Technically, it’s possible to tow a fifth wheel trailer with a van or SUV using a specialized hitch adapter—but it’s not ideal or recommended for most situations. If you’ve already purchased your dream fifth wheel but don’t own a proper tow vehicle yet, here are a few alternative options to help you move it safely.
Let’s set the record straight—most fifth wheel RVs are too heavy for the towing capacity of a typical van or SUV. These trailers are designed to be pulled by trucks with the proper tow ratings. However, in an emergency, you can use a specialized device called an Automated Safety Hitch, which connects through a gooseneck hitch and makes it technically possible for a van or SUV to tow a fifth wheel.
In this article, we’ll dive into the towing limits of various vans and SUVs, explain which hitches make this setup feasible, and highlight some powerful trucks that can handle both your fifth wheel and your family road trip with ease.
First, Understand Your Van or SUV’s Towing Capacity
Before rushing to buy an Automated Safety Hitch or hook up your fifth wheel, RV, or trailer, it’s essential to know your vehicle’s actual towing limits.
Start by checking the towing capacity of the specific van, SUV, or truck you plan to use. Each vehicle model—and each hitch—comes with its own weight rating. Exceeding those limits can lead to serious safety risks or mechanical failure.
Make sure you review both the vehicle’s and the hitch’s towing ratings carefully. These limits are based on several factors, including the engine, transmission, axle ratio, frame strength, and braking capability. Knowing these numbers is the first step to towing safely and effectively.
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum total weight your vehicle can safely carry, including everything inside it. This number accounts for the vehicle’s base weight plus passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. Understanding your GVWR is crucial when calculating safe towing limits.
GAWR: Gross Axle Weight Rating
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) indicates the maximum weight that each axle—front and rear—can support. Each axle has its own rating, and it’s important to consider both when loading your vehicle and trailer. To stay within safe limits, factor in the total weight of all cargo, passengers, and equipment distributed across the axles.
GTW: Gross Trailer Weight
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the total weight of the trailer, including its own weight plus everything loaded inside it. This figure represents the maximum safe weight your trailer can carry while being towed.
TW: Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the amount of downward force exerted on the hitch of your towing vehicle by the trailer or fifth wheel. This weight varies depending on how the cargo is positioned within the trailer. Proper tongue weight is essential for safe towing and maintaining control of your vehicle.
Ideally, tongue weight should be about 10% to 15% of the trailer’s total weight (GTW).
Know Your Towing Limits
To ensure your vehicle can safely tow your trailer, you need to understand four key weight ratings:
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
- GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
- GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
- TW (Tongue Weight)
You can usually find these figures in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If the manual is missing, you can search online using your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
When buying a new tow vehicle or trailer, always check these weight ratings to ensure compatibility and safety.
Can Vans and SUVs Tow Fifth Wheels?
While vans and SUVs typically aren’t designed to tow fifth wheels, a specialized piece of equipment called the Automated Safety Hitch can make it possible. This hitch adds an extra axle to your towing setup, increasing your vehicle’s towing power and allowing you to connect a fifth wheel using a gooseneck hitch—without needing a truck bed. That frees up valuable space for cargo or even a sleeper cab (more on that shortly).
That said, you still need to make sure your van or SUV meets the necessary towing capacity. A medium or heavy-duty truck remains the safest and most reliable option, but this hitch offers a viable alternative for certain setups.
How It Works
The Automated Safety Hitch is designed for ease of use. Simply attach the safety chains to your vehicle, flip a switch, and the hitch will automatically align and secure itself to your tow vehicle—hence the “automated” part of the name.
Even though this setup adds to your total RV length, it actually improves handling. Because the hitch sits farther from your rear bumper, it provides better turning radius—allowing for jackknife turns up to 120 degrees. This reduces the risk of damaging your tow vehicle or trailer while backing up or navigating tight spaces.
What to Consider
The biggest downside? The price. An Automated Safety Hitch costs between $10,000 and $11,000. It’s not available for online purchase—you’ll need to go through an authorized dealer. Your local RV repair shop may be able to refer you to one.
Still, for many RVers, the improved control, towing flexibility, and space savings make the investment worth it—especially if you want to tow a fifth wheel without switching to a heavy-duty truck.
Alternative Fifth Wheel Towing Options
Many people wonder if a van or SUV can tow a fifth wheel because they need room for a large family and extra cargo. Fitting everyone and everything into one truck can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are other solutions—besides investing in an Automated Safety Hitch—that can help you tow a fifth wheel without sacrificing passenger space.
1. Choose a Truck with Bench Seats
Some pickup trucks come with bench seating, allowing up to six or seven passengers—typically three in the front and four in the back. While the middle seat in the front can be a bit cramped, it’s a practical option if you want to keep everyone in one vehicle. The downside is limited space for extra cargo like backpacks or coolers. But if your main goal is seating, this is a solid, commercially available option.
2. Install a Sleeper Cab Extension
A sleeper cab is an aftermarket extension that adds an extra row of seating to the back of your truck cab. It reduces the length of your truck bed, but increases passenger capacity—great for hauling kids and extra gear. While access to the sleeper cab is a bit limited, it frees up space in the front and offers extra room for day packs and coolers. Expect to spend around $2,500, plus professional installation costs.
3. Buy a Six-Door Truck
If budget allows, consider a six-door pickup truck. These vehicles look like a standard truck from the outside but offer the interior space of a minivan, with seating for up to eight passengers. They’re larger and more expensive than traditional trucks, but no custom modifications are necessary—they’re available commercially. Just keep in mind: they require a bit more room to maneuver.
4. Use Two Vehicles
If a single truck can’t handle all your passengers and gear, consider splitting the load. One truck can tow the fifth wheel and carry part of the family, while a second vehicle (like a van or SUV) follows behind with the rest of the crew and your extra cargo. It’s not the most fuel-efficient option, but it offers flexibility and comfort.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible to tow a fifth wheel with a van or SUV using an Automated Safety Hitch, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Before making any towing decisions, ensure you fully understand your vehicle’s towing capacity, along with key specifications like Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), and Tongue Weight (TW). With the right setup and a focus on safety, you can enjoy the road ahead with confidence—and have some fun along the way!