One of our favorite things about ALCOM all-aluminum utility and landscape trailers, toy haulers, and PWC trailers is how light they are compared with steel trailers with similar payloads. Aluminum is lighter than steel, but its superior strength properties allow us to build trailers that can move mountains of cargo. It also lets us build some really light trailers - so you can tow an aluminum trailer with an SUV. No truck is no problem when you choose an ALCOM aluminum trailer. Let's review the options - and what to consider before hitching on!
One of the most important things to understand before buying a trailer is how much your SUV can safely tow. Before choosing a trailer, take some time to learn about your SUV’s towing capacity and GVWR. Plan to find a trailer with its own GVWR that doesn’t max out your SUV’s capacity. For a better understanding of all the terms involved in determining how much you can tow with an SUV, check out Kelley Blue Book’s comprehensive guide to towing capacity.
Like with a truck, the tow vehicle’s size, towing capacity and GVWR will help you decide what you can hitch to your SUV. The larger the SUV, the heftier the tow capacity will be. In other words, a Subaru Forester is going to tow less than a Ford Expedition, and it's important to buy a trailer that your SUV can safely tow without creeping too close to the upper limits of its capacity. So, start your search with your specific tow vehicle's details in mind - both the information you can't change, like how much it can safely haul, parts you can update, like your SUV's trailer hitch. Once you know how much you can tow with your SUV, think about what you need to haul.
Personal watercraft towing requires a different setup than, say, a motorcycle or camping gear and bikes. If you need a trailer that can "haul it all" - a versatile trailer that can accommodate anything that fits and ties down safely - consider open or enclosed aluminum cargo and utility models. For purpose-built trailers, check out aluminum snowmobile, PWC, kayak, raft trailers, or ALCOM Offroad overland trailers!
For the best of both types, ATV or landscape trailers are a great choice, with features built for hauling equipment, and versatile open deck space that can be organized for any trip. For example, there's no rule against hauling a kayak next to your bicycles on an ATV trailer - as long as you have the right tie-downs, which ALCOM can help you customize, many of our trailers can haul a surprising variety of cargo.
So, consider your towing needs and the adventures you have planned, the cargo you'll need on those trips, and the vehicle you're towing it all behind. With your towing needs established, you're ready to start your search for an all-aluminum trailer that's light enough to tow with an SUV.
Tow an open aluminum trailer without buying a truck; many of ALCOM’s open aluminum utility, PWC and kayak trailers, ATV and UTV trailers, and snowmobile trailers can be towed by the SUV already sitting in your driveway. Bring the whole family for an adventure with:
Aluminum personal watercraft trailers - Don’t leave the jet-skis behind when you visit that lakeside campground. One- and two-place open aluminum PWC trailers are built with adjustable bunks and bow stops, sealed LED lights, and fully welded aluminum frames.
Aluminum UTV & ATV trailers - Tie down your four-wheeler or side-by-side on an open aluminum ATV trailer with extruded or heat treated decking. Choose a tilting deck that lets you skip the loading ramps, or a fixed-deck trailer with extra tie-downs.
Aluminum kayak & raft trailers - Paddle, float, and fish to your heart's content with kayak and raft trailers built by ALCOM brands. A Triton aluminum kayak trailer is available with up to 6 places so your entire family can paddle new waters. A High Country raft trailer is designed with pressure treated decking, a 24" winch and rear roller, and a curb weight of less than 600 lbs.
Aluminum snowmobile trailers - With a ramp or tilting deck, a salt shield or completely open, SnoPro has open aluminum snowmobile trailers built light enough for towing with an SUV this winter. Check your snow tires, gas up the sled, and get out there.
Aluminum utility & landscape trailers - Starting a lawnmowing business this summer but can’t afford a work truck yet? That’s all right; an open aluminum landscape trailer or SSR solid-sided trailer can hitch on to your SUV and help you build that business until it’s time to upgrade.
Our enclosed aluminum trailers start small, with a compact 4' x 6' enclosed cargo hauler. ALCOM's aluminum contractor, cargo, and powersports trailers are available in a huge range of sizes, and many of the smaller models can be safely towed behind an SUV.
Aluminum contractor trailers - An aluminum Ultimate Contractor Package trailer starts at 7'x14', but if that's too large for your tow vehicle, don't forget: you can add a rooftop catwalk and ladder racks to a 5'x10' or 6'x10' (and larger) cargo trailer, too. You also have a full menu of interior upgrades available to customize your aluminum job trailer without overloading your SUV.
Enclosed aluminum cargo trailers - If there's anything more versatile than an ALCOM enclosed aluminum cargo trailer, we haven't found it yet. These all-aluminum trailers are for everyone, and they're available with a 4'x6' box and larger. We've seen them on the road hitched to Subaru Outbacks, Jeep Wranglers, and plenty of other common four-wheel-drive vehicles. Photographers, caterers, contractors, teams, families, and adventurers can all enjoy the versatile, durable, rust-resistant performance of an enclosed aluminum cargo trailer with an endless option and upgrade menu. You can even turn one into a food truck or a camper!
Aluminum Crossover snowmobile trailers - The classic snowmobile trailer solution for SUV drivers, our Crossover lineup is a long-time favorite, now available in four options: classic Crossover; V-nose Crossover 2.0 or Crossover 3.0; and the Crossover LowPro. It's a winter warrior, an off-season snowmobile garage, and it's got plenty of room to haul your new couch home in a pinch.
Once you've selected your trailer, don't forget to optimize for your adventure before you hitch on and head out. When preparing to tow an aluminum trailer with an SUV, a few steps can set you up for a successful haul.
First, make sure your SUV is equipped with a receiver hitch suitable for the trailer you're planning to tow, and have a new one installed if you need to. Use the appropriate plugs and adapters for the trailer's brake and marker lights and turn signals to ensure all of your connections are working.
Install a trailer brake controller to help manage heavier loads when you're towing an aluminum trailer with an SUV. For some trailers, like those with electric brakes, this is a requirement; for others, it's a helpful addition that makes travel and braking safer and more controlled. How? First, it synchronizes the brakes of the trailer and the tow vehicle for smooth stopping. Next, it can be used to prevent or reduce trailer sway, which is one of the leading cause of trailer crashes on the road. Finally, by distributing the braking function across the tow vehicle and trailer, using a brake controller reduces wear and tear and your SUV's tires and brakes.
Use side-view mirror extensions with wider trailers to enable better visibility of your trailer and the road around and behind you. Because a trailer is likely to impede your view through the rear windshield and any backup cameras installed on your SUV, mirror extensions offer a solution that keeps your visibility clear for safe maneuvering.
Don't forget to plan your trailer load for a balanced tow and make sure everything is securely tied down. Both and distribute cargo evenly and tie down any loose cargo to avoid shifting during travel and dangerous trailer sway or fishtailing on the road, which can lead to a crash. Finally, to maximize fuel consumption when you're towing an aluminum trailer with an SUV, stay off the highway. Seriously - avoiding high speeds conserves fuel and reduces your exposure to high-speed hazards. Taking the scenic route is easier on your trailer, your tow vehicle, your fuel budget - and your nerves!
Ready to find your perfect open or enclosed aluminum trailer to tow with an SUV? Your local ALCOM dealer is ready to help you get exactly the trailer you need. From choosing the model and size, to customizing your open or enclosed aluminum trailer with add-ons like lights, tie-downs, or other upgrades, your local ALCOM trailer dealer will walk you through each step of the process. Browse our recommendations above or brand sites below, then click over to the Dealer Locator tool and narrow down your search to a local ALCOM dealership. Soon, you'll be on the road on your way to the next adventure - towing your new aluminum trailer with your SUV!