Chevy Colorado Max Trailer size?

[Grimmster]

Hello folks,

My wife and I are new to the world of RV's and Airstreams. We are purchasing a Chevy Colorado for our move from Florida to New Mexico. We are researching used airstreams to buy that can be towed by a Chevy Colorado V6.

Some basic background information:

We are looking for something in the 1990 - 2000 year range.

We would like to buy 23 - 25 foot airstream.

We have been looking at the Excella model because of the greater window at the front.

Budget - Would like to stay at 15,000 or under.

I would appreciated any and all advice.

Thanks,
Charles

[AWCHIEF]

Basic research, What does Chevy say is the max tow and tongue weight? That is the numbers to start with.

[Grimmster]

Thank you for your reply.

Max GVWR is 7000 lbs. However I don't know how to find the weight of the older airstreams?

[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by Grimmster

Thank you for your reply.

Max GVWR is 7000 lbs. However I don't know how to find the weight of the older airstreams?

https://www.airstream.com/service/document-archive/

Why not buy a full size pickup? I think you'll find that realistically a 23-25' trailer is a bit oversized for the truck you are looking at. A trailer like the one below is 6000 lbs dry.

https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...ff6a5e6b5e.pdf

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Grimmster

Thank you for your reply.

Max GVWR is 7000 lbs. However I don't know how to find the weight of the older airstreams?

I believe the max 7k is for the diesel. IIRC V6 is 6k.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I believe the max 7k is for the diesel. IIRC V6 is 6k.

Gasoline V6 is 7000 lb, little Duramax is 7600 lb.

http://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-sm...ecs/trims.html

[Bill M.]

Here is one link for Airstream weights and tongue weights by year and model. A search will find more links. I think there is a chart on the Airstream site.

For a real world comparison to judge the charts by: Our 1988, 25', is listed as 5100 lbs wt, 700 lbs tongue weight in this chart. When traveling, it weighs in at 6300 actual wt and adds 800 lbs to the truck. It carries 5500 on the trailer axles. Since I have the WD hitch cranked up pretty tight some of the tongue weight is being carried by the trailer axles, so I am guessing at least 900 lbs tongue wt. It has a full compliment of awnings which I do not think are included in the chart weight. We run 1/2 full of fresh water and a few flushes in the black and gray tanks.


http://airstreamguy.com/lengthswidthsweights_vin_range

[Alluminati]

The 16' trailers should be fine with a Colorado.

In the 80s they made some light weight trailers that were a little longer. You might get a 20' trailer that you could tow with a V6 Colorado

[bel73]

I just pulled a 23D with a new Canyon. No trouble at all. The mountains might be a different story but here in the Midwest it would make a great combination.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

Gasoline V6 is 7000 lb, little Duramax is 7600 lb.

http://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-sm...ecs/trims.html

That's why I don't trust my memory anymore!

[jdalrymple]

Originally Posted by by DKB_STAX little Duramax is 7600 lb.

[url

http://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-small-truck/specs/trims.html[/url]

Nothing little about my Duramax.





Regards,

JD

[USAtraveler]

Towing that 23-25 ft trailer with the V6 Chevy should not be a problem. It has plenty of torque and HP for the job. Back in the early days of travel trailers, people towed them with passenger cars that often had less than 100 hp. Just be sure to get the tow pkg option when you buy. I tow a 20 ft Argosy with a V6 Tacoma everywhere, including over the Sierra Mtns on both I-80 and US-50. It easily maintains speed limit even on steepest grades...no overheating, even on hot Summer days.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by jdalrymple

Nothing little about my Duramax.





Regards,

JD

Since yours is more than 2x the little one in the Colorado by any measure, I'd say not. But I didn't know you were so sensitive about it.

[AWCHIEF]

I looked at the Colorado and its GMC version and decided it was not adequate for safely and comfortably pulling my 23 or if I move up in size. I did not think it had enough capacity or power for the hills with any engine available. Shame, I do like the size compared to the full size 150 that I had prior to getting the JGC.

[Free bird]

I had the same dream. I bought a 2016 Colorado and a 22 ft airstream. It weighs only 3600 lbs without water. I keep it unloaded to try to save on the drag. I pulls fine in the midwest. I have been afraid to venture into the mountains though because I feel I do not have enough power.

[USAtraveler]

Any V6-powered truck is going to have plenty of power to tow a tandem axle 21-23 ft trailer. Another relative of mine pulls a 22 ft trailer (not an AS) into the mountains with a Tacoma just like mine...no problem. For years I regularly towed a utility trailer loaded with 2000-2500 lbs of materials using a Toyota Tundra that had the same V6 as my Tacoma. Lack of power was never an issue, either on steep winding hill roads or the freeway. I prefer the Tacoma because of its sturdier frame/springs, but I'm sure load levelers would give the Chevy equally good handling.

[Milo1952]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

I looked at the Colorado and its GMC version and decided it was not adequate for safely and comfortably pulling my 23 or if I move up in size. I did not think it had enough capacity or power for the hills with any engine available. Shame, I do like the size compared to the full size 150 that I had prior to getting the JGC.

do you have the diesel and if so how do you think it would pull a 25 FC front bedroom

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by Milo1952

do you have the diesel and if so how do you think it would pull a 25 FC front bedroom

2011 JGC Overland with 5.7 Hemi V-8. Below 3000 ft it pulls my 23 comfortably. Above 3000 ft it gets anemic quickly and gas mileage drops like a rock. From what I have read and talked to other JGC diesel owners that is not an issue with the current diesel JGC. I can not speak of its ability to tow a 25 as I have never towed one. I have once again been looking at pickups because I hope to be going full time in the near future and need more on the road storage. If I win the lottery I would like to move up to the 26U.

[HiJoeSilver]

Depends on the year of the trailer. The older 70's trailers were lighter than today's models. 23' is probably safe for any year, 25' might be pushing it close for recent models.
I had a Dakota 8 cylinder, towed my 23' well. When shopping for new truck I really wanted a mid size, obviously there are limited options. Decided the trade off of going up to a f150 was worth it. Very glad I did. No worries, great towing power. Better mileage than my old less powerful 8 cylinder.

[Ronman]

The rear end gear ratio in that or any truck will play a roll in what you buy. Don't just assume the max posted on the internet is the same for all trucks. Also look at hitch weight and payload. I think the truck is too small unless you're going 23' or less.