Research · Towing Guide
Chevy Towing Capacity by Model
From the Trailblazer's 1,000 pounds to the Silverado 3500HD's 36,000, here is every current Chevy SUV and truck ranked by maximum towing — with the caveats that matter. Tow-test one at Tim Lally Chevrolet near Cleveland.
The short answer
A properly equipped Chevy Silverado 1500 tows up to 13,300 lbs; heavy-duty 2500HD and 3500HD trucks reach 22,420 and 36,000 lbs. Among SUVs, the Tahoe leads at 8,400 lbs, while the Trailblazer tows 1,000 lbs.
Every figure below is a maximum rating for a properly equipped vehicle. Your real-world limit depends on cab, bed, engine, axle ratio, trailering package and how many people and how much cargo you carry. Use this as a shortlist, then confirm the exact truck at our Cleveland-area showroom.
SUVs & Crossovers
Chevy SUV towing capacity
| Model | Max towing (properly equipped) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Trax | Not rated for towing | Commuting; no factory tow rating |
| Trailblazer | Up to 1,000 lbs | Small utility trailer, jet skis |
| Equinox | Up to 1,500 lbs | Pop-up camper, small trailer |
| Blazer | Up to 4,500 lbs | Small boat, mid-size trailer |
| Traverse | Up to 5,000 lbs | Larger boat, travel trailer |
| Suburban | Up to 8,200 lbs | Big trailers with 3-row room |
| Tahoe | Up to 8,400 lbs | Boats, horse & RV trailers |
Figures are 2026 maximums and require the appropriate towing package.
Trucks
Chevy truck towing capacity
| Model | Max towing (properly equipped) | Max-rating configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Up to 7,700 lbs | Turbo gas, tow package |
| Silverado 1500 | Up to 13,300 lbs | Duramax turbo-diesel, right cab/bed/axle |
| Silverado 2500HD | Up to 22,420 lbs | 6.6L Duramax + Allison, fifth-wheel/gooseneck |
| Silverado 3500HD | Up to 36,000 lbs | Duramax diesel, dual-rear-wheel, gooseneck |
Heavy-duty maximums use fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches, not a bumper-pull. Conventional towing ratings are lower.
Read the Silverado 1500 research hub · Silverado vs Ford F-150
How to read the numbers
Match the truck to your trailer
Weigh the real load
Use the loaded trailer weight — trailer plus cargo, water and gear — not the empty (dry) weight. A trailer often gains 1,000+ pounds once it is packed.
Watch payload, too
Tongue weight (usually 10–15% of trailer weight) counts against the truck's payload along with passengers and cargo. A truck can hit its payload limit before its tow limit.
"Properly equipped" is real
Max ratings assume a specific engine, axle ratio, hitch and trailering package. Two trucks that look alike can have very different tow ratings.
Let us spec it with you
Tell our team what you tow and we'll match the exact engine, axle and package. Shop Silverado 1500 or call (440) 232-2000.
Towing Questions
Chevy towing FAQ
What is the towing capacity of a Chevy 1500?
A properly equipped Chevy Silverado 1500 tows up to 13,300 pounds.
That maximum comes with the available Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six in the right cab, bed and axle configuration; most gas V8 setups tow in the 9,000–11,000-pound range.
What is the towing capacity of a Chevy 2500HD?
The Chevy Silverado 2500HD tows up to about 22,420 pounds when properly equipped.
The 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel with the Allison 10-speed automatic reaches the highest ratings, using a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. Conventional bumper-pull towing is lower.
What is the towing capacity of a Chevy Equinox?
The Chevy Equinox tows up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
That is enough for a small trailer, a pair of jet skis or a lightweight pop-up camper. Add the available trailering equipment to reach the rating.
What is the towing capacity of a Chevy Trailblazer?
The Chevy Trailblazer tows up to 1,000 pounds when properly equipped.
It is best for a small utility trailer. For heavier loads, look at the Trailblazer's bigger siblings — Equinox, Blazer and Traverse.
What is the towing capacity of a Chevy Suburban?
The Chevy Suburban tows up to about 8,200 pounds with the Max Trailering Package.
The shorter Tahoe is rated slightly higher at up to 8,400 pounds because of its lighter body, even though both share the same powertrains.
Which Chevy has the highest towing capacity?
The Silverado 3500HD leads at up to 36,000 pounds; among half-tons, the Silverado 1500 tops out at 13,300 pounds.
The 3500HD reaches its max with the Duramax diesel, dual-rear-wheel setup and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch.
Can a Chevy Colorado tow a camper?
Yes — a properly equipped Chevy Colorado tows up to 7,700 pounds, enough for many travel trailers and small campers.
Match the loaded trailer weight to the rating and keep tongue weight within the truck's payload.
What does "properly equipped" mean?
It means the vehicle has the exact engine, axle ratio, trailering package and hitch needed to hit its maximum rating.
Passengers, cargo and accessories all reduce how much you can safely tow, so check the door-jamb label and owner's manual for your specific truck.
Tow-test your next Chevy at Tim Lally
- Full lineup on hand — from the Trailblazer to the Silverado HD.
- Our team specs the right engine, axle and trailering package for your load.
- Serving Cleveland, Warrensville Heights and the east/southeast suburbs.
- Compare Silverado vs F-150 capability head to head.
- Certified service for trailer hitches, brake controllers and maintenance.
- Easy to reach from I-271, I-480 and Chagrin Boulevard.