Parts Needed to Tow a 5.5K Trailer with a 2018 Chevy Colorado

Question

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

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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.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

The Reese and Draw-Tite products are manufactured by the same parent company, this means that the #26102 and #26002, Dual Cam Sway Control systems are the same, but there is a difference in the generations of the systems. The older systems had…

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Answer 2

Yes, The ProPride 3P Weight Distribution Hitch #PR57QR is going to be a great improvement from your current Andersen hitch. The chains/friction chains are far better. Using this hitch will limit the side to side movement of your trailer caused by…

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Answer 3

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…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 7

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 8

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 9

To replace your NOK AD2527E seal you can use #168233. It has an inner diameter of 1.688 inches and an outer diameter of 2.332 inches. Based on what I could find on the NOK AD2527E the inner diameter is the same and the outer diameter is 2.328 inches.…

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Answer 10

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 11

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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