The Chevy Colorado is a popular midsize truck built for both work and play. One of the standout features of Colorado is its towing capabilities, especially based on its size and class. But, how much can you tow with Chevy Colorado? We've researched to get the answer for you.
Equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine capable of 191 lb-ft of torque, standard Colorado has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The GCWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating) of the 2.5L 4-cylinder Colorado is 8,500 pounds. Chevy Colorado has two other engine options that alter towing capacity:
- 3.6L DOHC V6 Colorado can tow up to 7,000 pounds, has 275 lb-ft of torque and has a maximum GCWR of 12,000 pounds.
- 2.8L Turbo-Diesel Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds, with 369 lb-ft of torque and a maximum GCWR at 12,700 pounds.
If you want to know how to equip Chevy Colorado for maximum towing capacity, keep reading as we delve into the powerful hauling features this pickup has to offer. We will also suggest travel trailers, 5th wheels, and boats that you can hitch-up to Colorado to let playtime begin.
How Can You Increase Towing Capacity?
There is no way to increase the towing capacity for Colorado. The recommended capacity and GVWR provided by Chevy is determined to protect the vehicle, passengers, and gear when traveling. Adding additional weight beyond the recommended towing capacity is dangerous.
However, it is possible to shift the weight distribution when hitching a trailer to the truck to redistribute the total weight that the hitch occupies by adding either a 5th wheel hitch or gooseneck hitch. Although it will not necessarily allow for an increase in towing capacity, hitch choice helps to distribute weight more efficiently while maintaining the GCWR.
What Happens if You Exceed Towing Capacity?
Although not recommended to exceed the towing capacity of any vehicle, sometimes it is not possible to avoid it. When you exceed the towing capacity of the truck, it can cause the internal mechanisms of the vehicle to begin to break down. The transmission works harder under the stress of added weight, which causes the transmission to overheat. Excess heat diminishes the transmission fluid, eliminating the lubrication to cause transmission parts to seize.
Exceeding towing capacity can also damage the truck's brakes and tires. In short, be careful not to exceed the towing capacity!
Can a Chevy Colorado Pull a Travel Trailer?
With its high towing capacity, the higher engine Chevy Colorado can easily pull a travel trailer or camper. It is essential to be aware of the total weight of the trailer once it is fully loaded, so as not to overweight the truck.
A smaller trailer, not to exceed 3,500 pounds, can be pulled with the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine such as:
- Jayco Jay Flight SLX weighing 2,945 pounds,
- Keystone Bullet Crossfire at 3,314 pounds, or
- Coleman Light weighing 5,704 pounds.
Chevy Colorado can also tow lightweight, single horse trailers made of aluminum.
Can A Chevy Colorado Pull A 5th Wheel?
It is possible to pull a 5th wheel with a Chevy Colorado equipped with the larger engine and 5th wheel hitch. So long as the truck is capable of pulling between 7,000 and 7,700 pounds, which is possible with the larger engine options, the modified hitch allows for an effortless pull.
There are different options for 5th wheel hitches to use to modify the Chevy Colorado to tow a Durango Half-Ton D250RES at 7,300 pounds or Allen Idle 219 RKS at 7,600 pounds.
However, since most 5th wheel trailers tend to be heavier than 3,500 pounds, the standard 2.6L 4-cylinder engine is not likely to pull a fifth wheel. The 19-foot fiberglass Scamp trailer would be the optimum 5th wheel trailer for a standard Chevy Colorado because it is maneuverable and lightweight, allowing for a comfortable, safe tow.
Can A Chevy Colorado Pull A Boat?
With the combined weight of a boat and trailer, a standard 4-cylinder Chevy Colorado can pull a boat that weighs less than 3,500 pounds. But the higher engine Colorado, either V6 or Turbo Diesel, can tow 7,000 pounds or 7,700 pounds, respectively, meaning it can pull a larger boat and trailer.
Some possible boats that could be towed are:
- Pontoon boats such as the Lowe SS210,
- Fishing boats like Bass Cat Jaguar or Charger Elite 210, or
- Ski boats such as the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk.
Each of these boats weighs less than 3,500 pounds, ranging from 1,700 pounds to 2,750 pounds. An aluminum boat trailer typically weighs between 200 and 300 pounds, while a fiberglass trailer can weigh between 200 and 570 pounds, depending on the length of the trailer. The Chevy Colorado can pull any of these lighter boats and trailers comfortably and safely.
Conclusion
Chevy Colorado is a quality, comfortable midsize pickup that provides the towing power of a full-size pickup, evident in its towing capacities. The high towing capacity for the size of the vehicle, along with other features such as the crew cab, bed extension options, and luxury interior cabin, make Chevy Colorado an excellent choice for a midsize truck with a powerful punch.
Get informed before you tow, by reading our related articles: