Chevrolet Blazer and an Escape 19 ?

[Suregrip391]

Hello Group!
Wondering if anyone here tows with a newer 2019-2024 Blazer? My wife has a 2022 RS AWD model with the factory tow package on it, heavy duty cooling, trailer hitch and 7 pin. No brake box though. I was wondering how well something like this would tow a 19? The blazer is a 3.6 litre, V6 and rated for up to 4500 pounds but I can’t find any of the payload information. No sticker in her door jamb. Probably have to call the Chevy dealer as I can’t seem to find anything online.

[GinoandLinda]

You may be able to go to the Chevy website and input the VIN# to get that info.

[salmo7000]

In my opinion, a 4,500 tow rating is not enough to tow a 19. It’s just cutting it too close, and that’s assuming you can keep the weight of the trailer under that. My 2018 19 has a dry weight of 3,470 lbs. I’m pretty sure with 2 full propane tanks, a full water tank, and all the stuff I carry for 10+ days of camping, it weighs close to 4,400 lbs when I pull out of the driveway. The weight adds up quickly.

With few or no options on a 19, it might be possible to keep the weight under 4,000 lbs. But even so, I still think you’d be cutting it too close. My tow vehicle is rated to tow 7,500 lbs, and even then there have been times when I’ve felt the trailer has been pushing it around (e.g. getting passed by semi’s on the interstate in strong cross winds). Also, I have to watch my transmission temp when towing up long mountain grades. That’s often the weak link people seem to ignore. I get my transmission fluid changed every 40,000 miles or less to stave off any problems, but this is definitely something to consider.

After towing with my current combination since 2018, all I can say is I would never, ever want to tow my 19 with anything less than what I have.

If you really want to use your Blazer, I would look hard at a 17a, which should work well with that vehicle.

Cheers!

[brroberts]

My 19 is heavy by E19 standards. I don’t even try to keep it light. I’m 4600-4700lbs with 530-560lbs of tongue weight. It tows great with either truck. For me, a Blazer wouldn’t work, but people are towing successfully with vehicles like Highlanders with 5000lbs tow packages.

[BravoDeltaRomeo]

It is my understanding, the 4500lbs will be total payload/towing for an SUV. Unlike a truck, that has towing capacity of 9800lbs and payload of 1400lbs (Tundra), I can tow 9500lbs behind the trailer and fill the inside of my truck with 1000lbs of people and gear and still be under.

I wouldn't do it. Remember, you aren't the only one on the road. Just because you "can", doesn't mean you should or legally can. If you are over and something catastrophic happens, you will likely be held criminally responsible.

[Micheal K]

Originally Posted by BravoDeltaRomeo

It is my understanding, the 4500lbs will be total payload/towing for an SUV. Unlike a truck, that has towing capacity of 9800lbs and payload of 1400lbs (Tundra), I can tow 9500lbs behind the trailer and fill the inside of my truck with 1000lbs of people and gear and still be under.

I know there are some exceptions but SUV towing and payload numbers typically mean the same thing as they do for trucks.Regarding your example with your truck you seem to be saying that a minimum 950 lbs tongue weight for a 9500 lb trailer would not be counted against the 1400lb payload. I don’t think that’s correct as tongue weight is counted as payload for every tow vehicle I’ve ever heard of.

OP, the best way to get your payload is to weigh your vehicle with a full tank at a scale. Payload = GVWR - scale weight.

Since you already have the vehicle, if the payload is enough and you can keep the trailer under 4500 lbs (current GVWR for a 19), I’d at least try it.

[BravoDeltaRomeo]

@Michael K.

Yes, the tongue weight would count against the payload. I didn't factor that into my example above.

Payload is everything you are hauling in the vehicle, tongue weight, passengers, vehicle mods (rock sliders, under truck armour, roof racks, canoes, etc).

I'd venture to say, most trucks are under the tow capacity when hauling a trailer but over their payload. Payload gets eaten up faster than most think.

In my case, using these numbers, ballpark, you can see how fast it disappears for my 1/2 ton truck setup.

Payload 1400
Passengers -600 (4 adults)
Dog -50
Skid plates, rock sliders, lineX,
, roof rack - 200
Canoe -50
Tongue weight 19 - 500
Aftermarket tires /wheels- 50 (over stock weight)
Straps, booster pack, air compressor, safety equipment- 30

I'm over before I add firewood, fishing gear, water, pop, cooler, misc in the truck bed. I could add those things inside the trailer and count it against towing capacity, but I'm not a fan of hauling junk inside the trailer rattling and bouncing around. Especially cases of water and bbq etc. Plus, tongue weight would go up and maybe over the recommended % of trailer weight.

It's definitely a balancing act.

[Mike G]

Originally Posted by brroberts

My 19 is heavy by E19 standards. I don’t even try to keep it light. I’m 4600-4700lbs with 530-560lbs of tongue weight. It tows great with either truck. For me, a Blazer wouldn’t work, but people are towing successfully with vehicles like Highlanders with 5000lbs tow packages.

Doesn't your E19 have a GVWR of 4400 lb? You're 'fessing up to exceeding the load capacity?

[brroberts]

Originally Posted by Mike G

Doesn't your E19 have a GVWR of 4400 lb? You're 'fessing up to exceeding the load capacity?

No. 5000lbs.

[Mike G]

Originally Posted by brroberts

No. 5000lbs.

Sorry, I guess my memory must be off. Current rating is 4400. What years had an increased capacity, and do you know what was changed since then to lower it?

[brroberts]

I think they changed it in 2022, but I’m not sure. As far as what I know from the forum, nothing actually changed on the trailers except the sticker.

[Chamberman]

Originally Posted by Mike G

Sorry, I guess my memory must be off. Current rating is 4400. What years had an increased capacity, and do you know what was changed since then to lower it?

Here's a thread on the subject of GVWR reductions.

[Cathleen Shea]

Our 2018 Toyota 4Runner (V6) had a max tow capacity of 5,000 lbs. We traded it for a 2021 Toyota Tacoma (V6), as it has 6,000 lbs. max tow capacity. This will ensure we can load the gear we need... aaannnddd still maintain the 20% buffer on towed weight.

I refuse to bargain with safety on the road. As much as I loved that 4Runner... I love my wife, and dog more. I plan to keep us, and other drivers safe on the road.

We pick up our E19 on 7 Oct. Full-time nomad life, here we come.