If you own or are considering a Chevy Captiva and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Chevy Captiva tow a trailer or camper?
Yes, a Chevy Captiva can tow a trailer or camper up to 1,500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with a Chevy Captiva which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Trailer With A Chevy Captiva
So, can a Chevy Captiva tow a camper trailer? Yes: the Chevy Captiva 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 Captiva 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 Captiva.
Chevy Captiva Tow Package
Does The Chevy Captiva Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Chevy Captiva does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Chevy Captiva Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Chevy Captiva.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Tow A Trailer With A Chevy Captiva?
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 should not need a brake controller because the Chevy Captiva can only tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Chevy Captiva Towing Package Cost
Chevy Captiva Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Chevy Captiva trailer hitches run between $160-$195.
Take a look at this recommended Chevy Captiva Tow Hook Hitch Kit:
A Chevy Captiva trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $30-$55.
Chevy Captiva Tow Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Chevy Captiva (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Chevy Captiva Brake Controller Cost
Chevy Captiva 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 Captiva? Chevy Captiva 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 Captiva trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Chevy Captiva?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Chevy Captiva, 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 Captiva Tow?
Your Chevy Captiva can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 1,500 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Chevy Captiva can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,500 lbs:
- Happier Camper HC1
- Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK
- MeerKat Trailer
- Rustic Trail Teardrop Camper
- InTech RV Flyer
- Pika Teardrop Trailer
- Scamp 13’ Trailer
- nuCamp TAG Teardrop Trailer
- ProLite Mini
- TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
- Wisecraft Little Joe Camper
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Chevy Captiva.
Can A Chevy Captiva Tow A Caravan?
As we covered in this guide, your Chevy Captiva can tow a caravan under 1,500 lbs.
Can A Chevy Captiva Tow A Horse Float?
A horse float, or small low-clearance horse trailer, weighs around 2,650 lbs fully loaded with a horse on it, so it would not be able to be towed by a Chevy Captiva
Chevy Captiva Towing – What You Need To Know
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Chevy Captiva, 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 Captiva 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 Captiva Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Chevy Captiva tow?
The Chevy Captiva towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.
Chevy Captiva Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs
Chevy Captiva GVWR: 4,825 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Chevy Captiva 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 Captiva GVWR or Chevy Captiva towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Chevy Captiva Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Chevy Captiva as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1,500 pounds).
Most Chevy Captiva 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 Captiva, 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:
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- Our guide to RV roof reseal cost
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- 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
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- Preparing for an RV one night freeze
