Going camping is a great way to explore the great outdoors with the family. However, in order to ensure that you have a fun and safe camping experience, you will need to take the right vehicle that can carry heavy gear and handle potentially treacherous off road terrain.
For this reason, most campers are in agreement that you need either an SUV or a truck in order to go camping, particularly if you plan to tow a trailer. Yet, how will you know whether an SUV or a truck is right for you? While the answer to this question will largely depend on your individual preferences as well as the needs of your family, each option does come with its own set of pros and cons. Whether you are looking to buy a camping vehicle, or you can't decide whether to use the SUV or truck you already have, keep reading for a look at a few things you should consider when making this decision.
Hauling Gear and Equipment
A significant consideration when choosing a camping vehicle is how much gear and equipment you will be bringing, particularly if you are a tent camper. Tents, cookware, stoves, and bedding can quickly take up a lot of space, and you will want to ensure that you have plenty of cargo room to carry it all. While each vehicle will have different storage capacities, trucks are generally seen as the better option, as their large open beds provide plenty of space for even the heaviest packers.
SUV enthusiasts often argue that SUVs still provide plenty of cargo space (particularly if the seats are folded down) while also protecting gear from the elements. However, adding a shell to your truck bed provides even more cargo space while also protecting your gear, making a truck the clear winner in the storage category.
The Passenger Experience
Of course, when choosing a camping vehicle, it is also important that you take your family's comfort into consideration, as you will likely be spending a long time in the car to get to each destination on your road trip. With this in mind, it is hard to argue against the fact that SUVs provide a more comfortable passenger experience than trucks. SUVs provide more space to spread out comfortably, and they tend to ride smoother than a truck, making for a more enjoyable road trip.
Not only are SUVs more comfortable than trucks, but they may be the only option if you have a large family. While a crew cab truck can hold 4-5 people, many SUVs can comfortably hold 8 while still having room for cargo. If you plan on bringing the whole family camping, you may need to consider investing in an SUV.
Towing Capacity
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a camping vehicle is whether or not you plan to tow a travel trailer. If you plan on investing in an RV to take camping with your family, you will need to start looking at trailers and figure out what you want before you buy a tow vehicle, as SUVs and trucks have vastly different towing capacities and capabilities. While many larger SUVs can tow a small or medium-sized RV, they do not have nearly the same towing capacity as a truck, as larger trucks can tow upwards of 35,000 pounds or more. Since trucks have an open bed, they can also tow 5th-wheel trailers, which is something SUVs are unable to do. You should then take some time to figure out what kind of trailer you want and how much it would weigh first so that you can look at vehicles with the proper towing capacity. If you think you are going to want to buy a trailer, you are likely better off investing in a truck.
Price Point
Of course, the extra power and towing capacity a truck provides does come at a price. In fact, the sticker shock when shopping for a truck may be the main factor that leads you to decide that an SUV will be best for your family. While you can get a nice 3-row SUV with a moderate towing capacity for between $30,000-$40,000, a large truck with ample towing capacity can cost you well over $80,000. It is then important that you figure out what your budget is (for both a trailer and tow vehicle combined), as this may help you make a decision.
Fuel Efficiency
If you plan on taking long, cross-country trips as part of your camping experience, you may also want to take fuel efficiency into consideration when choosing a vehicle, as doing so could significantly reduce the price you spend on gas. Of course, whether an SUV or a truck has better fuel efficiency depends on several factors, including whether or not you are towing.
If you do not plan on towing a trailer, an SUV will offer significantly better fuel economy than a truck would. Alternatively, if you plan on towing a moderately-sized trailer, a truck will likely get better mileage than an SUV. This is because while an SUV may struggle to tow a mid-sized trailer, a truck has enough power that towing will not strain its engine, which reduces fuel consumption.
Maneuverability
While many campers like to stick to highways and paved campgrounds, there is a growing number of people who enjoy offroading. If you think your camping adventures will include offroading, this is something you will need to consider when choosing a vehicle. At the very least, you will want to choose a vehicle that has four-wheel drive and high clearance, as this will reduce your chances of getting stuck. While you can find these features in trucks and SUVs, an SUV may be a better option if you plan on doing a lot of offroading. This is because SUVs have smaller turning radiuses, making it easy for them to maneuver small trails.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when trying to determine whether a truck or SUV is better for camping. You will need to decide which is best for you based on the needs of your family and the types of camping trips you plan on taking.
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