,500 lbs, 6-Inch Drop ... It comes with a 2" trailer ball, making it an excellent choice for towing most boat trailers, utility trailers, campers, livestock trailers and recreational vehicle trailers used for hauling dirt bikes, motorcycles and ATVs ...

  24. Hungry giraffe lifts toddler out of truck at drive-thru safari

    A family visiting Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas, describes the moment a giraffe lifted their toddler out of their truck by the child's shirt. Isabella Quintanilla at CNN ...

  25. The Chevrolet Colorado Is the 2024 MotorTrend Truck of the Year

    This is quite simply the most extreme midsize off-road truck available—or at least the new-for-2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison will be, with its 35-inch tires, extra half-inch body lift, and equivalent ...