Towing with a 2014 Traverse

BubbaChris wrote:

Nvr2loud wrote:

Payload Max: 1397 lbs

Your post does not say how many plan to ride in the SUV while towing the trailer.

The payload number quoted above includes all passengers and gear inside the SUV and the tongue weight of your trailer.

My post does not state how many passengers.

The 1397 lbs is maximum payload rating for the Acadia / Traverse AWD version which includes all passengers, gear, and tongue weight.

My calculation of 3991 lbs maximum trailer weight is assuming that the entire 1397 lbs of payload is used.

Nvr2loud wrote:

Payload Max: 1397 lbs

Your post does not say how many plan to ride in the SUV while towing the trailer.

The payload number quoted above includes all passengers and gear inside the SUV and the tongue weight of your trailer.

I have an Acadia (GMC version of the Chevy Traverse)

Trailer max weight 5200 lbs
Tongue weight max without WDH 600 lbs
Tongue weight max WITH WDH 600 lbs
GCWR: 10,450 lbs
GVWR: 6,459 lbs
Payload Max: 1397 lbs

Therefore if the Acadia / Traverse is fully loaded including the 600 lbs of tongue weight...

GCWR (gross combined weight rating) of 10,450 lbs
minus
GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 6,459 lbs
equals
maximum trailer weight of 3,991 lbs (not 5200 lbs)

EDIT: Actual allowable trailer weight in this calculation would be the 3,991 lbs as found plus the 600 lbs of tongue weight accounted for in the payload. 3991 plus 600 = 4591 maximum trailer weight at 600 lbs of tongue weight.

This only applies if the Traverse has the factory towing package coded as V92. If it does not have the V92 package the maximum trailer weight is 2000 lbs total. Adding the components later does not increase the 2000 lb limit.

The Traverse can use a weight distributing hitch.

One more thing to look at is whether you can use a Weight Distributing hitch with the Traverse. Not sure if you can but the manual with tell.

Dry weight around 3000 lb, loaded for camping up to 4000 lb, should work fine. One big reason we say to keep the weight at those limits is because the hitch weight on that trailer will likely end up very close to the limit, about 500 lb. In fact if the trailer has a fresh water tank up front, filling the tank could well put it over the Traverse's allowable hitch weight.

They also should try to keep the trailer as short as possible, preferably under 22' or thereabouts overall, for safe handling with the relatively short wheelbase of the Traverse. Personally I'd try to keep it under 20'.

Also these: most are in the 3000lbs empty.
Forest River X-lite and Evo
KZ Spree escapes (196s)
Eco camp has a few different models

Lots of options. In addition to those above:

Forest River Micro Lite and Mini Lite
R-Vision Trail-Lite

To sleep 5-6 with a hard side and no canvas, they will be towing near their max. There are options in the 3500-4000 dry range that when package with you most common items, will be 4500-5000lbs.

I pulled a 23' Gulfstream Visa (now called Vista) that sleeps 5 with a Honda Pilot for 2 full summers of camping, but all within 5 hours of home. The Pilot is on the lowest end of the scale for towing, but it can be done, and it did so just fine.

Look at these LivinLight Most start at 2,500 pounds.