SUV Towing Guide: What Trailers Can Your SUV Pull?

Just because you drive an SUV doesn’t mean you can’t tow a serious trailer. Many full-size SUVs have towing capacities that rival half-ton trucks, and with the right trailer match you can haul boats, ATVs, enclosed cargo trailers, and livestock trailers without a problem. The key is knowing your specific vehicle’s limits — and choosing a trailer that pairs well with those numbers. At Trailer Place in Wharton, TX, we help SUV owners find the right trailer for everything from weekend recreation to light hauling business use.

Full-Size SUV Towing Capacities (2024–2026 Models)

Here’s a quick reference for popular full-size SUVs and their max towing ratings:

  • Ford Expedition (V6 EcoBoost): Up to 9,300 lbs
  • Ford Expedition Max (V6 EcoBoost): Up to 9,300 lbs
  • Chevrolet Suburban (5.3L V8): Up to 8,300 lbs; (6.2L V8): up to 8,300 lbs
  • Chevrolet Tahoe (5.3L V8): Up to 8,400 lbs
  • GMC Yukon / Yukon XL: Up to 8,400 lbs
  • Toyota Sequoia (Twin-Turbo Hybrid V6): Up to 9,000 lbs
  • Nissan Armada (5.6L V8): Up to 8,500 lbs
  • Lincoln Navigator (Twin-Turbo V6): Up to 8,700 lbs
  • Land Rover Defender 130 (P400): Up to 8,200 lbs
  • Cadillac Escalade (6.2L V8): Up to 8,200 lbs

The Payload Problem for SUVs

Here’s what most SUV owners miss: payload capacity is the real constraint. A Chevy Suburban with a family of five plus cargo may have only 500–700 lbs of available payload remaining — and tongue weight on a 7,000 lb trailer can be 700–1,050 lbs. You can easily exceed your payload limit before you realize it. Always check your door jamb sticker for your specific vehicle’s payload rating, weigh passengers and cargo, and calculate how much payload remains for tongue weight before choosing a trailer. Our blog post on GVWR, payload, and tongue weight explains the math in plain terms.

Best Trailers for Full-Size SUVs

Utility Trailers — Most Versatile Option

A 5,000–7,000 lb GVWR utility trailer is the ideal SUV towing companion. These trailers can carry landscaping equipment, motorcycles, ATVs, lawn mowers, and general cargo comfortably within SUV towing limits. A single-axle Diamond C utility trailer at 3,500–5,000 lb GVWR is very manageable behind a Ford Expedition or Suburban. For heavier loads, a tandem-axle utility trailer rated at 7,000 lb GVWR works well with SUVs rated at 8,000+ lbs towing.

Aluminum Utility Trailers — Best for Payload-Sensitive SUVs

Because payload is tight on loaded SUVs, aluminum trailers are worth strong consideration. An Aluma aluminum utility or ATV trailer can weigh 40–50% less than a comparable steel trailer. Less trailer weight = less tongue weight on your SUV’s payload budget. Aluma trailers also resist corrosion better — excellent for Texas coastal conditions. We carry Aluma’s full lineup in Wharton and can help you pick the right size.

Enclosed Cargo Trailers — Mobile Storage for Small Businesses

A 6,000–7,000 lb GVWR enclosed cargo trailer pairs well with Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, or similar SUVs rated at 8,500–9,300 lbs. A 6×12 or 7×14 V-nose enclosed from Alcom or Cargo Craft keeps tools and equipment secure. Great for mobile businesses, weekend recreational use, or moving gear. Keep loaded trailer weight under 7,000 lbs for a comfortable margin behind most full-size SUVs.

Car Hauler / ATV Trailers

A lightweight car hauler or ATV trailer rated at 5,000–7,000 lb GVWR works well for SUVs towing recreational vehicles. The Diamond C LPT tilt trailer is a popular choice because the low loading angle makes getting ATVs, UTVs, and small vehicles onto the deck easy — and the minimal ramp angle reduces the chance of frame contact. Perfect for hauling a UTV or side-by-side to the deer lease or off-road park.

What SUVs Should NOT Tow

Skip heavy equipment trailers, dump trailers over 10,000 lb GVWR, gooseneck trailers, and large livestock trailers. These applications need a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck with a dedicated tow rating. If you find yourself regularly needing to tow over 8,000 lbs, it’s time to consider a half-ton truck like a Ford F-150 or Ram 1500 — or step up to a 3/4-ton. See our half-ton truck towing guide and 3/4-ton truck towing guide for comparisons.

Midsize SUVs — Lower Towing Capacities

Midsize SUVs (Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot) typically tow 3,500–5,000 lbs. For these vehicles, focus on lightweight utility trailers, small enclosed trailers, or aluminum ATV trailers rated at 3,500–5,000 lb GVWR. Don’t exceed the vehicle’s towing rating — midsize SUVs are not designed for heavy trailer use and will overheat or brake poorly when overloaded. A single-axle utility trailer at 3,500 lb GVWR is the practical sweet spot for most midsize SUVs.

Find the Right Trailer for Your SUV

Trailer Place in Wharton, TX helps SUV owners across Texas find utility, enclosed cargo, ATV, and aluminum trailers that match their vehicle’s capacity and their hauling needs. We carry Diamond C, Iron Bull, Aluma, Alcom, Cargo Craft, and more. Financing available, nationwide shipping on most trailers.

Call us at (979) 532-1486 or visit 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488 to browse our in-stock inventory. We’re happy to help you find a trailer that works safely with your SUV.