If you own or are considering a Chevy Equinox and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Chevy Equinox tow a camper?
Yes, a Chevy Equinox can tow a camper or trailer up to 1,500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a camper with your Chevy Equinox which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With A Chevy Equinox
So, can a Chevy Equinox tow a camper? Yes: the Chevy Equinox towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,500 lbs your Chevy Equinox can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a camper with your Chevy Equinox.
Chevy Equinox Towing Package Details
Does Chevy Equinox Have Tow Package?
The Chevy Equinox does not come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Chevy Equinox Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Chevy Equinox.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Chevy Equinox?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
You will not need a brake controller since the Chevy Equinox can only tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Chevy Equinox Towing Package Cost
Chevy Equinox Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Chevy Equinox trailer hitches run between $100-$200.
Take a look at this recommended Chevy Equinox Hitch Kit:
- 2" Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Designed for trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles
- Weight Carrying (WC): Up to 675/4,500 lbs. (TW/GTW).
- Note : In order to use a hitch to its maximum weight carrying capacity, a ball mount and hitch ball of the same rating or higher is required. To use the weight distribution side of the hitch, a weight distribution system is required
- Limited lifetime warranty
A Chevy Equinox trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $25-$40.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain
- EASY GRIP. Plugging in your trailer wiring and trailer lights is easy with the ergonomic design of this vehicle socket. It features tabs on the top and bottom for a better grip when plugging into your trailer or unplugging
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Chevy Equinox Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Chevy Equinox (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Chevy Equinox Brake Controller Cost
Chevy Equinox brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A Chevy Equinox? Chevy Equinox Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Chevy Equinox towing package installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Camper Trailer With My Chevy Equinox?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Chevy Equinox, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Trailers And Campers Can A Chevy Equinox Pull?
Your Chevy Equinox can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 1,500 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
Chevy Equinox Trailer Options
The Chevy Equinox can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,500 lbs:
- Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro
- Riverside Retro
- Palomino Palomini
- Jayco Hummingbird 10RK
- Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro
- NuCamp Tag
- Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Chevy Equinox.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Chevy Equinox, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 1,500 lbs so your Chevy Equinox can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 1,500 pounds.
Chevy Equinox Towing Capacity
So, how much can Chevy Equinox tow?
The Chevy Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Chevy Equinox Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs
Chevy Equinox GVWR: 4,464 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Chevy Equinox can tow your camper or travel trailer and that it falls within the Chevy Equinox towing capacity guidelines:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Chevy Equinox GVWR or Chevy Equinox towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Chevy Equinox Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Chevy Equinox as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1,500 pounds).
Chevy Equinox models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Chevy Equinox, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
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