How much can this truck REALLY tow?

[CO-traveler]

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.

[mich800]

CO-traveler wrote:

VernDiesel wrote:
I've driven a diesel Colorado with a green diesel (GDE) beta tune. And would definitely spring for a tune with EGR shutoff for long problem free ownership. It won't be fast but it will tow OPs TT to 6k over the Eisenhower pass respectably as shown by FLTs on you tube especially with a power bump from a safe well tested tune such as GDEs.

I transport TTs for the Mfgs with a half ton diesel truck. My concern is the narrow wheelbase in the winds with a long tall flat sided TT. You will need to learn good hitch setup for sure. And be willing to wait it out if it's really windy. Also long tow mirrors to see behind you. But good hitch setup maximized once at a scale will go a long way to make it a safe stable wiggle free combination. And it's much cheaper than buying a large heavy 3/4 ton that doesn't fit the rest of your life.

Make sure your truck has the trailer brake controller. The trailer brake controller with the turbo brake will allow you to safely and comfortably control speed and to descend the grades with a load behind you. If you buy the truck and TT and want help with learning how to properly set up your weight distribution on a scale PM me. PS I would also look at & drive a 2017 Ram Ecodiesel & if you can wait until next summer the Ford 150 diesel. With the optional smaller cab and shorter bed configurations and optional air suspension that lowers the truck for easy entry and bed loading the Ram may also fit in your garage and size criteria.

Does a diesel tune void your warranty? I'm guessing it does so probably wouldn't do that right off the bat. Thanks for the heads up on the upcoming diesel half-tons. I wasn't aware those makes had a diesel option in that size class.

Technically yes. But depending on what warranty work is performed they will not necessarily be looking for it. But rest assured any tune that defeats an emission control or turns up power will likely be scrutinized if you have any engine/transmission/emissions issues.

[CO-traveler]

VernDiesel wrote:
I've driven a diesel Colorado with a green diesel (GDE) beta tune. And would definitely spring for a tune with EGR shutoff for long problem free ownership. It won't be fast but it will tow OPs TT to 6k over the Eisenhower pass respectably as shown by FLTs on you tube especially with a power bump from a safe well tested tune such as GDEs.

I transport TTs for the Mfgs with a half ton diesel truck. My concern is the narrow wheelbase in the winds with a long tall flat sided TT. You will need to learn good hitch setup for sure. And be willing to wait it out if it's really windy. Also long tow mirrors to see behind you. But good hitch setup maximized once at a scale will go a long way to make it a safe stable wiggle free combination. And it's much cheaper than buying a large heavy 3/4 ton that doesn't fit the rest of your life.

Make sure your truck has the trailer brake controller. The trailer brake controller with the turbo brake will allow you to safely and comfortably control speed and to descend the grades with a load behind you. If you buy the truck and TT and want help with learning how to properly set up your weight distribution on a scale PM me. PS I would also look at & drive a 2017 Ram Ecodiesel & if you can wait until next summer the Ford 150 diesel. With the optional smaller cab and shorter bed configurations and optional air suspension that lowers the truck for easy entry and bed loading the Ram may also fit in your garage and size criteria.

Does a diesel tune void your warranty? I'm guessing it does so probably wouldn't do that right off the bat. Thanks for the heads up on the upcoming diesel half-tons. I wasn't aware those makes had a diesel option in that size class.

[ksss]

An applicable saying is. A lot can always do a little, but a little can never do a lot.

That said, there are always limits. If the Colorado fits your life better than a full size, and it will tow your trailer perhaps not the first to the top of the hill but it will pull it. I would buy the Colorado. They are well built, I have yet to speak to anyone that owns one that is not happy with it. Your weights will be close, but doable it appears. I would get the long box version if it will fit in your garage. It would give you just a bit more wheelbase and make towing that much better.

[Wishin]

I think it would tow it fine. Sure, might not be the fastest up the mountain passes, but it seemed to do pretty good during the Ike Gauntlet test and it used a lot less fuel than some other options while doing it. If you can fit the long wheelbase version in your garage, I'm sure it would be more stable, hard to say how much.

[hvac]

Another thought. Look for a good used 2014 camplite. Last of the all metal top to bottom.

[hvac]

First, don't buy a trailer that has wood in its construction. Second with a small turbo diesel you can run in 70% 80% of your rated capacity if you have good distribution. I use Andersen WD. Try and keep frontal surface down for your smaller truck. 7.5 ft in width. Look at the camplite 21 RBS or bunk. They have reduced the durability over the past few years but just checked and still no wood.

https://www.livinlite.com/products/camplite-travel-trailers/CL21BHS.html

[VernDiesel]

I've driven a diesel Colorado with a green diesel (GDE) beta tune. And would definitely spring for a tune with EGR shutoff for long problem free ownership. It won't be fast but it will tow OPs TT to 6k over the Eisenhower pass respectably as shown by FLTs on you tube especially with a power bump from a safe well tested tune such as GDEs.

I transport TTs for the Mfgs with a half ton diesel truck. My concern is the narrow wheelbase in the winds with a long tall flat sided TT. You will need to learn good hitch setup for sure. And be willing to wait it out if it's really windy. Also long tow mirrors to see behind you. But good hitch setup maximized once at a scale will go a long way to make it a safe stable wiggle free combination. And it's much cheaper than buying a large heavy 3/4 ton that doesn't fit the rest of your life.

Make sure your truck has the trailer brake controller. The trailer brake controller with the turbo brake will allow you to safely and comfortably control speed and to descend the grades with a load behind you. If you buy the truck and TT and want help with learning how to properly set up your weight distribution on a scale PM me. PS I would also look at & drive a 2017 Ram Ecodiesel & if you can wait until next summer the Ford 150 diesel. With the optional smaller cab and shorter bed configurations and optional air suspension that lowers the truck for easy entry and bed loading the Ram may also fit in your garage and size criteria.

[kw_00]

From what I see u should be fine. I agree we all don't need a 3/4 ton or 1 ton just to pull a small camper. My BIL has a Tacoma and is looking at a camper similar to pull. Yes he is still within his weight ratings. The new Gm twins with the duramax will be a fine towing machine. I have a friend currently trying to purchase one as well. His trailer is similar as well in weights and size. Again within the weight rating. If I was not using a big camper I would not have a big truck either. I would go for what your doing for sure. My BIL stepped down from a large TT and F250 to a Tacoma and he loves the fact it fits in his garage... Right now is a good time in Florida to have your trucks in the garage...... Anyway it looks like your fine in my opinion. As long as your in the weight capacity of what your truck is, I would not care. Good luck let us know how u like that truck with the diesel. I saw one the other day and was Impressed with the size and capability of these new so called midsized trucks.

[GWolfe]

Colorado/Canyon Forum This may be a good place for you to ask your question. Personally I think you will be OK with the set up.

[otrfun]

Based on the various manufacturer's ratings, the Colorado/Canyon diesel should tow a 5k-6k TT comfortably. Yes, this diesel is a bit lacking in raw HP (181 @ 3.4k), but it makes up for it with 369 lb. ft. of torque at 2k. As for towing stability, the Colorado/Canyon is similar in weight to Ford's 1/2-ton aluminum F150 (slightly less than 5k) . . . so my guess there shouldn't be any stability issues.

IMO, the real issue in many of these discussions is the realworld weight (both pin and tow) of any given TT. Many of these discussions are based on the weight of an empty, bare-bones, low-ball, option-free, TT. Not the kind of weight figure I'd want to base a sizable monetary purchase, or my family's safety, on.

[1stgenfarmboy]

CO traveler.....the only way to really know is buy them both and tow it to your favorite spot and see how you feel about it, some people feel good about towing some loads that others would be very uncomfortable with...... if it is within the limits of the weight ratings and you feel good about it then your golden, If not you will know what you need to do.


I bought a 3200lb truck camper for my truck and was within the limits, but even after adding all the sway bars, air bags, extra springs, heavy tires, it still was not a relaxing trip for us.

So after hauling it for 7 years we went back to a TT, that is the reason I am pulling a smallish TT with a 1ton dually diesel with all the add ons, it don't need it for what I tow but that is what I have now.

[transamz9]

1stgenfarmboy wrote:
When personaly attacking a person do it in a pm.

don't mess up the OP's thread.

Not personally attacking anyone. Sorry you took it that way.;)

[blt2ski]

My 6.5 with a 185/385 was never as slow as Turtles 6.5! Then again, I believe he has an auto version, I had a NV4500 with 2000 lbs less gcwr than him.......usually found I could go down the road at 15-16000 lbs with out too many issues. Thats upwards of 4000 lbs OVER my gcwr, and over the auto version by 2000 lbs. I went up 15% grades in 3rd gear, ie gear below direct in Yellowstone doing 35 at 2600 with throttle to spare. Could not pull those grades in direct mind you! But i was much faster than I was 9 years earlier, pulling the same trailer, 1000 lbs lighter with a higher rated POS 454/TH400 combo! I was in first gear doing 25-30, waiting to stall out!
As noted, a non turbo at 10K feet with not do as well as the turbo rig! I can not imagine the OP being in the mid teen gcw relm as I was. 11-12K yes, but 14-15K+ not! Also, the trailer he is looking at is 7.5' wide, vs mine at 8'. I also doubt it will be 11' tall, probably 9-10', so frontal area will not be as bad.
I doubt there would be as much issues as people saying!

marty

[CO-traveler]

1stgenfarmboy wrote:
don't you want it to be relaxing when you go camping ?, I don't know if you can leave a truck sitting outside of the garage where you live, but if you can I would buy a used 3/4 ton in your price range and leave it out and be happy towing your new TT that you want.


For me I would rather have a TT I wan't and an older truck that can eat it for lunch when towing, than get a smaller TT that will work but not really what you want and a smaller truck that can fit in the garage and tow the TT ok but struggle at times.

The thing is we have huge hail storms pretty regularly here in the Front Range and they do quite a bit of damage to vehicles and structures. One from back in May closed down an entire shopping mall that still hasn't reopened. That with the snow storm dumps in the winter, I want to utilize the garage for my wife and my vehicle. We have a new construction house and it has a "3-car garage" but it's one of those tandem garages where one of the bays is double depth. That's why I can accommodate the CC long-bed but not the width of a full-size truck with trailering mirrors.