Not everyone wants to tow with a truck. If you're working with a mid-size SUV, the trailer you choose matters a lot more than it would if you had unlimited towing capacity to spare. Here's how to think about it, and which Rovikk models tend to work well for lighter tow vehicles.
Check your real numbers, not just the headline tow rating. Your vehicle's maximum tow rating assumes close to ideal conditions — a lightly loaded vehicle, flat terrain, no cargo. In practice, it's smart to stay comfortably under that number rather than towing right at the limit.
Tongue weight matters as much as total weight. Most vehicles have a separate tongue weight rating (generally a percentage of total tow capacity). An unexpectedly heavy tongue weight can affect handling even if the trailer's total weight is technically within range.
Dry weight isn't loaded weight. Once you add gear, water, and propane, a trailer's actual towing weight is higher than its advertised dry weight. Leave yourself real margin, not just enough to cover the trailer empty.
Prep your tow vehicle properly. Regardless of trailer weight, towing safely means having the right setup: a properly rated 2" receiver, a brake controller if the trailer requires one, correctly wired 7-pin connections, and tow mirrors if visibility around the trailer is limited. Off-road models use a Max Coupler articulating hitch, while highway models use a standard 2" ball hitch — make sure your vehicle's setup matches whichever line you're considering.
If you're towing with a mid-size SUV, these are the models worth starting with:
Nomad — the lightest trailer in the entire lineup at 1,300 lbs (5'×7'), starting at $20,500. Built for highway travel rather than off-road use, which also keeps things simple if you're not planning technical terrain.
Cadet — 1,350 lbs (5'×7'), starting at $22,500. The lightest of the off-road-capable models, with Timbren axle-less suspension and a Max Coupler hitch — a good option if you want some off-road capability without stepping up in weight.
Trek — 1,500 lbs (5'×8'), starting at $22,999. A step up in space on the highway side while still staying light.
Scout — 1,650 lbs (5'×8'), starting at $24,999. If you want more galley space and don't mind a bit more weight, Scout is the next reasonable step up from Cadet on the off-road side.
If your SUV's tow rating is on the lower end, Nomad or Cadet are the safest starting points — both are built to keep weight down without cutting corners on core features. If you have some room to spare in your tow rating and want more interior or galley space, Trek or Scout are worth a look before jumping to a heavier model.
When in doubt, check your vehicle's owner's manual for its actual tow rating and tongue weight capacity before deciding — that number should drive the decision more than any single trailer's features.