Can A Chevy Equinox Pull A Camper?

‍The Chevy Equinox is a mid-sized SUV with plenty of versatile features, but many questions are asked about if it has the weight capacity to pull a camper.

A Chevy Equinox can pull a camper if it weighs under the maximum weight capacity of 1,500 and 3,000 pounds. The Standard EcoTec 1.5L Turbocharged Engine provides a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, and the 2.0L Turbocharged Engine can support 3,000. There are multiple camper types to consider.

The Chevy Equinox is one of the most popular crossover SUVs on the market today, but it has more uses than just as a family car. We have gathered towing information about it, and this article will discuss the Chevy Equinox's weight capacity and if it can pull a camper.

‍Can A Chevy Equinox Pull A Camper?

The Chevy Equinox is a midsize SUV with some impressive features. It has been through many changes, but it is still one of the most popular SUVs on the market.

Some people think it can pull a camper, and others believe it can't. There are many factors to consider when deciding if this vehicle can tow a camper.

The Chevrolet Equinox's engine size is 1.5 liters with 170 horsepower, which means it has enough power to pull a camper. The weight capacity for this car is between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds, depending on the engine type.

But most campers weigh at least 2,000 pounds, so an upgrade to the Towing Package is required. The Chevy Equinox towing package includes a 2.0 L engine with 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.

Before hooking up a trailer to the Equinox, double-check the towing weight capacity. Overloading the vehicle can cause major damage.

What Size Camper Can A Chevy Equinox Pull?

Some people may argue that the Chevy Equinox cannot pull a camper because it is not designed for that purpose. However, this doesn’t account for the engine upgrades and lightweight of some smaller campers.

We have identified four types of trailers and campers that Equinox can handle. This includes an A-Frame Camper, Pop Up Camper, Teardrop Trailer, and Small Travel Trailer.

A-Frame Camper

The Chevrolet Equinox is the perfect size for a smaller camper like the A-Frame camper. The average A-Frame trailer weighs between 1,200-2,500 pounds, depending on the design and available features.

With the proper engine type, the Chevy Equinox will have no problem towing it for the next trip. These campers include plenty of interior space for cargo, too, so be sure to include the added cargo weight when making calculations.

Pop Up Camper

A pop-up camper is similar to an A-Frame, except this one is smaller with more to offer, but the average weight is around the same. The weight ranges from 2,200-3,000 pounds depending on the equipped features.

It’s also possible to go even smaller and find models closer to 1,500 pounds. If the weight can be kept under 3,500 after adding in all cargo and additional features, the Chevy Equinox can pull this camper.

Teardrop Trailer

Next, we have a much smaller trailer type with the teardrop trailer. The average teardrop trailer ranges between 500-3,200 pounds in weight, depending on the design and available features.

These trailers typically have all of the required features for a camper trip, like a kitchen. However, they have low weight support, so adding lots of cargo inside is not recommended.

Small Travel Trailer

The small travel trailer is what most people think about when they hear the term camper. But it’s a more compact version with a weight ranging between 1,200 and 3,800 pounds.

Equinox drivers have relatively limited choices because they cannot exceed 3,500 pounds. It’s best to consider the available options before choosing the camper to pair with the Chevy Equinox.

What Is The Towing Capacity Of A Chevy Equinox?

The Chevy Equinox's towing capacity depends on the model year and engine. But the model year hasn’t caused much change over the years.

The engine trim level does matter, including either the Standard EcoTec 1.5L Turbocharged Engine or 2.0L Turbocharged Engine.

Standard EcoTec 1.5L Turbocharged Engine

The Standard EcoTec 1.5L Turbocharged Engine provides 1,500 pounds in towing capacity for the Chevy Equinox. This is the standard optimization and has been for over a decade now.

The trim levels for the newest Equinox include the L, LS, LT, and Equinox Premier. These are available in this standard configuration with 1,500 pounds in towing capacity.

2.0L Turbocharged Engine

The 2.0L Turbocharged Engine configuration upgrade was introduced in 2018 with the Third Generation Equinox launch. It’s the most powerful Equinox design providing up to 3,000 pounds in towing capacity.

This provides enough pull to move a camper, including 252 horsepower. It’s available as a V4, and V6 engine type on the LT and Premier Equinox trim levels.

Should You Use The Chevy Equinox To Pull A Camper?

The Chevy Equinox has a reliable engine that can pull a few camper types, but it is best suited for smaller campers. We recommend using this vehicle to pull a camper if the weight guidelines are followed.

This is a vehicle made for a modern and active lifestyle. It is up to date with all the latest technology and safety features, which makes it a great choice for those who want to tow a camper.

However, if the plan is to pull a heavier camper over 3,500 pounds with the Chevy Equinox, it would be best to consider other vehicles that are better suited to the task.

The Equinox also has an impressive fuel economy rating at 30 miles per gallon on the highway with its four-cylinder engine. Overall, this is a reliable vehicle to handle basic towing needs.

What’s The Best Way To Pull A Camper With A Chevy Equinox?

The best way to pull a camper with a Chevy Equinox is to ensure the hitch is strong enough to support the towing needs. This can be done by using a basic ball hitch alone or upgrading to a weight distribution hitch.

Use A Ball Hitch

The ball hitch is the most common towing method, and it uses a receiver hitch to connect the truck and trailer. These hitches can tow tons of weight, but finding one compatible with Equinox is required first.

And as the towing weight increases, more pulling support is also needed to keep the camper stable while moving.

Upgrade To A Weight Distribution Hitch

This is why many people opt to upgrade to a weight distribution hitch. This hooks up to the existing mount but instead uses spring bars, so the ball mount doesn’t sink.

These bars work by applying tension and increasing the trailer frame leverage. We recommend this type of hitch for any Equinox driver towing over 3,000 pounds.