Towing Capacity for 2016 Chevrolet Traverse without Factory Tow Package

Question

Question:

So we have a 2016 Chevy Traverse LT with front wheel drive and we recently purchased the Draw-Tite Class 3 round Tube hitch receiver. I noticed that it said max towing weight was 5000 lbs and I saw that Chevrolet said that the Traverse, when properly equipped is rated to tow 5200 lbs. I wasnt sure if i could actually tow 5000 lbs because i know that my vehicle does not have the factory installed towing package. So I am asking you if my vehicle would be able to tow this amount of weight. Also, Id like to throw in that along with the hitch, we have used a cargo rack and bike rack with the car so far and I am very happy to say that I am very pleased with this product. Thanks and I look forward to hearing your response soon!

asked by: Geoffrey B

0

Expert Reply:

When looking at weight capacities of a towing setup, you will always be limited by a system's weakest component. I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2016 Chevrolet Traverse and saw that for a front-wheel drive model that does not have the factory trailer towing package, the maximum trailer weight is 2,000 pounds. As you mentioned in your question, the factory towing package would have bumped it up to 5,200 pounds.

So with your Traverse that does not have the factory tow package, you will need to stay under 2,000 pounds of trailer weight even though the installed Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch # 75528 has a far greater capacity of 5,000 pounds.

If you do plan on towing with your vehicle, I recommend using the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56181 to install a 4-way trailer connector on your Traverse. The T-connector will plug directly into existing wiring on the vehicle. I have included a installation video for you to look at.

You will also need a ball mount like the Curt Class III Ball Mount # C45036 with a 2 inch drop. I have attached a link to our selection as well as a helpful article that details how to choose the correct one for your setup.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

Francine C.

7/18/2020

I have a 2017 traverse. Can I add the towing pkg and tow a trailer(3840)?

Reply

Chris R.

7/22/2020

In terms of increasing the capacity of your vehicle, the tow package cannot be added to your Traverse. You can certainly install everything you need to tow a trailer (hitch, wiring, brake controller, etc) but you're capacity will always be 2,000 pounds as listed in the owner's manual.

Reply

Answer 1

The 2015 through 2017 Chevy Traverse models have a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs with the V6 3.6L. If you were to purchase the models with the factory tow package (all except the LS base model), the capacity increases to 5200 lbs according to the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

According to my research, the 2015 Traverse is capable of towing up to 5200 lbs. Air helper springs are more meant to suspend cargo carried in the rear of your Traverse, but there are more effective ways eliminating the squat caused when a trailer is…

view full answer...

Answer 4

In regards to towing, it's never a bad idea to add an additional transmission cooler. The factory tow package on most vehicles like a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse comes with a larger or additional transmission cooler so if you don't have the…

view full answer...

Answer 5

I took a look at an online version of the owner's manual for a 2017 Chevy Traverse and it says that for an AWD without the V92 Trailer Towing Package the maximum trailer weight is 2,000 lbs and the GCWR is 7,700 lbs (GCWR is the total weight of…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The best weight distribution systems with sway control for highway driving are the Reese Strait-Line systems because of their dual cam proactive sway control. The Reese Strait-Line system is the only system that prevents sway before it starts instead…

view full answer...

Answer 7

For your 2017 Chevy Traverse, I recommend the CIPA Dual-View Clip-On Towing Mirror, #11953. This is a confirmed fit for your vehicle. CIPA's new dual-view clip-on towing mirror features two fully adjustable mirror surfaces to allow you to fully…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Curt recommends the use of 250 ft/lbs of torque when tightening the nuts of their hitch balls with a 1 inch diameter shank like the part #C40034 that you referenced. The general rule is for a 3/4" shank tighten to 150 ft/lbs For a 1" shank…

view full answer...

Answer 9

It sounds like you might have the 2-5/16 inch hitch ball on a weight distribution head assembly which can limit the access to the hitch ball nut. The weight distribution head is bolted to the the shank that inserts into the trailer hitch. I am…

view full answer...

Answer 10

In the trailer world GTW stands for Gross Trailer Weight, and TW means tongue weight. Gross trailer weight is the entire weight of the trailer and tongue weight is the amount of vertical load that is on the coupler of the trailer. Basically how the…

view full answer...

Answer 11

I recommend going with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #75607 hands down for your 2012 Chevy Colorado. I like this option over the Curt #13252 because it has a hidden crosstube which not only looks better, but it also means you'll…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Basically you want the tow bar to set as level as possible when flat towing. You have 3 inches up and down that is considered safe. Check out the picture I attached that shows what I mean. I also attached a help article that covers how to pick out…

view full answer...

Towing Capacity for 2016 Chevrolet Traverse without Factory Tow Package

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching