If you own or are considering a Chevy Express and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Chevy Express tow a trailer or camper?
Yes, a Chevy Express can tow a trailer or camper up to 6,300 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with a Chevy Express which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Trailer With A Chevy Express
So, can a Chevy Express tow a camper trailer? Yes: the Chevy Express towing capacity is 6,300 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 6,300 lbs your Chevy Express 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 Express.
Chevy Express Tow Package
Does The Chevy Express Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Chevy Express does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Chevy Express Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Chevy Express.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Tow A Trailer With A Chevy Express?
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 Express Towing Package Cost
Chevy Express Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Chevy Express trailer hitches run between $120-$145.
A Chevy Express trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $40-$75.
Chevy Express Tow Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Chevy Express (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Chevy Express Brake Controller Cost
Chevy Express 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 Express? Chevy Express 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 Express van trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Chevy Express?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Chevy Express, 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 Express Tow?
Your Chevy Express can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 6,300 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Chevy Express can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 6,300 lbs:
- Jayco Jayflight SLX 224BH
- Crossroad Zinger 18BH
- Heartland Mallard
- Keystone Passport
- Coleman Lantern 17FQ
- Coleman Light LX 2125BH
- KZ Sportsmen Classic
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Chevy Express.
Can A Chevy Express Tow A Caravan?
As we covered in this guide, your Chevy Express can tow a caravan under 6,300 lbs.
Chevy Express Towing – What You Need To Know
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Chevy Express, 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 6,300 lbs so your Chevy Express 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 6,300 pounds.
Chevy Express Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Chevy Express tow?
The Chevy Express towing capacity is 6,300 pounds.
Chevy Express Towing Capacity: 6,300 lbs
Chevy Express GVWR: 8,600 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Chevy Express 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 Express GVWR or Chevy Express towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Chevy Express Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Chevy Express as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 6,300 pounds).
Most Chevy Express 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 Express, 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
- How to perform RV toilet foot pedal repair
- 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
