Recommendation needed for first camper trailer

theoldwizard1 4 people will be in truck (2 adults 2 children). Not so much in the bed, its only 5' maybe 2 dogs and some gear. GVWR is 6k,the type of towing will be hills and mountains, some flats. No dirt bikes or quads. The bunks will be for my kids.
KD$UPL the standard Colorado is 7k towing, ZR2 is 5k

thank you both for your insight and wisdom!

I really thought the diesel Colorado had a higher tow rating than that.
Keep in mind their are many kinds of trailers and a hard sided travel trailer is by far the most difficult to tow. A truck that may be well suited to tow a 5,000 pound boat may be a struggling handful with a 4,000 pound travel trailer.
The dry weight of a trailer doesn't include water, propane, or a battery. You then have to add all of your food and gear.
If your tow rating really is 5,000 and the trailer really is 4,000 pounds dry then I would say you have too much trailer for that truck.

Did Chevy offer a towing package as an option and do you have it installed ?

Unloaded that trailer weighs 4000 lbs. You might be surprised how fast you can add 1000 lbs ! The other big issue is what are you going to have in the truck. 4 people ? How much in the bed ? What is the GVWR for the truck and the GCVWR (truck and trailer) ?

The other big factor is type of towing. Flat, hills or mountains ?

Yes, you are borderline, but it is doable. Just watch what heavy object you plan to add (no dirt bikes or quads).


P.S. Those "double" bunks will hold 2 people shorter than 5'4" and less than 125 lbs.

What is the Colorado’s payload max? What weight will you carry in the truck...people, pets, stuff?

Unfortunately you violated the rule..buy or select the TT first. Then match a TV to it.

Yes, with that TT weighing 3948 dry, loaded and wet you’ll be over 5000 pounds. Full fresh water alone will be 825 pounds.