Short answer: Yes, most SUVs can tow a 5x8 utility trailer. But not all of them.
Here's how to know if your SUV is rated to tow 3,500 lbs (the maximum loaded weight of a Moovalot trailer), plus a breakdown of popular SUV models and their towing capacities.
Quick Check: Can Your SUV Tow?
Look for these three things:
- Towing capacity of at least 3,500 lbs (check owner's manual or door jamb sticker)
- 2-inch ball hitch receiver (or the ability to install one)
- Working trailer lights connection (7-pin or 4-pin connector)
If your SUV checks all three boxes, you're good to tow a Moovalot trailer.
How to Find Your Vehicle's Towing Capacity
Method 1: Check the Owner's Manual
Look in the "Specifications" or "Towing" section. You'll see a number like "Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs."
Method 2: Look at the Door Jamb Sticker
Open the driver's door and look at the sticker on the door frame. It lists:
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
- Payload capacity
Towing capacity = GCWR - GVWR
Method 3: Google It
Search: "[Year] [Make] [Model] towing capacity"
Example: "2023 Honda Pilot towing capacity"
Most manufacturer websites list towing specs by trim level.
Popular SUVs and Their Towing Capacity
Full-Size SUVs (Can Definitely Tow)
| Model | Towing Capacity | Can Tow 3,500 lbs? |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 8,400 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| GMC Yukon | 8,400 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Ford Expedition | 9,300 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Nissan Armada | 8,500 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Toyota Sequoia | 9,000 lbs | ✅ Yes |
Mid-Size SUVs (Most Can Tow)
| Model | Towing Capacity | Can Tow 3,500 lbs? |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 6,200 - 7,200 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Toyota 4Runner | 5,000 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Ford Explorer | 5,600 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Honda Pilot | 5,000 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 6,000 lbs | ✅ Yes |
| Mazda CX-9 | 3,500 lbs | ✅ Yes (exactly) |
Compact SUVs (Check Carefully)
| Model | Towing Capacity | Can Tow 3,500 lbs? |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler | 3,500 lbs | ✅ Yes (exactly) |
| Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 - 3,500 lbs* | ⚠️ Depends on trim |
| Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs | ❌ No |
| Subaru Outback | 2,700 - 3,500 lbs* | ⚠️ Depends on engine |
| Ford Escape | 2,000 - 3,500 lbs* | ⚠️ Depends on engine |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs | ❌ No |
*Towing capacity varies by engine and towing package. Check your specific trim level.
Do You Need a Towing Package?
Some SUVs come with a factory hitch. Others require a "towing package" to be installed.
What's included in a towing package:
- Trailer hitch receiver (2-inch)
- Wiring harness for trailer lights
- Transmission cooling (for higher capacity)
- Upgraded suspension (sometimes)
Cost to add: $200-800 (varies by vehicle and whether it's factory or aftermarket)
What If Your SUV Can't Tow 3,500 lbs?
If your SUV's towing capacity is under 3,500 lbs (like a Honda CR-V at 1,500 lbs), you have two options:
Option 1: Don't Fully Load the Trailer
A 5x8 trailer weighs about 900 lbs empty. If your towing capacity is 2,000 lbs, you can haul 1,100 lbs of cargo.
What 1,100 lbs looks like:
- A couch + small dresser
- 10-15 boxes of books or clothes
- Yard waste (branches, not dirt)
What you CAN'T haul:
- ATVs (too heavy)
- Multiple appliances
- Dirt or gravel (very heavy)
Option 2: Rent a Pickup Truck Instead
If you need to haul heavy loads and your SUV can't handle it, consider renting a pickup truck instead of a trailer.
Safety Tips for Towing With an SUV
1. Don't Exceed Your Towing Capacity
Towing over your vehicle's rating damages the transmission, brakes, and suspension. Not worth the risk.
2. Check Tire Pressure
Towing adds weight. Inflate your tires to the maximum PSI listed on the sidewall (usually 35-40 PSI).
3. Use Trailer Brakes (If Equipped)
Our 5x8 trailers don't have electric brakes, so your SUV does all the braking. Allow extra stopping distance.
4. Drive Slower
Towing a trailer means slower acceleration, longer braking, and wider turns. Drive 5-10 mph under the speed limit.
Common SUVs That CAN'T Tow 3,500 lbs
These popular SUVs have lower towing capacities:
- Honda CR-V: 1,500 lbs
- Mazda CX-5: 2,000 lbs
- Hyundai Tucson: 2,000 lbs
- Kia Sportage: 2,000 lbs
- Volkswagen Tiguan: 1,500 lbs
If you own one of these, you can still rent a trailer — just don't load it to maximum capacity.
Bottom Line: Can Your SUV Tow?
If your SUV is mid-size or larger (Pilot, Explorer, 4Runner, Grand Cherokee), you're fine.
If it's compact (CR-V, CX-5, Tucson), check your owner's manual. You might need to limit cargo weight.
Still not sure? Use our AI "Will it fit?" tool and type your vehicle make/model — it'll tell you if you can tow.
Ready to rent? Find a Moovalot trailer near you — available 24/7, no reservation needed.