Can you put a truck camper on a Chevy Colorado?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can you put a truck camper on a Chevy Colorado? We will discuss how it is to tow a truck camper with a Chevy Colorado and give you a few tips for a safe journey.
Can you put a truck camper on a Chevy Colorado?
Yes, you can put a truck camper on a Chevy Colorado, as long as you don’t exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle. Depending on the engine and the trim pack of your Chevy, the car can tow between 7,000 and 8,000 lbs. Check the table below for more details.
Chevy Colorado Towing Capacity
| Vehicle Specs | Axle Ratio | Maximum Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| 2.8L engine, automatic transmission | 3.73 | 3,400 lbs/ 1542 kg | 7,00 lbs/3175 kg |
| 3.5L engine, automatic transmission | 3.42 | 4,000 lbs/ 1814 kg | 8,500 lbs/3856 kg |
| 3.5L engine, automatic transmission | 3.73 | 4,000 lbs/1814 kg | 8,500 lbs/3856 kg |
| 2.8L engine, manual transmission | 3.42 | 1,900 lbs/ 862 kg | 5,500 lbs/2495 kg |
| 2.8L engine, manual transmission | 3.73 | 2,400 lbs/1089 kb | 6,000 lbs/2722 kg |
| 3.5L engine, manual transmission | 3.42 | 3,300 lbs/1497 kg | 7,000 lbs/3175 kg |
| 3.5L engine, manual transmission | 3.73 | 3,800 lbs/1724 kg | 7,500 lbs/3,402 kg |
Towing a truck camper with a Chevy Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado truck comes in four trim types, the “Work Truck,” the “1LT,” the “2LT,” and the highest trim in the range, the “3LT.” Depending on the vehicle’s trim level, there are different towing capacities ranging from 2,400 to 4,000 lbs.
Towing with a Chevy Colorado is simple and most trucks come with a pre-installed towing package that includes a trailer hitch, tow ball, and a four-way trailer towing harness.
- Determine the weight of the trailer and any items or trailer that you will be hauling with your Chevy Colorado. The Chevy Colorado isn’t for big loads, it’s a smaller truck.
- Check your Chevy Colorado’s engine size. The 4 cylinder has a maximum towing capacity of 2,400 pounds, while the 5 cylinder has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds.
- Attach your trailer to the tow ball found on your trailer hitch trucks. Make sure the trailer is locked in place properly using a trailer lock.
- Connect the braking module that is attached to the caravan to your Chevy Colorado. Once the braking module is connected from the trailer to the Colorado trailer lights it must be synchronized with your truck’s brake and turn signals.
To check that they are properly connected, turn on your truck’s hazard lights and walk behind the trailer to make sure that both the trailer and the truck’s lights are flashing. Your Chevy Colorado may come with a four-post trailer towing harness, which will connect the same way as a replacement brake module.
Other questions you may be interested in
Can a Ford F-150 carry a truck camper?
What is a truck camper?
Truck campers are a very useful accessory for these utility vehicles, especially when transporting people or a load that needs greater protection against the weather and other agents such as sun, wind, rain, earth, among others.
Pickup trucks began to be used in the 1950s when users created their own equipment. However, in the 1970s different types of campers began to be manufactured. They became so popular that the demand was very high. Today, pickup trucks are made primarily of fibreglass or aluminum and are created in different sizes and even custom.
A truck camper is ideal for people who already own a 4X4 1/2 or 3/4 ton pickup. These vehicles can more than handle a camper truck.
If you are a truck driver, there are minimum requirements for your vehicle. First, you need to determine what your vehicle is capable of carrying. Many of today’s new pickups are listed either on the door pillar or in the glove box or in the instruction manual.
Manufacturers calculate this gross vehicle weight (GVWR) so that there is some wiggle room here. They calculate this with the measurements of the truck carrying a passenger in each available seat that weighs 150 pounds. Obviously, you will rarely encounter this situation.
A new pickup truck with all the amenities will cost you around $19,000. The new models include a shower, a bathroom, as well as air conditioning and a heating system.
But if a truck camper is not what you are looking for, there are more luxurious and comfortable fifth-wheel trailers on the market. A van carrying this type of camper van obviously has to be heavier than one carrying a bed-mounted truck camper. A hitch is mounted on rails in the pickup bed, allowing for a quick hookup when you’re ready to hit the road.
Driving with a truck camper: Tips and warnings to circulate well
Although in recent years an increasing effort has been made to reduce the number of accidents on the road, a responsible and calm circulation is in our hands to avoid possible driving problems.
If we already do it when we circulate with our truck, at the moment in which we have a hooked camper we must take extreme precautions, especially if the conditions are not favourable.
The wind is one of the great enemies of camper routes and you have to know very well what to do to be able to complete your journey safely;
- If the wind comes from the side, we must try to hold the steering wheel firmly and reduce speed to avoid possible overturning.
- Faced with a headwind, we must not forget that the resistance presented by our car added to that of the camper is great, so you have to drive slowly and firmly.
- If the wind comes from behind, we must reduce the speed as much as possible to prevent the camper from swaying and overturning.
The experts in driving with camper point out that in general in a windy situation it is necessary to follow certain guidelines;
- Although it is a necessary recommendation before embarking on any journey, it is important to check the condition of the wheels, their pressure and the condition of the brakes in order to drive as safely as possible.
- In the camper, you have to check the condition of the anchors, as well as the closures of the windows and doors.
- You have to slow down until you notice the steady camper on the steering wheel. The rocking is noticeable and as soon as we perceive a little movement, it is essential to slow down.
- We can modify our route to avoid strong gusts, so we must leave freeways and clear roads or near the sea to look for other more sheltered paths.
- Better to avoid overtaking, especially other large vehicles. The wind can play a very trick on us.
Apart from all these tips, if necessary, it is better to stop and wait for the wind to subside or, in any case, to change direction or its strength to be able to drive better.
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FAQ on Can you put a truck camper on a Chevy Colorado?
Are truck campers hard on trucks?
Yes, truck campers can be hard to load and unload. You must make sure you respect the towing capacity of your truck and properly load the weight of the camper.
What is a truck camper?
Increasingly popular, the truck camper is ideal for your hunting and fishing trips or your family camping vacation. As its name suggests, this RV attaches to the platform or chassis of the truck that transports it and does not require torsion bars.
Can a Ford F-150 carry a truck camper?
Yes, a Ford F-150 can carry a truck camper. Just keep in mind the maximum towing capacity of 2,700 lbs when loading your camper.
References
- 3 Chevy Colorado Campers, GMC Canyon … – Savage Camper
- 2021 Chevy Colorado Towing Capacity | Leman’s Chevrolet City
- How Much Can the 2021 Chevy Colorado Tow? | Truck Towing …
