If you own or are considering a Chevy Astro and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Chevy Astro tow a trailer or camper?
Yes, a Chevy Astro can tow a trailer or camper up to 4,700 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with a Chevy Astro which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Trailer With A Chevy Astro
So, can a Chevy Astro tow a camper trailer? Yes: the Chevy Astro towing capacity is 4,700 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 4,700 lbs your Chevy Astro can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when pulling a trailer with your Chevy Astro.
Chevy Astro Tow Package
Does The Chevy Astro Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Chevy Astro does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Chevy Astro Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Chevy Astro.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Tow A Trailer With A Chevy Astro?
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.
Chevy Astro Towing Package Cost
Chevy Astro Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Chevy Astro trailer hitches run between $185-$210.
A Chevy Astro trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $40-$75.
Chevy Astro Tow Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Chevy Astro (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Chevy Astro Brake Controller Cost
Chevy Astro brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Tow Hitch On A Chevy Astro? Chevy Astro 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 Astro van trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Chevy Astro?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Chevy Astro, 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 Can A Chevy Astro Tow?
Your Chevy Astro can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 4,700 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Chevy Astro can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 4,700 lbs:
- Winnebago HIKE
- Airstream Sport Travel Trailer
- Jayco Hummingbird
- Starcraft Satellite 18MK
- Gulf Stream Vista Cruiser
- Forest River R-Pod Hood River 179
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Chevy Astro.
Chevy Astro Towing – What You Need To Know
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Chevy Astro, 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 4,700 lbs so your Chevy Astro 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 4,700 pounds.
Chevy Astro Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Chevy Astro tow?
The Chevy Astro towing capacity is 4,700 pounds.
Chevy Astro Towing Capacity: 4,700 lbs
Chevy Astro GVWR: 5,600 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Chevy Astro can tow your camper or travel trailer:
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 Astro GVWR or Chevy Astro towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Chevy Astro Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Chevy Astro as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 4,700 pounds).
Most Chevy Astro 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 Astro, 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.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful RV repair guides:
- What to do if your RV water pump keeps running
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- Our guide to RV roof reseal cost
- What to do if your RV heater is blowing cold air
- How to fix an RV microwave not working
- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
- How to replace RV window glazing bead
- How to fix an RV toilet not holding water
- How to fix a sagging RV slide out
- Preparing for an RV one night freeze
