Parts Needed to Tow a 5.5K Trailer with a 2018 Chevy Colorado
Question:
I own a 2018 Chevy Colorado with a towing capacity of 7k pounds. Towing a 5500 pound trailer is within the max but I am confortable with just the math. Can I really do this? And what do I need to do to the truck? Thanks
asked by: Armando G
Expert Reply:
I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2018 Chevy Colorado and it looks like as long as you have the 3.6L V6 (not the ZR2) then you definitely can safely tow up to a 7K trailer.
With that being said, there are a few things to note; like how much weight you have in the pickup, if the 5,500 lbs for the trailer is GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) or if that's the dry weight, and that you'll need both a brake controller and a weight distribution system. I'm assuming you already have a hitch and wiring but if you don't I recommend using the etrailer hitch # e98909 and the Hopkins Wiring # HM11141144.
Then for a brake controller I really like the Curt Echo # C51180 because it simply plugs into your 7-Way connector and then you can use an Apple or Android device to adjust settings. When you aren't towing you can easily store the controller in your glove box.
For a weight distribution system I highly recommend the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084 because it has one of the best anti-sway systems on the market. This means that it will be a lot easier to maintain control while towing with cross-winds or when being passed by larger vehicles. This has a tongue weight range of 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs and since you combine both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer with any weight behind the rear axle of your vehicle, this will give you ample support for loading up your truck bed.
It is worth noting that you want to try to keep the tongue weight of your trailer within 10-15% of the weight of the trailer. I recommend using our Tongue Weight Scale # e99044 to help make sure you properly load your trailer all the time.
Attached are some review videos and helpful articles that you can check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Hopkins Multi-Tow 7-Way Blade and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Chevrolet/GMC
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 800 lbs TW
- 8000 lbs GTW
- 10000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
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