GMC Canyon 4x4 SB tow vehicle

[SteveS52]

I am considering the purchase of a 19’ 2016 Flying Cloud Bambi weighing approximately 3600 lbs, our first travel trailer.
My 2017 Canyon is rated for 7000 lbs with the 6 cylinder, 8 speed transmission.
The specs tell me I can tow it however my son and I have discussed the benefits of having a bit heavier truck such as a GMC 1500 or F 150 Ford or Ram 1500 eco diesel. Any of the larger trucks would reduce the strain of those uphill treks. I ‘m asking for those of you with first hand experience.

I have towed boats up to 19’ which is a bit different.

All opinions and recommendations are welcome!

Thank you,
Steve

[SYC2Vette]

It is a great combination, very stable, recommend weight distribution hitch. Our Canyon is an excellent and very capable, TV for our 20' FC. Watch your truck GW, we hit the max of 6,000 lbs with generator, camping gear, and tongue weight although your lighter tongue weight will help in that regard. Ready to travel we are at a total 11,000 lbs. I did install a supercharger strictly for high altitude in Colorado and that was a great mod. I have owned several Silverados and still have a K2500 for the heavy hauling, but the midsize Colorado and Canyon are much better daily drivers in every way unless you have "large" backseat passengers.

[BayouBiker]

^ I agree. Be aware your camping weights will be near 5,000 and a 700-750 lb tongue, both of which are Okay for the Canyon but close to the point you can start having stability issue in rare cases. The WD and sway control hitch will help with safety margin. The exact kind of hitch you get will depend on your driving style and tolerance for set up difficulties. Be aware some hitches are better for your situation than others. Add 5-7 psi more air to the rear tires than the loaded guidance as long as you stay below max listed sidewall pressure and take 2 psi out of the front. Bias the gear weight in the Canyon forward. Consider the larger vehicles if you want to haul more gear.

[Wrangler]

Don't have a Canyon, but the tow capacity of my Nissan is around 6500 lbs. whenever the tongue weight Exceeds 600 Lbs, Nissan requires a load distribution hitch. I have an equalizer hitch, and in 15000 miles of towing, I have never had a stability issue. By the way my Nissan weighs about 4,000 lb empty.

[JeffofCT]

My 22' Sport weighs about the same as your stated weight of the 19' flying cloud. As with Wrangler's experience, my frontier tows very well with a weight distribution hitch. I have not forded any mountains, but does handle 10%+ grades while maintaining modest highway speeds.

While I am generally satisfied for now, when I buy a new TV, I'm going up in truck.

[Seanlb]

We have a 2016 Duramax Colorado and it has been fantastic with our 23’

Just passed 110,000 miles and going strong.

Happy campers

[SYC2Vette]

Originally Posted by Seanlb

We have a 2016 Duramax Colorado and it has been fantastic with our 23’

Just passed 110,000 miles and going strong.

Happy campers

That is fantastic. I think you are at the upper limit as what most of us Colorado/Canyon owners would consider, but glad to hear it is working well. Out of curiosity what is your GCW and GVW including tongue weight? I am at 11,000 lbs out of 12,000 GCWR available ready to travel, and very close to my 6,000 lb vehicle GVWR limit.

Although our 20' tongue weight seems heavy at 680 lbs measured, I have noticed that with all liquid tanks full I do notice just a very slight "sway", (almost imperceptible, but there) so I think the relatively heavy tongue weight is a good thing.

[Seanlb]

Our trailer is just over 5600lbs wet and loaded.

Tongue weight is about 780lbs with propane.

Truck is rated to tow up to a 7600lb trailer with 1000lb tongue weight.

We also added fox shocks and airbags for a level ride.

Have never experienced any sway or body roll at high speeds.

We don’t really load much into the bed of the truck, usually just a few chairs and our travel luggage.

Couldn’t be happier with this little truck (perhaps a bit more HP, but it is an oil burner so the torque compensates).