2022-05-11 | New Roads Magazine
Tow & Go
If you think you need a big, brawny pickup for trailering, it’s time to think again. These Chevrolet SUVs might surprise you.
When it comes to towing, pickup trucks grab most of the attention. Which makes sense, since many are specifically designed as work trucks to haul and tow heavy loads.
But don’t overlook the towing power of SUVs. Though they’re designed first and foremost to move people and their gear both comfortably and capably, SUVs have a sort of hidden superpower: the strength and capability to tow loads that you might think would require a truck.
We’re not just talking about the large, full-size SUVs, like the Chevy Suburban or Tahoe. The 2022 Traverse Premier, for example, can haul a ski boat, or two horses in a full-sized horse trailer.† And the 2022 Blazer RS AWD, another midsize SUV, can get you and your passengers where you want to go along with your favorite toys like ATVs or dirt bikes.
The bottom line: That spacious and highly capable SUV that’s well equipped for you and your gear can also tow some serious stuff.
Know the Lingo
Trailering information can read like a foreign language, especially if you’re new to towing. So here are some key terms to know before you tow.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The total allowable weight of your vehicle and its contents, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
The maximum allowable total weight of your tow vehicle and trailer and their contents.
Trailer Tongue Weight
How much trailer weight is resting on the vehicle’s tow hitch, which impacts trailer balance and stability.
Trailblazer — handy for your next move
Small but mighty, the Trailblazer ACTIV features a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and its interior can accommodate objects up to 8 1/2 feet long.† Its spacious rear-seat leg room means passengers in the back seat can stay comfortable even on longer trips.
1. Requires available trailering equipment. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
2. With rear seats folded. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
Equinox — head for the great outdoors
Equinox Premier is designed not just to get around, but to get away. With 63.9 cubic feet of cargo area† and a hands-free power liftgate, it’s easy to load up and hit the road. And Equinox also has standard Chevy Safety Assist,† a bundle of six advanced safety features including Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and IntelliBeam® high beam assist, among others.
1. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
2. With rear seats folded. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
Blazer — take your toys out to play
The stylishly designed Blazer RS is more than just good-looking. With sliding rear seats, available twin-clutch advanced all-wheel drive, and up to five drive modes† for different driving conditions, Blazer RS gives you that rare mix of capability, comfort, and confidence.
1. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
2. With rear seats folded. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
Traverse — time to make some waves
With seating for up to seven, technology to keep you connected and entertained, and 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space,† Traverse Premier lets you make the most of every drive. The second-row Smart Slide® seat† makes for easy and convenient access to the third row or cargo area.
1. Requires available trailering equipment. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
2. With rear seats folded. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
STORY: CHRIS WALTON / ILLUSTRATIONS: HYPER⌃
