Several used SUVs can tow a 5,000-pound trailer or more: the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner are among the midsize options, while models such as the Dodge Durango, Nissan Armada and Ford Expedition have published maximums above 8,000 pounds in qualifying configurations. Those figures are ceilings, not guarantees for every vehicle carrying the same badge. The right choice depends on the specific model year and equipment—and on whether its payload can handle your passengers, cargo and trailer’s tongue weight.
Which used SUVs can tow 5,000 pounds or more?
These are representative published maximums, not ratings for every used example. The Explorer figure is from Ford’s 2026 specification; Jeep’s figure is for a cited gas configuration; Nissan’s is from its Armada towing page. The other comparison figures come from Camping World’s 2025 towing comparison. Always look up the rating for the exact model year and configuration you are considering.
| SUV | Representative published maximum | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 5,000 lb | Ford’s 2026 specification lists this maximum for both the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 and 3.0L EcoBoost V6. |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Up to 6,200 lb | Jeep’s cited gas configuration; ratings vary by generation and equipment. |
| Toyota 4Runner | Up to 5,000 lb | Camping World’s 2025 comparison. |
| Lexus GX | Up to 6,500 lb | Camping World’s 2025 comparison. |
| Dodge Durango | Up to 8,700 lb | Representative configuration in Camping World’s 2025 comparison; not a universal rating. |
| Nissan Armada | Up to 8,500 lb | Nissan USA’s towing page; used-vehicle capacity varies by model year and equipment. |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Up to 8,400 lb | Camping World’s 2025 comparison; confirm the specific trailering package and configuration. |
| GMC Yukon | Up to 7,900 lb | Camping World’s 2025 comparison; ratings vary by engine, wheelbase, drivetrain and equipment. |
| Ford Expedition | Up to 9,300 lb | Representative configuration in Camping World’s 2025 comparison. |
| Volkswagen Atlas | Up to 5,000 lb | Camping World’s 2025 comparison; only properly equipped versions reach the maximum. |
The table is a shortlist, not a ranking of what you should buy. A vehicle’s actual rating can change with its model year, engine, drivetrain, wheelbase, axle ratio, tow package and hitch. A high trailer-weight rating also does not tell you how much room remains for people and luggage once the trailer is attached.
How to choose the right used SUV for towing a camper
Start with the trailer you will actually tow
Use the trailer’s loaded weight, not just its advertised dry weight. Include the gear, water and other cargo you expect to carry. Then check that the SUV’s configuration is rated for at least that trailer weight. Ford’s 2019 Explorer owner manual states: “Your vehicle may tow a trailer provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed for your vehicle configuration.” Ford also warns that exceeding the recommended gross trailer weight can damage the engine or transmission and can lead to loss of control, rollover or personal injury.
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- Rated to 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight
- Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
- Concealed main body for OE look and seamless integration with the vehicle
- Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
- Precisely welded for superior strength and fit
Check payload and tongue weight—not just tow rating
Payload is the capacity available for occupants and cargo in the vehicle. The trailer’s tongue weight also uses some of that capacity, so a full cabin and packed cargo area can make payload the limiting factor before the published tow maximum is reached. Read the payload information on the specific vehicle’s door-jamb label, then consult its owner manual and the trailer documentation for the applicable limits. Do not assume that an SUV with a higher tow rating has more payload headroom.
Match the hitch, wiring and trailer-brake setup
Confirm that the vehicle has the correct hitch receiver and trailer wiring for your trailer, and check the owner manual for the required equipment and operating instructions. Ford says its standard Class III Tow Package includes a Class III hitch receiver, a seven-wire harness, and four- and seven-pin trailer connectors. That is a concrete example of what a factory package may provide, not a promise that every used Explorer has it. An aftermarket receiver does not raise the manufacturer’s tow rating; verify fitment and ratings for the vehicle’s exact year and configuration. Check whether the trailer requires brakes and whether the SUV is equipped to operate them; legal requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Choose for your passengers, cargo and routes
A family towing a camper may need usable seating and luggage space as much as a high maximum rating. Consider how many people will ride in the SUV, what they will bring, and whether your routes include steep grades or other demanding conditions. Compare the vehicle’s configuration-specific tow rating and payload against those needs rather than choosing by the headline number alone.
Rank #2
- Rated to 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight
- Compatible with weight distribution hitch (5,000 lbs. WD / 500 lbs. WDTW)
- Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
- Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
- Precisely welded for superior strength and fit
What stands out about each used SUV?
Ford Explorer: a midsize crossover that reaches the 5,000-pound class
The Explorer is a useful answer to “Can a Ford Explorer tow a travel trailer?”—some properly equipped configurations can, but the badge alone does not establish capacity. Ford’s standard Class III Tow Package specification includes the receiver and wiring described above. For a used Explorer, use Ford’s towing guide for the correct model year and verify the package on the vehicle. Ford’s guide archive covers model years 1996 to present, so do not carry the current specification over to an older example.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee: check generation and powertrain
The Grand Cherokee’s cited gas configuration gives it a place among SUVs with a substantial published maximum, but ratings vary across generations, engines, drivetrains and hitch equipment. Before buying, identify the exact configuration and find its owner manual or model-year towing information; do not apply the current gas figure to every used Grand Cherokee.
Toyota 4Runner: body-on-frame character, with a defined ceiling
The 4Runner’s body-on-frame layout may appeal to shoppers who want a more traditional SUV feel than a crossover with a similar published rating. That design does not change the vehicle’s rated limit: check the particular 4Runner’s model-year documentation and equipment, and size the loaded trailer accordingly.
Rank #3
- 【DEPENDABLE STRENGTH】 - This 2 inch ball hitch delivers dependability for your towing setup, rated to tow 6,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 600 pounds tongue weight.
- 【WIDELY USED】- This trailer hitch ball comes with a 2 inch x 2 inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 2-inch receiver. The ball hitch also has a 2 inch drop and 0.75" rise to promote level towing with your own vehicle-trailer setup.
- 【SECURE TOWING】- Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use ball hitch . It comes with a pre-attached 2 inch ball hitch for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver.
- 【CORROSION RESISTANCE】- For long-term use, the trailer hitch is protected by a durable black powder coating, and the 2 inch ball has a polished chrome plating.
- 【EASY TO INSTALL】- Install the trailer hitch ball on your vehicle, just insert the handle to the 2 inch trailer hitch receiver of the vehicle. The 2 inch ball hitch included hitch pin and pre-torqued trailer ball to make installation easy.
Lexus GX: investigate the exact generation and payload
The GX is another body-on-frame option in this group. Check its generation, factory hitch and door-jamb payload label, and review its maintenance records. A published maximum applies only to qualifying configurations; it does not establish the capacity of an individual used GX.
Dodge Durango: a high published maximum that depends on configuration
The Durango’s comparison figure is unusually high for a three-row SUV, but it should not be read as the rating for every Durango. Check its engine, tow equipment (including Tow N Go where applicable), axle ratio where applicable, hitch rating and payload. Compare those details with the trailer and the people and cargo you plan to carry.
Nissan Armada: verify the year-specific equipment
Nissan’s towing page gives the Armada a high published maximum and highlights auto-leveling suspension intended to smooth the ride while towing. For a used Armada, confirm the VIN-specific owner-manual guidance, model year and tow-package equipment rather than assuming that the cited figure applies to the vehicle on the lot.
Rank #4
- 【TRIPLE-BALL ONE PIECE DESIGN, FITS 2" RECEIVER ONLY】 - This Mmtowus's tri-ball adjustable trailer hitch ball mount with (1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16") Powder Coated black balls. And this 3 balls trailer hitch is compatible with all standard 2.0-Inch receivers, designed for Class 3 and Class 4 trailer hitch recievers. Effortlessly fits a wide arrange of connectors including RVs, Trucks, Camper, Cargo trailers, Livestock trailers, Farm trailers, SUV, Vehicles, ATV and more.
- 【OUTSTANDING LOAD CAPACITY】 - This sturdy and nice looking adjustable trailer hitch engineered with 3-Balls, the 1-7/8-inch hitch ball GTW Towing Capacity of 8,000 lbs, the 2-inch hitch ball GTW Towing Capacity of 10,000 lbs, the 2 5/16-inch ball GTW Towing Capacity of 12,500 lbs, and plus a Trailer Hook -3,000 lbs GTW. The tri ball drop hitch that give versatility for almost any towing situation. Instead of carrying various hitch balls and hitch adapters for different trailers and vehicles this one should do it all!
- 【6" HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE DROP HITCH】 - Our adjustable drop hitch offers 7 alignment holes spaced at about 1" intervals giving a total height range of 6" -(6 inch drop down/6 inch rise). The adjustable drop and rise feature is incredibly convenient，you can quickly adjust height as needed for each hole, so the adjustable tow hitch can be easily switched to different trailers, camper, equipment trailer, or other loadwithout having to worry about it not sitting level, eliminating the need to replace the hitch. It saves time and makes towing preparation much more efficient.
- 【EXTRA TOW HOOK】 - Unlike other trailer hitch, ours comes with 3 tow balls of different sizes, and it also has a hook for things like vehicle recovery — A highly practical extra feature. Although this tow hitch is primarily designed for towing, it's nice having the extra functionality available when needed. It adds versatility without requiring additional accessories. So instead of keeping several hitch setups in the truck, just have one Mmtowus's hitch that covers most of your towing needs.
- 【STRONG & DURABLE】 - This tri ball hitch is crafted from premium steel with a heavy-duty welded design. The 3 ball are securely fastened together, so you never have to worry about the balls coming loose, finished double protection (it features a black powder-coated finish, electroplating). Anyways, our adjustable tow hitch is designed to ignore the effects of rain, road grime, sleet, and even dirt. Providing a safer, more secure towing. Don't let the elements slow you down!
Chevrolet Tahoe: distinguish the generation and trailering package
Tahoes span multiple generations and powertrains, so the comparison maximum is not a safe substitute for a configuration-specific rating. Identify the model year, engine and trailering equipment, then compare the loaded trailer’s tongue weight with the Tahoe’s door-sticker payload.
GMC Yukon: account for wheelbase and payload
Yukon and Yukon XL ratings can differ with engine, wheelbase, drivetrain and trailering equipment. Check the correct model-year information and the actual vehicle’s payload label; a trailer that is within the tow rating can still leave too little payload capacity once its tongue weight and the SUV’s occupants and cargo are counted.
Ford Expedition: a strong candidate for heavier trailers
The Expedition has the highest representative maximum in this comparison, which makes it worth considering when a smaller SUV’s rating is not enough. But axle, tow package, wheelbase and model year matter. Use Ford’s model-year towing guide and the specific Expedition’s labels and equipment to establish its rating and available payload.
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Best Value
- Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch - Offers a gross trailer weight capacity of up to 7,500 lbs and 750 pounds tongue weight, Perfect for towing trailer, campers, hauling motorcycles and ATVs with 2-inch standard hitch receiver
- Product Dimensions - This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 2-inch x 2-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 2-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball and 5/8-inch pin hole
- Corrosion Resistance Finish - Two stage finish using E-Coat pre-coating and high-grade textured black powder coating for long lasting corrosion resistance
- Ball & Pin Kit Included - The loaded ball mount comes with a pin and clip for mounting to the appropriate sized receiver tube
- 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 and included hitch pin make installation easy.
Volkswagen Atlas: 5,000 pounds requires the right equipment
The Atlas may surprise shoppers who mainly think of it as a family crossover. The cited comparison lists a maximum for properly equipped versions, but a full cabin can use up payload quickly. Confirm the individual vehicle’s tow equipment, rating and payload before matching it with a camper.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to inspect on a used SUV before towing
A strong published rating cannot make up for missing equipment or poor condition. Before buying, work through this vehicle-specific checklist:
- Documentation: Match the VIN and model year to the owner manual and towing guide. Confirm the engine, drivetrain, wheelbase, axle ratio where relevant, factory tow package and hitch rating.
- Capacity labels: Read the door-jamb payload label and compare the remaining capacity with the people, cargo and trailer tongue weight you expect to carry.
- Hitch and wiring: Inspect the receiver, connectors and harness for damage or missing parts. Confirm that the setup matches the trailer and the vehicle’s instructions.
- Brakes, tires and cooling: Have the vehicle’s brakes, tires and cooling system checked for condition and suitability for the intended use.
- Service history and recalls: Review maintenance records and check for unresolved recalls before purchase. A rating does not establish the condition or reliability of a particular used vehicle.
Do you need a tow package or a weight-distributing hitch?
A tow package can include important factory equipment—Ford’s listed Explorer package, for example, includes a receiver and trailer wiring—but package contents vary by vehicle and model year. Verify that the exact SUV has the equipment required by its owner manual and trailer; the package name alone is not enough.
A weight-distributing hitch is a separate hitch setup, not a way to increase the SUV’s tow rating or payload. Whether it is appropriate depends on the vehicle, trailer and hitch maker’s instructions. Consult the vehicle and hitch documentation before using one, and do not treat it as a workaround for exceeding any rating.
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