Anyone who knows American pickup truck history knows what a pillar Chevrolet is. The classic American automaker has a long history of rugged vehicles that can tolerate all conditions.
If you’re looking at mid-sized pickups, you’ve undoubtedly come across the Chevy Colorado.
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Towing capacity is paramount when it comes to Chevy’s trucks. The Colorado is no exception. Depending on which model you choose, you’ll get up to 7,700 pounds of towing capacity.
But what can a Colorado tow, exactly? And how can you get the most out of your new Chevy?
Keep reading to learn all about this epic towing machine.
Is Chevy Colorado Good for Towing?
The Chevy Colorado is an excellent option if you need a truck that can tow large loads. However, depending on which options you choose, it might run you a few bucks. The base model 2022 Colorado WT starts at $25,000, while the top-of-the-line ZR2 will run you $42,550.
However, there’s one thing that’s important to note. The engine that offers the highest towing capacity is the Duramax turbo-diesel. You might expect that to be the priciest option. Surprisingly, it falls squarely in the middle at $36,000.
Included in that cost is an engine that gives the Colorado the power it needs to pull heavy loads. In addition, you’ll find the following specs:
- 50 cubic feet of storage space
- Optional 3.6 L V6 engine
- Optional trailering package
- Max 308 horsepower
- 4-wheel disc brakes with Duralife rotors
- Available 4-wheel-drive
What Can a Chevy Colorado Tow?
Since the Colorado has three towing options, there aren’t many limits to what it can tow. With a range of 3,500-7,700 pounds, you’ll have your pick of gear to take along with you. Of course, what you can pull depends entirely on which model you buy and whether you purchase the optional towing package.
A few examples of what you can tow with the base model are:
- A fully-loaded utility trailer
- A fishing boat
- A popup camper
- A pair of motorcycles or dirt bikes
If you go for a towing package, your options increase. With an upgraded towing package, you can tow:
- A travel trailer or small camper
- A mid-size vehicle
- A pontoon or other small boat
To get the most towing capacity out of your Colorado, you should consider the 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel. It bumps your towing capacity to 7,700 pounds without sacrificing fuel efficiency. You’ll be able to pull everything listed above and more.
How Much Can a Chevy Colorado Tow Safely?
| Model | Towing Capacity | Engine Options |
| WT | 3,500-7,000 pounds | ● 2.5 L 4-cylinder
● 3.6 L V6 |
| LT | 3,500 – 7,700 pounds | ● 2.5 L 4-cylinder
● 3.6 L V6 ● 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel |
| Z71 | 7,000 – 7,700 lbs | ● 3.6 L V6
● 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel |
| Z72 | 5,000 pounds | ● 2.5 L 4-cylinder
● 3.6 L V6 |
The Colorado’s towing capabilities range from 3,500 to 7,700 pounds, depending on your chosen model. For maximum safety, you should always use the proper towing package.
You can check out the table above to see what you can expect based on each model and engine type. Unsurprisingly, the turbo-diesel offers top-tier towing.
How To Increase the Towing Capacity of Your Chevy Colorado
The best way to increase your towing capacity is to opt for a more powerful engine. The 3.6L V6 doubles your Colorado’s towing capacity from 3,500 to 7,000 pounds. If you want to boost your towing capabilities even more, you can go for the Duramax turbo diesel. With the diesel option, you can tow up to 7,700 pounds.
Does Chevy Colorado Have a Towing Package?
Chevy’s towing package allows you to significantly increase your Colorado’s versatility. The base model Colorado comes with a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that maxes out at 3,500 pounds. The towing package offers twice that and includes the following:
- 2-inch hitch
- 4 pin connectors
- 4-way sealed connectors
- 7-wire harness
- 7 pin sealed connectors
- Automatic locking rear differentials
The features included in the towing package allow your non-diesel Colorado to safely tow up to 7,000 pounds. However, it’s vital that you only attempt to tow that much with the proper hitch and differentials.
You’ll also want to ensure the towing package is installed correctly before hooking up a trailer. Otherwise, you risk damaging your truck and trailer, and you could cause an accident.
How Much Does It Cost To Get a Tow Package Installed?
You have two options for installing the Colorado’s towing package. You can get it directly through Chevy or purchase a towing package aftermarket. Chevy’s prices are standard, but aftermarket prices can vary significantly.
Just be aware that aftermarket parts may not always meet the quality standards Chevy’s do. When you purchase parts, try to find actual Chevy parts or other highly-rated brand.
If you opt to go through Chevy, the 3,500 capacity trailer hitch will run you $280. You’ll also need a mount, which will cost an another $30-57. Additional costs might include a hitch receiver closeout and brake controller.
When you need to use your towing package, you can install it yourself easily. You’ll need the following tools:
- Torque wrench
- Socket wrench
- 21 and 13mm sockets
- Drill
- Safety equipment
Once you have the proper tools, you can follow the instructions below. There’s also a Youtube video that’ll walk you through the whole process.
- Remove the spare tire
- Remove the center bracket using your 13mm socket
- Using your 21mm socket, remove your bumper and cross member to make room for the hitch
- Reattach your rear bumper (attachment points should be visible now)
- Line your hitch up with the attachment points and bolt it in on either side
- Using your torque wrench, tighten each bolt to ensure your hitch is in position
- Remember to reattach your spare tire and center bracket
As you can see, installing your towing package isn’t terribly complex. However, since some parts, like the bumper and tire, can be a bit cumbersome, you might want to have help.
FAQs
Still curious about the Chevy Colorado’s towing capacity? Here are the answers to some common Colorado questions.
Can a Chevy Colorado really tow 7,000 pounds?
Yes, a Chevy Colorado can really tow 7,000 pounds. While the base model can only pull 3,500, you can use the optional towing package to double that.
Which Chevy Colorado is best for towing?
You should go for the turbo-diesel if you need maximum towing capacity. It offers up to 7,700 pounds of pulling power. That’s enough to pull a small camper, boat, or even another vehicle.
How do you know if your Chevy Colorado has a towing package available?
Each Colorado is fulling equipped to house a towing package. However, tow packages are sold as add-ons, so you’ll need to request yours when you purchase your truck.
Final Thoughts
The Chevy Colorado is an excellent option for anyone who wants a powerful truck that can pull heavy loads. You’ll have no trouble towing around everything you need to get the most out of your vehicle. Most importantly, you’ll be in the trusted hands of an iconic automaker.
