Towing Impressions, Round Two - 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

Towing Impressions, Round Two - 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Long-Term Road Test

This update to Edmunds' long-term 2015 Chevy Colorado includes discussion of towing a car trailer.

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adamb1

Does that trailer have breaks, truck a controller?

csubowtie

That's pretty awesome that this truck can handle a load like that. Back in the '90s my dad used to pull our racecar (similar setup) with his 1500 Silverado, and eventually upgraded to a heavy duty truck. 1/2 tons were a rarity in the pits. That this truck can do what older full size trucks used to do, and with the same or better competence is impressive. With an older S-10, Ranger, or Tacoma something like this would be out of dire emergency only, and likely pushing the legality in terms of exceeding the ratings.

tom_in_mn

7000# is well north? Isn't 80% (5600#) of rated the usual guideline due to gross weight limits?

yellowmiata

I agree with tom_in_mn that 7000lbs is *not* "well north" of 6300lbs with regard to towing and towing safety. But everyone has their own margin of safety. I'm unsure about cars, but motorcycles' weights are grossly underreported and are usually given as "dry weight." Once fuel, oil and fluids are added, along with passenger weight (+200 for me!) that 700lb buffer might shrink to below my confidence level.

HOWEVER - I do like that sometimes we've gotta do with what we have. I can't afford to go buy a different truck just to tow this or that for a weekend. Most truck owners are going to tow their X or Y with the truck they have, even if it is right at the limit or, gasp, a bit over. So +1 to IL for giving an honest simulation as to how a normal single-vehicle owner will use that truck to meet all needs.

(Dan Edmunds - I do follow the same guidelines that you espouse with safety as an early and often check. One key to the tow ratings printed by manufacturers is the problem with consistency and standardization. I'll be intrigued to see how tow ratings shift as SAE J 2807 ratings are adopted industry-wide.)

bassracerx

i would really enjoy a full size V6 review maybe you guys can get a sierra with the 4.3 engine and do a towing test?

slowpokes3r

I have been considering a Jayco Octane 222 (http://www.jayco.com/products/toy-haulers/2016-octane-super-lite/222/) toy hauler, which has a GVWR of 8000 lbs. The dry weight is 5015 lbs. Let the RV dealer tell it, the 2015 Colorado Z71 3.6L will tow just fine. Does anyone think this is not a good move? I do have the Blackbird trailer brake controller, and a weight distribution system (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005SB6S3Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00) with sway control. I did a test tow and my Colorado seemed a bit thirsty, but she did what we came do do. I've towed lots of things in the military, but this is new for me. Thanks for your input. Ray