The GMC Acadia features innovative technology and safety features that make it one of the top crossover SUVs. But how does it have the towing power necessary for a travel trailer? We've investigated this question thoroughly, and here's what you need to know.
The Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs. Depending on the configuration of your Acadia, your towing capacity might be lower. However, there are great campers that fit every Acadia configuration.
In this article, you'll see how the engine and package choices affect the GMC Acadia's towing capacity, and we'll cover some amazing campers and boats for Acadias at every level. We'll also take a closer look at GMC's trailering package and hitch options for the Acadia. Read on to learn more!
Does the GMC Acadia have a tow package?
Many manufacturers offer towing packages for their vehicles, and the Acadia is no exception. GMC's trailering package for the Acadia includes several features that improve the Acadia's towing capacity and performance.
The trailering package includes a Class III hitch and 7-pin wiring harness, so you'll have all the hardware you need for towing. It also includes a heavy-duty cooling system and 170 amp alternator to keep your engine and transmission cool and your battery at full power while towing.
SLT, AT4, and Denali trim levels will also get Hitch Assistance with Hitch View in the trailering package. The Acadia SLE gets Hitch Assistance with the trailering package but without the Hitch View feature.
However, getting the Acadia's maximum towing capacity takes more than just the trailering package. You'll also need the 3.6L V6 engine. You'll have a towing capacity of 4,000 lbs with both of these.
Without the trailering package, your Acadia's towing capacity will be 1,000 lbs, whether you have the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine or the 3.6L V6 engine.
If you're looking for even more towing power from your GMC, you may want to consider the Sierra.
Is the Acadia tow package available for the 4-cylinder engine?
In previous model years, the trailering package was only an option for Acadias equipped with the V6 engine. However, for the 2022 model year, GMC has also made the trailering package available for the Acadia SLE, which only comes with the 2.0 4-cylinder engine.
While you won't reach the GMC Acadia's maximum, 4,000-lb towing capacity this way, you will get a respectable 3,500-lb towing capacity.
What travel trailers can the Acadia tow?
There is a wide range of amazing campers the Acadia is ready to handle. There are even some that don't require the Acadia's tow package. We'll see some of the best for the Acadia at every level.
Best Campers for an Acadia without the trailering package
The 2022 Acadia will have the lowest towing capacity at 1,000 lbs without the trailering package. This is similar for other model years, but be sure to check your owner's manual.
While this does limit your options, there are still some amazing campers in this weight range. Here are some of the best.
The T300 by Earth Traveler
The lightest camper on our list and one of the lightest on the market, the T300 weighs just 300 lbs.
The two pop-up roofs with weatherproof tents help this small teardrop camper maximize space when set up. With the roof popped up and light coming in through the skylight and vented windows, the T300 feels surprisingly spacious given its small weight and footprint.
You can see the T300 in action in the video below.
The Suite by Pro-Lite
The Suite comes from Canada-based Pro-Lite (also known as Roulotte Prolite), but they have dealer showrooms in some US states.
This camper weighs 590 lbs, heavier than the T300 but still leaving you plenty of wiggle room for your cargo.
Inside you'll find a sofa bed so that you can switch between sleeping and lounging in comfort. There's also a shelf that can be stowed or converted into a table for dining or working.
Check out the Suite in the video below.
Best Campers for Acadia with Trailering Package
The trailering package increases the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine's towing capacity from 1,000 to 3,500 lbs for the 2022 Acadia. With the 3.6L V6 engine and the trailering package, you'll get 4,000 lbs of towing power. This opens up a whole new world of options.
Here are some of the best campers for either the 4-cylinder or V6 Acadia with the trailering package.
TAB CS-S by nüCamp
The TAB CS-S is a teardrop trailer from Ohio-based nüCamp that uses clever design to maximize space.
With a dry weight of just 2,075 lbs, the TAB still manages to fit in a spacious sleeping/ lounging area, a wet bath with a cassette toilet, and an impressive kitchen setup. How do they do it? Part of the equation is the clever clamshell design.
The kitchen is tucked away in the rear hatch under a clamshell door. While this means you'll have to stand outside to cook, the kitchen's awesome features more than make up for it. It includes a 2-burner glass-top stove, 12v refrigerator, microwave, sink, and plenty of counter space.
The inside can be arranged in many sleeping and lounging arrangements and includes Ohio-Amish cabinetry.
See the TAB CS-S for yourself in the video below.
The Cricket from TAXA Outdoors
The Cricket promises "everything you need, nothing you don't," and it delivers.
With a dry weight of just 1,800 lbs, it's easily towable for your Acadia. At just 15' in length, it can fit in most garages.
The pop-up roof maximizes the space when set up. Between the pop-up roof's mesh windows and the five swing windows, you'll also get plenty of light and ventilation in this camper.
The two-burner stove and sink have covers for easy prepping, cooking, and cleaning. You'll also find a table that can be used for eating or working and stowed when not needed.
The standard design has sleeps two, but two optional berths are also for more sleeping areas.
Check out the Cricket for yourself in the video below.
How do I know if my GMC Acadia has a tow package?
The fastest way to check if your Acadia has the tow package is to look for a trailer hitch. If your Acadia doesn't have a trailer hitch, it doesn't have the trailering package.
If it has a trailer hitch, it either has the trailering package or an aftermarket hitch. In this case, you can locate the vehicle identification number [VIN] in the front corner of the instrument panel.
Once you have the VIN, contact your GMC dealer. They should be able to tell you if the hitch is part of the trailering package or was added later. It is essential to know, as your Acadia will have a lower towing capacity without the full trailering package.
Does the Acadia have a hitch?
The Acadia does not come with a trailer hitch standard. However, the trailering package is available for all trim levels of Acadia and includes the genuine GM trailer hitch.
If you already have an Acadia that doesn't have the trailering package, you can still get a trailer hitch for it. You can buy the genuine GM trailer hitch online, such as this one for the 2017 to 2021 model years.
Third-party manufacturers also produce trailer hitches for the Acadia. These hitches typically cost less than those produced by GMC. The hitch below, from Curt, is compatible with Acadia's from model years 2017 to 2022, except for AT4 trim levels.
Click here to see this trailer hitch on Amazon.
When adding an aftermarket trailer hitch receiver to your vehicle, it is always best to have it done by a trusted professional. Improper hitch installation is dangerous for you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.
If you have the necessary tools and expertise or are just curious to see how this hitch is installed, you can see the process in the video below.
Can a GMC Acadia tow a boat?
Campers aren't the only way to enjoy the great outdoors. When the weather is warm, and the sun is out, there's nowhere better to be than on the water.
Whether you want to zip around on a jet ski or take it slow on a pontoon, the Acadia get you and your boat there. The secret is getting the correct setup for your towing capacity.
Towing a Boat without the Acadia's Trailering package
Without the trailering package, you'll want to look for lighter watercraft.
In this case, a jet ski is a great option. The Sea-Doo Spark 2Up and the Wave trailer have a combined weight of 593 lbs, well within the range of your Acadia.
There are even some pontoons you can tow if you look on the mini side. The Aqua Cycle II and this mini-pontoon trailer have a combined weight of 536 lbs, even lighter than the jet ski setup!
Towing a boat with the Acadia's Trailering package
With GMC's trailering package, your Acadia can handle bigger boats for more fun on the water.
A bigger pontoon will help you enjoy fishing and lounging in style. The Bass Buggy 16XL has an average package weight [including the trailer] of 2,430 lbs.
Whether you have the trailering package or not, you'll, of course, want to be careful when loading and towing your boat. Check out our article, "How to Trailer-Tow a Boat," for more information on this topic.
Final Thoughts
Now you know more about how to reach the Acadia's maximum towing capacity. You've also seen some great options for boats and campers at every level. We've also learned about some of the features included in the GMC Acadia's trailering package.
With this knowledge in hand, you'll be ready for your next outdoor adventure. Safe driving and happy hauling!