Can the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Tow a Small Camper in Lakewood, CO?

Emich Chevrolet – Can the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Tow a Small Camper in Lakewood, CO?

At Emich Chevrolet in Lakewood, CO, one of the most common questions we hear from compact SUV shoppers is simple and practical: can the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox tow a small camper for weekend escapes to the Front Range and beyond? The answer is yes — with the right setup and smart loading, Equinox is rated to tow up to 1,500 lbs, making it a confident partner for lightweight campers, pop-ups, small utility trailers, and adventure gear.

The 2026 Equinox pairs an efficient 1.5L Turbo engine with 175 hp to an approachable, everyday-friendly platform designed for real life. Standard Drive Mode Selector and available all-wheel drive help you adapt to changing Colorado conditions, from slushy mornings in Lakewood to gravel approaches near trailheads. Inside, the 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen and 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center keep key information close at hand, while Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility and available OnStar® support make trip planning seamless. It is no wonder Equinox is the Most Awarded Compact SUV for New-Vehicle Quality by J.D. Power, 2015-2024.

Before you hitch up, it helps to know what that 1,500-lb rating means for your plans. Many teardrop campers, compact pop-ups, single-axle utility trailers, or small cargo haulers can fit within that limit — as long as you account for the weight of the trailer plus everything you load into it. Our team is happy to help you match the right trailer to your Equinox and ensure your accessories are properly rated.

Here are the essentials our Lakewood experts review with customers preparing to tow with Equinox:

• Rated capacity: Up to 1,500 lbs total trailer weight is the maximum; always verify the exact rating in your Owner’s Manual and on your vehicle’s certification label.
• Hitch class: A properly installed Class II receiver and the correct wiring harness are recommended for compatible trailers and lights.
• Tongue weight: Aim for approximately 10 to 15 percent of the trailer’s total weight on the hitch for stable handling.
• Trailer brakes: Follow your trailer manufacturer’s guidance and local regulations; ask our service team about brake controller solutions if your trailer requires them.
• Maintenance and cooling: Fresh engine oil, healthy tires, and up-to-date maintenance support confident towing — schedule a quick check with our Certified Service team.
• Cargo management: Inside, Equinox offers up to 63.5 cu. ft. of max cargo volume, a folding 60/40 split-bench seat, hidden storage under the rear cargo floor, and an available hands-free AutoSense Power Liftgate to keep interior weight balanced and secure.
• Helpful tech: Available HD Surround Vision, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam® can support situational awareness; Adaptive Cruise Control is available for added driving convenience on longer stretches.

Choosing the right trim for your lifestyle can sharpen your towing and adventure experience. The LT is an exceptional everyday driver and a great base for light trailering. The sporty RS adds style cues like Black emblems and 19-inch wheels, while the adventure-ready ACTIV brings a rugged look with all-terrain tires and a uniquely tuned suspension — a smart fit for gravel roads out to campsites. Whichever you choose, you can express your style with colors like Cacti Green, Polar White, or Radiant Red Tintcoat, along with available contrasting roof options on select models.

For smooth towing around Lakewood and up the I-70 corridor, consider this quick pre-drive checklist our team uses on test drives:

1. Weigh your setup: Confirm your fully loaded trailer weight stays at or below 1,500 lbs and within tongue-weight guidelines.
2. Distribute cargo: Keep heavier items low and centered over the trailer axle; secure cabin items using the flexible 60/40 seat and hidden storage.
3. Set tire pressures: Inflate your Equinox and trailer tires to the recommended cold pressures for even wear and confident handling.
4. Select the right mode: Use Drive Mode Selector to align throttle and traction behavior to current conditions for predictable response.
5. Connect and test: Attach safety chains, verify lighting and turn signals, check mirrors, and perform a short, low-speed brake and stability check.
6. Plan your route: Allow for longer stopping distances, moderate speeds on grades, and generous passing space on mountain two-lanes.

The 2026 Equinox also helps you arrive relaxed. Google built-in lets you use voice commands with Google Assistant for directions and quick changes in route, while Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility keep your maps and playlists right where you expect. Pair that with Chevy Safety Assist — including Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam® — and you get daily convenience plus added confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox tow a small camper?

Yes. When properly equipped, Equinox is rated to tow up to 1,500 lbs. Many teardrop and compact pop-up campers fall within this limit, provided the total weight — trailer plus gear — stays at or under the rating. Visit our Lakewood team for a quick weight and accessory check before your first trip.

Does available all-wheel drive increase towing capacity?

No. The rated towing capacity remains up to 1,500 lbs whether you choose front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. AWD can, however, improve traction when launching on gravel, wet boat ramps, or snowy surfaces common along the Front Range.

What towing equipment does Emich Chevrolet recommend?

We typically suggest a Class II receiver hitch, the correct 4-pin or 7-pin wiring harness based on your trailer, a properly sized ball mount, and quality safety chains. If your trailer requires its own brakes, ask our service team about compatible brake controller options and a professional installation.

Which driver assistance features help most while towing?

Available HD Surround Vision can help with low-speed maneuvering, while Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Following Distance Indicator support awareness around town. Adaptive Cruise Control can ease highway driving; as always, safety or driver assistance features are not a substitute for safe driving, and the driver must remain attentive.

Whether you are planning quick getaways to Golden Gate Canyon State Park or a long weekend near Red Rocks, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox makes light-duty towing approachable — and road-trip life comfortable. Stop by Emich Chevrolet in Lakewood to explore LT, RS, and ACTIV models, review hitch and wiring options, and take a tow-focused test drive. Our team will help you build the right Equinox for your driveway and your next campsite.

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