Can a GMC Terrain Pull a Camper? Answered

The GMC Terrain is the smallest SUV that GMC makes and is one of the more popular compact SUVs on the road today.  

Often considered a slight upgrade to the popular Chevy Equinox, thanks to its higher trim packages, upgraded transmission, and additional safety features. 

But due to its smaller size and stature, people often want to know if the GMC Terrain can pull a camper?

Thanks to the 1,500-pound max tow capacity of the GMC Terrain, the Terrain is more than capable of towing a small lightweight camper such as a teardrop camper, a small stand-up camper, or pop-up camper. 

But if your thinking about pulling a camper with a GMC Terrain though, make sure to keep reading.

As we go over what you need to know if you plan to tow a camper with a GMC Terrain, what types of campers that the GMC Terrain can tow, and give specific examples of campers that a Terrain can pull.  

Things to Know Before You Tow a Camper with a GMC Terrain

To begin with, it’s important to know that all GMC Terrains have the same 1,500-pound max tow capacity, regardless of its trim package.

So whether your particular GMC Terrain is an SLE, SLT, or the Denali version, they all have the same 1,500-pound max tow capacity.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while all GMC Terrains are capable of towing a small lightweight camper, that doesn’t mean they are ready to tow right from the manufacturer.

 As GMC Terrains do not come with a standard tow package.

This means that you will more than likely need to have a trailer hitch installed as well as the trailer wiring that controls the running lights, brakes lights, and brakes on the trailer if the camper is equipped with trailer brakes. 

To see what’s involved in installing a tow hitch to a GMC Terrain, check out the below YouTube video. 

How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a GMC Terrain

Trailer Weight and Towing with a GMC Terrain

The trailer weight of a camper is the most important measurement that you need to pay attention to when trying to decide if the GMC Terrain can pull a particular trailer. 

As the camper needs to have a weight below the GMC Terrain’s max tow capacity of 1,500 pounds.  

But this can be somewhat confusing if you’re new to RVs, as most travel trailers have several different weights attributed to them including dry weight, gross vehicle weight rating, and cargo-carrying capacity.

Dry Weight

So which weight should you use when trying to determine if your GMC Terrain can pull a particular camper?

The dry weight of the camper is the weight that is most important to you when deciding if the GMC Terrain can pull a particular camper.  

As the dry weight or unloaded vehicle weight, as it is sometimes referred to, is the weight of the camper without any cargo, batteries, or propane. 

So this base trailer weight is the weight that will best help you determine if the GMC Terrain can pull the trailer.  

Other Trailer Weights that are Important

But it’s important to remember that the dry weight doesn’t paint the full picture of the total weight of the camper.

As the dry weight or unloaded vehicle weight is the weight of just the trailer itself and doesn’t account for the extra weight that you might load in the camper as cargo.

Because even if the dry weight of a particular camper is below the 1,500-pound max tow capacity of the GMC Terrain, it can be very easy to exceed the weight, once you start loading gear and cargo into the camper.  

This is why when choosing a camper, you want to choose a camper that has a dry weight that is substantially lower than the max tow capacity of the GMC Terrain to provide some cushion and leave room for additional cargo weight.  

For more information on how to calculate how much you should tow with your tow vehicle, check out our article “How the 80 Rule for Towing Affects Max Tow Capacity“.

Types of Campers that a GMC Terrain Can Tow

Because the GMC Terrain only has a 1,500-pound max tow capacity, you are going to be somewhat limited on the types of campers you can tow or pull with this vehicle.

As most travel trailers usually have a dry weight that starts at a few thousand pounds and can go all the way up to 10,000 pounds.  

So when looking for campers that a GMC Terrain can tow you need to focus on lightweight and ultra-lightweight campers such as teardrop campers, stand-up campers, and pop-up campers.

	Type of Camper	Average  Dry Weight	Average Length
	Teardrop Camper	760 lbs. – 2,000 lbs.	11′ – 15′
	Stand-Up Camper	1,000 lbs. – 2,000 lbs.	13′ – 17′
	Pop-Up Camper	1,100 lbs. – 3,800 lbs.	10′ – 16′

But just because a camper happens to be in one of these travel trailer classes don’t just assume that the GMC Terrain can tow it.

As there are many teardrop, stand-up, and pop-up campers that exceed the GMC Terrains 1,500-pound max towing capacity.  

So to figure out which campers a GMC Terrain can pull, let’s take a look at each of these camper classifications more closely.  

Teardrop Campers

Teardrop campers are some of the lightest and most aerodynamic travel trailers on the road today, which makes them a great fit for the GMC Terrain. 

As the smallest and lightest teardrop campers will usually have a dry weight between 750 and 1,500 pounds, which is under the max tow capacity of the GMC Terrain.

But just because the teardrop camper is super lightweight and small, doesn’t mean that they are stripped-down bare-bones trailers.

As most teardrop campers have many of the same features and amenities that the bigger and heavier travel trailers have including AC, heat, 12volt and 110 outlets, and small kitchenettes for cooking.

Teardrop Campers that the GMC Terrain Can Pull

So now that we know that the GMC Terrain can tow a teardrop camper, let’s take a look at some of the most popular teardrop campers that the GMC Terrain can pull.  

Little Guy Trailers MyPod

Quick Specs

• Cost:  $13,500
• Dry Weight:  760 Pounds
• Length:  11 Feet 6 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity:  2

The lightest teardrop camper that can be pulled by the GMC Terrain is without a doubt the Little Guy Trailers MyPod, which has a dry weight of only 760 pounds!

Making this little teardrop camper from Little Guy Trailers probably one of the best choices if you want to make sure that you stay well under the max tow capacity of the Terrain.

Amazingly though, despite its ultra-lightweight design, the MyPod is actually loaded with features including a small AC, entertainment system with TV, a full-sized bed, both 12V and 110 power, a fantastic fan, as well as a roof rack that can carry all your outdoor gear such as bikes and even a canoe.

For more information on the Little Guy Trailers MyPod, check out Little Guy Trailer’s website by clicking here.  

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Timberleaf Kestrel

Quick Specs

• Price:  $7,800
• Dry Weight:  860 Pounds 
• Length:  11 Feet 6 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity:  2

A trailer that weighs just slightly more than the Little Guy Trailers MyPod is the Timberleaf Kestrel, which is a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable minimalist style teardrop camper.

Because while the Timberleaf Kestrel doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as the MyPod, it does have everything you need for a basecamp while camping at about half the cost.

So if you don’t mind primitive-style camping and want to keep the weight on the camper as light as possible, the Kestrel is a great choice.

For more information on the Timberleaf Kestrel, make sure you check out Timberleaf’s website by clicking here.  

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Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12RK

Quick Specs

• Price:  $12,000
• Dry Weight:  1,252 Pounds 
• Length:  11 Feet 3 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity:  2

When you’re ready to move beyond the basic or minimalist style teardrop camper, you definitely need to check out the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12RK, as this little teardrop camper has pretty much everything you could want and then some. 

Starting on the outside of this loaded teardrop camper the Geo Pro G12RK has a rear outdoor kitchen that features a small kitchen sink, a mini-fridge, and a microwave.

As well as a roof-mounted air conditioner with a heat strip, two 20-pound propane tanks, and an outside griddle with propane hookup.

But the features don’t stop there as this versatile teardrop camper also comes standard with solar prep and a 1000 Watt inverter, an entertainment system with a 12 volt TV with DVD player, full-size bed, and lots of interior storage cubbies.

For more information on the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12RK, be sure to check out Forest River’s website by clicking here. 

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nuCamp Tag

Quick Specs

• Price:  $17,000
• Dry Weight:  1,284 Pounds 
• Length:  13 Feet 7 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity:  2

The nuCamp TAG is another great teardrop camper if you’re looking for a loaded and feature-rich camper that can be pulled by the GMC Terrain.

As the nuCamp TAG is loaded with features that make this teardrop camper one of the most comfortable and luxurious teardrop campers on the market today.

By including such features as a stargazing window for views of the stars while you fall asleep at night, both 12V and 110 power, optional solar panel, built-in heater with wireless thermostat, large diamond plate LP and battery storage compartment, and an outdoor kitchen with Yeti cooler, microwave, and kitchen sink with a 10-inch faucet. 

For more information on the nuCamp TAG, make sure you check out nuCamp’s website by clicking here.   

Stand-Up Camper

While there are teardrop campers that you can stand up in, most of the lightweight teardrop campers only allow you to lay down or sit up inside them.

Which for many campers is a deal-breaker, as they want a camper that they can comfortably hang out in while camping and be able to walk around inside.  

And if this sounds like you, then you definitely want to check out the stand-up camper or “Standy” as they are sometimes referred to.

As they still keep the overall weight of the camper to a minimum but allow you to, as the name implies, stand up and easily move around inside the camper.  

Creating a much more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.  

Stand-Up Campers that a GMC Terrain Can Pull

But as is the case with the teardrop camper, not every stand-up camper can be pulled by a GMC Terrain, due to its limited tow capacity.

This is why we have highlighted some of the most popular stand-up trailers that can be towed by a GMC Terrain below.

Little Guy Trailers MeerKat

Quick Specs

• Price:  $22,970
• Dry Weight:  920 Pounds 
• Length:  13 Feet
• Sleeping Capacity:  2

One of the lightest stand-up campers that you can buy that can be pulled by a GMC Terrain is the Little Guy Trailers MeerKat that has a dry weight of just under 1,000 pounds.

Thanks to its numerous lightweight construction features including aluminum frame construction as well as its fiberglass exterior shell.

But probably the most obvious feature and what really sets the MeerKat apart from other lightweight stand-up campers is the ingenious pop-top toward the front of the camper.

Which helps to keep the overall weight down on the trailer as well as keep a lower profile while in travel mode.

For more information on the MeerKat and to learn how to go about buying one, check out the Little Guy Trailers MeerKat website by clicking here.   

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Happier Camper HC1

Quick Specs

• Price:  $30,000
• Length:  13 Feet
• Dry Weight:  1,100 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity:  2

One of the coolest looking stand-up campers on the market today has to be the Happier Camper HC1 but it’s definitely not the most budget-friendly with a starting price of $30,000.

But if your looking for a stand-up camper that will be the envy of all your camp neighbors and just oozes cool and styling the Happier Camper HC1 is definitely a stand-up camper that you should check out.  

It’s not all about the retro-modern styling with this little camper though, as it’s also a highly functional and completely customizable stand-up camper.

Thanks to its Adaptiv™ Floorplan that allows you to place different Adaptiv™ Components wherever you choose inside the camper for the ultimate in customization.  

For more information on the Happier Camper HC1 and to learn how you can purchase one, be sure to check out Happier Camper’s website by clicking here.  

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13′ Scamp Trailer (w/o Bathroom)

Quick Specs

• Price:  Starting at $15,000
• Length:  13 Feet
• Dry Weight:  1,200
• Sleeping Capacity:  4

The camper with the biggest cult following on this list has to be the little 13-foot Scamp trailer, as people think of their Scamp more as a lifestyle as opposed to just a travel trailer.

And while Scamp does make a 16-foot and 19-foot model, their most popular camper by far is their 13-foot camper.

As this little stand-up camper can be pulled by a wide variety of vehicles including the GMC Terrain.

As a note though the 13′ Scamp can be optioned with a wet bath, which would bring the dry weight of the Scamp up to 1,600 pounds exceeding the towing capacity of the GMC Terrain.

So if you decide to go with a 13-foot Scamp Trailer, you will need to opt for the version without the wet bath.

For more information on the 13′ Scamp Trailer and to find out how you can buy one, check out Scamp’s website by clicking here.  

Pop-Up Campers

The pop-up camper is another popular choice if you’re are looking for a lightweight camper that can be pulled by a wide variety of smaller vehicles.

As the smaller and lighter pop-up campers usually have a dry weight of just over 1,000 pounds making them a great choice if you’re looking for a lightweight camper that can be towed by a GMC Terrain.

But as is the case with other lightweight campers, it’s important to pay attention to the weight of the pop-up and not just assume that the Terrain can pull all types of pop-up campers.

As some of the heavier pop-ups such as Forest River Rockwood 1940LTD or the Coachmen Clipper 1285SST Classic can have a dry weight of well over 3,000 pounds, which would greatly exceed the max tow capacity of the GMC Terrain.  

Pop-Up Campers that a GMC Terrain Can Pull

So to help you figure out which pop-up campers a GMC Terrain can pull, we’ve highlighted some of the more popular choices below. 

Sylvansport Go Trailer

Quick Specs

• Cost:  Starting at $9,995
• Dry Weight:  840 Pounds
• Length:  11 Feet 10 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity:  4

One of the most unique and lightweight pop-up campers you can tow with the GMC Terrain is the Sylvansport Go Trailer, which has a dry weight of only 840 pounds.

Allowing you to load all kinds of outdoor gear such as bikes and canoes on top of this pop-up camper, without worrying about going over the GMC Terrain’s max tow capacity.  

Which is great because the Sylvansport Go Trailer was built with the outdoor adventurer in mind, thanks to its built-in gear deck, equipment rack, and large storage box.

And when it’s time for some shut-eye after a long day of outdoor adventures and exploring, the Go Trailer has you covered, thanks to its built-in tent pod that can sleep up to 4 campers at a time.

For more information on the Sylvansport Go Trailer and to learn how you can buy one, check out Sylvansport’s website by clicking here.

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Aliner Scout Lite

Quick Specs

• Cost:  $12,000 
• Dry Weight:  1,180 Pounds
• Length:  13 Feet
• Sleeping Capacity:  3

While the Aliner Scout Lite might not be what comes to mind when you think of a pop-up camper, thanks to its hard-sided A-frame design, it offers many advantages over the standard tent-style pop-up camper.

Such as better thermal and insulating R-value as well as better sound-deadening capability.  

Making the Aliner Sout Lite a great choice for anyone that wants a compact and low-profile camper but doesn’t want to feel like they’re sleeping inside a tent.

The Scout Lite also offers lots of features to help make camping more comfortable thanks to its roof-mounted fantastic vent fan, onboard battery with 35 amp converter and 110 outlets, sink with city water hookup,  two skylights with nightshades, and even a solar port for charging the batteries when camping off-grid.  

For more information on the Aliner Scout Lite, make sure to check out Aliner’s website by clicking here. 

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TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth

Quick Specs

• Price:  $20,000
• Dry Weight:  1,310 Pounds
• Length:  12 Feet 10 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity:  5 (with optional rooftop tent)

Another pop-up camper that is big on outdoor adventure is the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth, as this rugged lightweight camper was built for off-grid camping and boondocking.

As this pop-up camper from TAXA Outdoors provides 7+ day dry camping capability, allowing you to go further off the beaten path and for longer with your GMC Terrain.

Thanks to its built-in electrical system, external water system, and pre-wired solar inlet.  

Plus this unique pop-up camper also has an outdoor slide-out kitchen with a portable two-burner propane stove as well as a large rear hatch making it super easy to load and unload all of your outdoor gear into the TigerMoth.

For more information on the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth and to find out how you can buy one, be sure to check out TAXA Outdoor’s website by clicking here.