Question about tow vehicles

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

Does anyone tow with a Chevy Colorado or a GMC Canyon with the inline 5 cylinder eng?


My Jeep GC is a money pit now and it's time to trade.

[brainpause]

No, but I asked a fellow at a visitor's center how he liked it, and he liked it. Said it was quite powerful.

5 cylinders...interesting concept.

Larry

[towrod]

Power is only part of the towing equation.  Frame strength and brake system also figure into the tow capacity.  
FWIW I snipped this from Autoweb.com

"Canyon's towing capacity is considerably less than the old Sonoma's because GM designed it to do what mid-size pickups do most: Carry people and, occasionally, haul heavy loads in the bed. So Canyon is tuned for ride comfort rather than brute trailer-slogging strength."

[4Galvs]

Dave,

Looks like max towing of 4000# with a GVWR of 4850-5300# depending on model.  No GCWR listed on the GMC site. http://www.gmc.com/specs/specs_content_files/specs_towing.jsp?brand=canyon&vehicle=   I considered the crew cab version of Chevy/GMC, but we are pushing 450# tongue weight with our current set up.  What are you towing?  IIRC Didn't you have a Rockwood? or Viking?

The five cylinder shouldn't be a problem for power.  I understand the 4.2L six that the five is based on is probably underrated @ 270 bhp.  The five is rated @ 220 bhp.  Plenty of folks tow with less - Chevy Astro vans for example have only 195 bhp.

If we had to do it again (not going to happen any time soon) I would have to look long and hard at the Silverado 1500 HD Crew Cab.

Good luck.

[Jofabietz]

not that I've ever been shy about my opinion.....
for the money (in this area) the silverado was so close in price just seemed like a better value.

[flyfisherman]

As everybody knows, tow ratings can sometimes be a little deceptive, maybe not being all what they lead one to believe in the sales brochures. Let me give you an example: I had a 2000 GMC Sonoma with the 4.3 V-6, auto trans along with a 3.42 rear end ratio and a HD suspension. Proved to be a most excellent handling tow vehicle for both of my popups. I especially liked the performance of that V-6 engine - smooth, quiet and powerful - thought it was just perfect for the Sonoma. The sales literature (and the owner's manual) stated a wopping tow rating of 6400 lbs; however, there was some fine print which said to "See the GMC Trailering guide for futher details". The "guide" said what we all know, that the weight of optional equipment, passengers and cargo would reduce that tow rating ... but it also said another very interesting thing ... "When using a weight carrying hitch, the maximun trailer weight is 3,500 lbs with a 350-lb tounge weight. A weight-distributing hitch and sway control is required for trailer weights greater than 3,500 lbs."

As I said, liked the performance of the little Sonoma but that HD suspension proved to be too much for me. When driving the little truck around empty it would beat me unmerciful, I mean you'd feel every crease and bump in the road. One day a friend and I took a little trip in his full sized Chevy truck - could not believe how smooth that thing rode! When we returned I promptly went down to our local friendly GMC dealer and I now have a full sized '02 GMC Sierra. This thing drives better than some of my cars of yesteryear! Anyway, this truck has GM's small V-8 and it's tow rating is 6,600 lbs - again, the small print referring to  the "guide" which says, "When using a weight-carrying hitch, the maximum trailer weight is 5,000 lbs and a 600-lb tounge weight. A weight-distributing hitch and sway control is required for weights greater than 5,000 lbs."

My point to all this is maybe a check into the finer details of the trailer towing capacities might prove to be worthwhile. While there at the Mr. GoodWrench store, ask for their trailer towing guide and maybe check out the "bottom line" for towing capacities.


Fly

[hoppy]

Ditto from me regarding the Silverado 1500. I own a 2001 LD extended cab version with the 4.3 V-6, and it pulls my 2001 Coleman Mesa just great. The rated HP for my year was 200 hp. It came equiped with the Tow/Haul transmission option, but I rarely use it since it has plenty of power for my trips. Probably would need it traveling in the mountains though. Besides being my TV, it serves me perfectly as my all around vehicle also. Good around town gas mileage, and excellent dependability. ( 18 MPG / 22 highway) Great for hauling appliances, and tree branches and stuff to the recycling center. This vehicle works perfectly for me. I think you would be pleased with this choice for it's versatility and performance.

[towrod]

Hi, my name is Towrod, and I am a GMCaholic!
When we decided to move over to the Hard Side buying the TV was the first order of business.   Found a used 2000 GMC 2500 Crew Cab SB that really suits us.   I rides great and has plenty of pulling and stopping power for our needs.  I am envious of the mileage reports form those with the 1/2 tons though - I can only manage about 12-13 mpg and that drops to 10-11 when towing.

[hoppy]

Hi Towrod,

  If it's an consolation, I have not gauged my mileage while towing the PU... but it's a safe bet it would drop down in to 13-14 MPG range with this size engine. Probably would be less if I kicked in the Tow/Haul option, which adds about 500 RPM between shifts. I purchased this vehicle keeping in mind that it would be mainly used as my primeary vehicle, and TV secondary. It's tow rating is only 6,000 lbs, but it's just enough for my PU and additional cargo. If I was towing to the mountains, I sure would rather have your V-8 instead.