What Size Camper can a Chevy Equinox Pull

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

The Chevy Equinox is a popular crossover SUV that can be utilized for both everyday commutes and family trips. The Chevy Equinox becomes a desirable alternative for RV enthusiasts wishing to pull trailers, campers, and camping gear thanks to a strong engine and an available towing package.

It is important to learn more about the Chevy Equinox towing capacities, whether you presently own one or are thinking about buying one for your towing requirements.

Can it safely haul a recreational vehicle trailer? To ensure your Chevy Equinox can tow the best while remaining safe, we will take a look at the popular crossover SUV and discuss important safety towing guidelines.

The Chevy Towing Capacity

In a word, there are two engine options for the Chevy Equinox, each with a different towing capacity. While the more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine can handle up to 3,500 pounds, the EcoTec 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is standard and can only tow up to 1,500 pounds.

The base L and LS trim levels come with a 1.5-liter engine, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine found in the LT and Premier trim levels allows for more towing capacity.

The front-wheel drive L and all-wheel drive LS versions have a GCWR rating of 5,247 pounds when powered by the EcoTec 1.5 engine, enabling a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds.

On the other hand, the impressive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine found in the Chevy Equinox LT and Premier variants offers the exceptional maximum towing capability of up to 3,500 pounds.

Towing with your Chevy Equinox Safely

Despite the Chevy Equinox's reputation for dependability and safety, there are a few important factors to take into account when towing with an Equinox.

First off, you should be aware that all-wheel drive variants can manage up to 5,952 pounds while front-wheel drive vehicles can handle a maximum weight of 5,787 pounds.

This implies that any additional weight should not be greater than these restrictions, in addition to the basic weight of the vehicle and any internal cargo such as people and baggage.

Failure to adhere to this guideline can result in premature wear and damage to various vehicle components, not to mention it poses a significant safety risk.

Secondly, it is advisable to refrain from towing anything during the initial 500 miles of owning your new vehicle. During this break-in period, the vehicle is not yet suitable for heavy hauling.

Even after surpassing the first 500 miles, it remains important to maintain moderate speeds and make frequent stops for the next 500 miles as you gradually introduce towing. This cautious approach helps ensure the longevity and proper performance of your Equinox.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox a Good Car for Towing?

While the Chevrolet Equinox is undeniably a superb vehicle, it is challenging to label it as an ideal choice for towing. Searching for a compact camper becomes quite labor-intensive with constant concerns about potentially surpassing its towing limits.

The most optimistic outlook for the Chevrolet Equinox lies in the potential for improved towing capacity following its anticipated redesign.

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What Kind of Campers Can a Chevy Equinox Tow?

With a maximum towing capability of 1,500 pounds, the Chevy Equinox models with 1.5-liter engines are appropriate for smaller trailers like pop-up campers and lightweight teardrop campers.

In comparison, the towing capability of Chevy Equinox cars powered by 2.0-liter gasoline engines may go as high as 3,500 pounds. This increased capacity allows them to handle larger options like lightweight fiberglass travel trailers and Airstream Caravels.

Can a Chevy Equinox Tow a Camper or Trailer?

The sorts of campers you can tow with the Chevy Equinox are restricted, but it can pull RV trailers when outfitted with a towing kit.

The Chevy Equinox 1.5 and 2.0 engine trim levels both have modest towing capacities, ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds.

Therefore, you should consider camper trailers with a dry weight slightly less than these towing capacities.

What is the Best Chevy Equinox Model for Towing a Camper?

The LT and Premier trim versions of the Chevy Equinox include all-wheel drive and a more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that can tow up to 3,500 pounds at its utmost capability.

Additionally, a towing package is more likely to be included in these top two trim levels or be an add-on option. While the Premier trim offers additional creature comforts and special features compared to the LT trim, it does not impact the towing capacity in any way.

Tips for Towing with your Chevy Equinox

Ensure your brakes are in good condition. This is of utmost importance, as towing places additional stress on your vehicle's braking system.

It is essential to verify that your brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid are all in optimal condition for towing, even if your trailer is equipped with brakes.

Maintain ample stopping distance. Towing necessitates more frequent stops, so it is crucial to leave at least an extra car length of space between your vehicle and others when coming to a stop.

Follow a 55 MPH or below speed limit. Consult your owner's handbook for advice. Generally, hauling a trailer is advised at a speed of 55 MPH or less. In many places, this speed restriction is likewise governed by law, safeguarding the safety of you, other drivers on the road, and your cargo.

Carry a spare trailer tire. Unforeseen situations can arise when you are on the road with a heavy load, therefore having a spare trailer tire on hand, much like carrying a spare regular tire, is vital for addressing unexpected tire-related issues.

Utilize a lower gear. It is essential to avoid overdriving while towing. Staying in a lower gear ensures that the transmission can more rapidly reduce engine speed, preventing strain on the overdrive gear and ensuring safe towing.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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