How much can this truck REALLY tow?

RinconVTR wrote:

CO-traveler wrote:
Hi, I got my garage organized so my wife and I can fit both cars in. My dreams of owning a great big, 3/4 ton 4x4 crew cab were dashed when I realized I was squeezing just to get out of my current midsize pickup. So, I have my sights set on a new Colorado/Canyon crew cab with the 2.8L duramax diesel to pull a smallish bunkhouse TT.

now to my question: The published literature states the truck can pull 7600#. Payload carrying capacity is around 1500 lbs. give or take depending on trim level. So, realistically to be safe, what weight of TT can I safely tow without being overloaded. I found a trailer that would fit our needs (wife and toddler son) and the dry weight is 4500 and a GVWR of 6500. It is the Dutchmen Apex 245BHS. I believe it is a 7.5' wide trailer with tandem axles. I doubt we would fill it up to the maximum of 6500 for travel so thinking more like 5500 lbs. wet and loaded.

What do you guys think of this tow combo? We live in the Rocky Mountains so the diesel with exhaust brake is appealing to be able to slow the rig down on those steep I-70 grades. I would be installing a good WD hitch with sway control of course.

I wont bother to read all 4 pages, so hopefully by now you have not been steered to a larger truck you were trying to avoid.

I believe the combo you state here would work very well together. Will it be a beast going up 6-8% grades, not exactly. But why is that so important to everyone when in the next breath they all claim how slow they tow and not to exceed 65mph. Bla Bla bla bla!

I've towed a TT weighing in at a little over 4000lbs with that mid-size SUV (Honda Pilot) so I'm confident you can much do better with a more trailer and a compact truck having 1500lb payload and decent tow rating.

Not everyone needs, wants, or can fit a big truck into their life (and garage!). People just don't get it here.

Good luck!