Iowa is better Airstream country than most people give it credit for. Backbone State Park, Maquoketa Caves, Ledges State Park, Lake Macbride, and Effigy Mounds are all within a few hours of Altoona. The Mississippi River bluffs in the eastern part of the state make for some of the best camping in the Midwest. And if you’re willing to drive, the Black Hills, the Ozarks, and the Boundary Waters are all reachable on a long weekend.

The question we hear most at Airstream of Des Moines is whether a buyer’s current SUV can handle the towing. For the Bambi 16RB, the answer is usually yes. For the 20FB and 22FB, it depends on what’s in the driveway. Here’s how to find out before you come in.

Floor Plan First, Numbers Second

The Bambi comes in three floor plans for 2026, and each one has its own GVWR. That number is what determines your tow vehicle requirement. The dry weight you see on a sticker or spec sheet isn’t what to plan around.

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  Bambi 16RB - GVWR: 3,500 lbs Plenty of mid-size SUVs already in Iowa driveways can handle it.
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  Bambi 20FB - GVWR: 5,000 lbs More room and a full kitchen. You’ll need a capable mid-size or full-size SUV for towing.
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  Bambi 22FB - GVWR: 5,000 lbs Same weight ceiling as the 20FB with a different interior layout.

What the Numbers Mean for Iowa Drivers

Most towing experts recommend staying under 80% of your vehicle’s rated towing capacity. That cushion gives your drivetrain room to breathe and keeps you comfortable on longer highway stretches.

Iowa is mostly flat, which is good news for towing. The I-80 corridor, the run north to Minnesota, and most in-state camping routes are easy on a tow vehicle. The eastern Iowa bluff country near the Mississippi has more of a grade to it, and if you’re heading out of state to the Black Hills or the Ozarks, the terrain gets more demanding. Size your tow vehicle for the hard routes, not just the easy ones.

Midwest winters are another factor. Iowa’s camping season runs roughly from April through November. If you’re pulling the Bambi in early spring or late fall, cooler temperatures affect transmission fluid and brake performance differently than summer towing. It’s worth factoring that into your setup decisions.

For the Bambi 16RB at 3,500 lbs GVWR, you need a tow vehicle rated for at least 4,375 lbs. For the 20FB and 22FB at 5,000 lbs, aim for 6,250 lbs or higher.

Real-world capacity also depends on your load. A couple heading into Backbone for a weekend is a different situation than a family of four packed for a week at Lake Macbride. Factor in what’s actually in the tow vehicle.

Tongue weight is the other number buyers frequently overlook. It’s the downward force the trailer puts on your hitch ball, and your SUV has a separate rating for it. Check your owner’s manual or the door jamb sticker.

Check Your Tow Package Before You Hitch Up

A lot of buyers assume their SUV is ready to tow based on the spec sheet. Many SUVs need the factory tow package to reach that rated capacity. Without it, the actual number could be a lot lower.

The tow package typically adds an upgraded hitch receiver, trailer wiring, a transmission cooler, and sometimes a larger radiator. Contents vary by make and model. Not sure if yours has one? Our service team at Airstream of Des Moines can check before you pick a floor plan.

You’ll also need a brake controller for the Bambi’s electric brakes, which are standard on all floor plans. Most newer SUVs have one built in. Older vehicles may need one added, but it’s a routine install our service department handles regularly.

Mid-Size SUVs That Can Handle the Bambi 16RB

At 3,500 lbs GVWR, the 16RB opens the door to a wide range of mid-size SUVs. Here are the strongest options with verified tow ratings.

Full-Size SUVs for the Bambi 20FB and 22FB

The 20FB and 22FB need more capacity. Full-size SUVs are the right fit, especially if you’re planning longer hauls out of Iowa to the mountains or the Boundary Waters. These are the vehicles we see most often with the larger floor plans.

What Des Moines-Area Airstream Buyers Are Actually Driving

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the vehicle we see most at our Altoona lot paired with the 16RB. It works well as a daily driver in the Des Moines metro, handles highway miles on I-80 or I-35 without any strain, and the V6 with the tow package is plenty for the lightest Bambi floor plan.

The Ford Expedition is the most common choice among buyers stepping up to the 20FB or 22FB. The 9,600-lb rating with the HD package gives you room for out-of-state hauls, and the interior space makes it a practical family vehicle the rest of the time.

The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon show up regularly among central Iowa buyers. They’re a natural fit in this market, handle winter driving well, and with the Max Trailering Package reach 8,400 lbs of capacity, which covers all three Bambi floor plans.

The Rivian R1S comes up occasionally, but Iowa-specific planning applies. The charging network in the Des Moines area is solid, but it gets thinner as you head into rural Iowa or north toward the Boundary Waters. Map your stops before you leave Altoona if you’re heading somewhere remote.

SUV or Truck: What Makes More Sense in Iowa?

Trucks have more raw towing capacity. Body-on-frame SUVs like the 4Runner, Sequoia, and Wagoneer close that gap more than most people expect, and they carry more passengers and gear in enclosed space.

Iowa’s mostly flat terrain means the towing demands are lower than in mountain states, which works in favor of a capable midsize SUV. For in-state camping at places like Backbone or Ledges, a Grand Cherokee or Telluride with the 16RB is plenty. If you’re hauling the 20FB or 22FB on long out-of-state runs to hillier terrain, a full-size SUV gives you a better margin.

Most buyers at our Altoona location use one vehicle for everything. An SUV handles the commute into Des Moines, the school run in Ankeny or Urbandale, and weekend camping trips without the bulk of a truck. If you’re taking your Bambi out on most weekends and keeping it sitting idle the rest of the time, a capable mid-size SUV is almost always the right call.

Check This List Before You Commit

Before you settle on a floor plan or a tow vehicle, work through this list. Our team at Airstream of Des Moines can help with any of it.

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  Look up your VIN-specific tow rating The model number alone isn’t reliable. Ratings vary by trim, engine, and factory options.
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  Check your payload sticker on the door jamb It covers passengers, gear in the vehicle, and tongue weight combined.
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  Confirm your tow package Many SUVs need the factory option to reach their full rated capacity.
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  Check for a brake controller The Bambi has electric brakes standard on all floor plans. Your SUV needs to support them.
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  Consider a weight distribution hitch For the 20FB or 22FB, it improves stability at higher tongue weights.
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  Read your lease agreement Some leases restrict or prohibit towing.
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  Think about shoulder season towing Early spring and late fall in Iowa can mean cold mornings and different brake and fluid performance than summer runs. Factor that into your setup.
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  Let our service team check your setup Our service team at Airstream of Des Moines can check your hitch, brake controller, and tow package before you take delivery.

The opinions and recommendations expressed in this article represent those of the author and not Airstream of Des Moines or Blue Compass RV. All information was believed to be accurate at the time of writing. Airstream of Des Moines is not responsible for any misprints, typographical errors, or erroneous information contained within this content. Always verify current pricing, availability, and specifications with your Airstream of Des Moines dealer.