Towing a pop up with 4cylinder SUV

[kjmiller127]

My current lease on a 6-cylinder Chevy Equinox with factory towing package is up soon and I'm thinking about getting another Equinox.

I got the 6-cylinder (able to tow up to 3500lbs) to tow my pop up camper (2006 Forest River Flagstaff 206ltd, 1,450bs)

I'm thinking about getting a 4-cylnder Equinox now (can tow 1,500lbs) because I only camp 3-5 times a summer, no longer than 3 hours away, and mostly on highways and back roads, rarely up and down big hills. The 6-cylinder and more power costs decent amount more money and I only need it for towing my pop up.

Can I get by with the 4-cylinder model of the equinox? Thanks!

[kjmiller127]

Above writer is correct, the 2018 equinox four-cylinder does come in Different styles, one of which is the 2.0 L engine, with a towing package they can handle up to 3500 pounds, well above what I need. Thank you for the advice

[Dadoffourgirls]

As I recommended, the 2.0 4cyl turbo comes with the trailer package standard, is rated for 3500lbs towing, and has 1100lbs payload.

You would be under all the ratings for this this vehicle.

The OP stated that the extreme usage was 3-5 times a year, and no longer than 3 hours. I would agree that this usage falls within the version I identified.

[BenK]

Or....

"for the day Mr Murphy crosses your path...either your have the proper sized whatever(s) and setup correctly...or...NOT...spot on...there will be no time to go back to the store...nor time to resetup"

Makes no difference whether short trip down the road or across the country...Mr Murphy is always there waiting to cross your path

Plus..."It only happens to the other guy"...tell that to that other guy...

Size, ratings/limits and setup is all for that day Mr Murphy crosses your path...boils down to the ability to both the driver and setup to manhandle the situation...or not...

Lost to, too many folks, is the fact that all things engineered & designed are NOT for the good days when anything 'can' tow it...but...for that Mr Murphy day...

That ability to manhandle it is spelled out in ALL of OEM's specifications/ratings/limits/etc info and is their contract to the owner of its abilities...but only to that specification/rating/limit...that is also all of the OEM's CYA (read the fine print too)

DutchmenSport wrote:
WHENEVER I read statements like this:

"I only camp 3-5 times a summer, no longer than 3 hours away, and mostly on highways and back roads, rarely up and down big hills. "

I divert your attention to this quotation that I created. Regardless of what you tow with .... PLEASE think about what I'm saying here:

“You really need to think in terms of what is the ultimate extreme usage you'll be experiencing with your truck, not what is the lightest usage and hope it's OK when the extreme happens."

[DutchmenSport]

WHENEVER I read statements like this:

"I only camp 3-5 times a summer, no longer than 3 hours away, and mostly on highways and back roads, rarely up and down big hills. "

I divert your attention to this quotation that I created. Regardless of what you tow with .... PLEASE think about what I'm saying here:

“You really need to think in terms of what is the ultimate extreme usage you'll be experiencing with your truck, not what is the lightest usage and hope it's OK when the extreme happens."

[Dadoffourgirls]

kjmiller127 - The all-new Equinox comes with a 1.5 and 2.0 turbo 4 cylinder, or a 1.6 turbo 4 cylinder diesel.

If you liked your current Equinox, I would encourage you to look for a new Equinox with the 2.0. It comes standard with the trailer hitch. It is rated for 3500lbs. All wheel drive can now be turned off, and you can get 30 mpg. The 2.0 has a 9 speed transmission that does a great job.

All of the above is my opinion of new Equinox. I have experienced this vehicle. #IWorkForGM

[Bedlam]

I used to tow a boat, fiberglass camper trailer and pop up camper trailer with a little 4-cylinder 120+ hp truck, but it had a 5000 lb receiver, full frame, upgraded suspension and better gearing to do so. I think that SUV is too close to its maximum in that trim/option level and may damage it resulting in big repair costs.

[bikendan]

That 1450lbs number is the fantasy dry weight.
Loaded for camping, it'll exceed the 1500lbs towing capacity of the 4cyl car, which is rated with only a 150lb driver in it.

[ppine]

A 4 cylinder Equinox is not designed to tow anything. Don't buy it and don't lease it.

[theoldwizard1]

You will exceed the recommend tow/gross weight limits. Your call after that.

[SpeakEasy]

Here's a thought: why not just rent a truck to tow your camper for those few times you go camping? Compare the cost of the less-expensive lease to the overall cost of renting a truck.

I'm pretty sure you'll be over your limits for towing and payload with the 4-cylinder you're considering.

-Speak

[carringb]

Why don't you just buy out the 6-cyl you have now?

FYI - your actual purchase price is probably a lot less than the original stated residual value, because those values are often inflated to cause more attractive lease terms, and the Equinox has lower resale values than most of its class, meaning you can probably negotiate a very nice buy-out.

[donn0128]

Not likely. That 1500 pound towing rating is for a bare bones vehicle with one 150 pound person. Add more, subtract towing ability.
Your 1500 pound tent trailer, is that fully loaded ready to go or the advertised "dry" weight? Again, loaded for a trip your likely more than a 4 bangers towing rating.

[BarneyS]

Given the parameters you have stated, my guess is that you would be fine. This is only a guess however.
Barney