Can A Chevy S-10 Pull A Camper

Can A Chevy S-10 Pull A Camper? Chevy S-10 Towing Capacity

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If you own or are considering A Chevy S-10 and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can A Chevy S-10 pull a camper or trailer?

Yes, A Chevy S-10 can pull a camper up to 5,200 pounds.

There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when pulling a camper or travel trailer with A Chevy S-10 which we’ll cover below.

Pulling A Camper With A Chevy S-10

So, can A Chevy S-10 tow a camper trailer? Yes: the Chevy S-10 towing capacity is 5,200 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 5,200 lbs your Chevy S-10 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 S-10.

Chevrolet S-10 Towing Capacity
How much can A Chevy S-10 tow is up to 5,200 pounds.

Chevy S-10 Tow Package

Does The Chevy S-10 Come With A Tow Hitch?

The Chevy S-10 does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.

Chevy S-10 Camper Towing: What Do I Need?

At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your trailer behind your Chevy S-10.

Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Chevy S-10?

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 S-10 can only tow up to 5,200 pounds.

Chevy S-10 Towing Package Cost

Chevy S-10 Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost

Chevy S-10 trailer hitches run between $135-$160.

A Chevy S-10 trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $15-$30.

Chevy S-10 Tow Hitch Installation Cost

Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Chevy S-10 (including the hitch and wiring harness).

Chevy S-10 Brake Controller Cost

Chevy S-10 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 S-10? Chevy S-10 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 S-10 trailer hitch installation:

What Else Will I Need To Pull A Camper With My Chevy S-10?

Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Chevy S-10, 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 S-10 Tow?

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IMAGE CAPTION: The Chevy S-10 can tow a camper up to 5,200 pounds.

Your Chevy S-10 can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 5,200 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.

The Chevy S-10 can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 5,200 lbs:

  • Jayco Jayflight SLX 224BH
  • Crossroad Zinger 18BH
  • Coleman Lantern 17FQ
  • Coleman Light LX 2125BH
  • Heartland Mallard
  • Keystone Passport)
  • 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 S-10.

Can A Chevy S-10 Tow A Caravan?

As we covered in this guide, your Chevy S-10 can tow a caravan under 5,200 lbs.

Chevy S-10 Towing – What You Need To Know 

When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Chevy S-10, 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 5,200 lbs so your Chevy S-10 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 5,200 pounds. 

Chevy S-10 Towing Capacity

So, how much can A Chevy S-10 tow?

The Chevy S-10 towing capacity is 5,200 pounds.

Chevy S-10 Towing Capacity: 5,200 lbs

Chevy S-10 GVWR: 5,150 lbs

You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Chevy S-10 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 S-10 GVWR or Chevy S-10 towing capacity can damage the vehicle.

Can A Chevy S-10 Pull A Camper? Wrapping Things Up

Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with A Chevy S-10 as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 5,200 pounds).

Most Chevy S-10 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 S-10, 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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