Leading the list of pluses associated with light-duty SUVs, trucks, and vans is the ability to haul passengers, cargo, and toys. Also heading this list (but often overlooked) is the towing capability these same light-duty utility vehicles offer. Add to this the host of towable items (utility, recreation, and RV-type trailers) on the market for vehicles designed to tow 3500 pounds or less, and it's apparent that today's light-utility vehicles are intended to facilitate hard work and hard play.
What follows is a buyer's guide of trailers (all kinds--ATV, motorcycle, snowmobile, PWC, RV, boat, camping, utility, canoe/kayak) with a GVWR of 3500 pounds and less. Also included are towing terms; a towing checklist; info on how to determine which trailer is right for your vehicle; equipment and accessories that enable safe, enjoyable towing; and hitch receivers/ratings and information about weights (hitch, tow vehicle, trailer, and cargo-carrying capacity). Information is also provided on the various state towing laws.
Choose the Right Trailer
Ideally, we'd have no problem choosing the best vehicle to tow the trailer that's hauling our passion (boat, ATV, canoe, snowmobile, motorcycle).
However, that's typically not how it works. To find the right trailer, identify the towing capacity of your vehicle and how much tongue weight it's designed to handle. You can do this by visiting a dealer, going online, or calling the vehicle manufacturer directly. Next, verify that the Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) doesn't exceed the designed-trailering capacity of your tow vehicle. Also verify that the tongue weight of the trailer fits the hitch-weight specs of your tow vehicle. These two trailer weights are an important part of trailers' specifications and should be available in product information (brochures, online, or at the trailer dealer).