Newbie to trailering

[Wheels]

Hello...I am ordering a 21 ft Escape and plan to tow with a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado with the towing package. I have read some of the threads on towing, but would really like some direction on which type of hitch to use and any other things I need to do to tow comfortably and safely...I don't want to overkill the issue, but I most certainly do not want to do something less than appropriate...would love any suggestions or thoughts.

geoff

[Jim Bennett]

Hi Geoff, welcome to the site, and congrats on your purchase. Lots of fun times ahead of you now.

Not sure what reading you have done here, but there is an invaluable resource in the past threads. It is worth searching through and reading a bunch.

Your tow vehicle is more than adequate. I would not think you would need a Weight Distribution Hitch, but it would never hurt,.

Not having towed before, it is a good idea to get lots, and lots, of practice. Some have gone to a local driving school in Chilliwack to get a start once they pick up their trailers, and I think this is a fantastic idea. After that spend a bunch of time practising reversing in an empty parking lot. You will catch on.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Not having towed before, it is a good idea to get lots, and lots, of practice. Some have gone to a local driving school in Chilliwack to get a start once they pick up their trailers, and I think this is a fantastic idea. After that spend a bunch of time practising reversing in an empty parking lot. You will catch on.

Really, I had not read about this school! Great idea, although for Americans we pick it up in Sumas. But that's a good thought - getting an expert to help you out. Backing with a trailer can be really tricky; I never quite got the hang of it when I used to pull an enclosed trailer from time to time.

[padlin]

Welcome Geoff
You'll hear opinions both ways on WDH's, to have or not to have. I took a quick look and see a payload of 1500-1700 lbs, which is good. Towing capacity however shows 3500, at least the one place that had one listed. What's the capacities of your truck? 3500 would be undersized for the 21.

[Loren & Cathy]

In doing a little research on the 2015 Colorado, it shows a maximum towing capacity of 7000 pounds IF it is equipped with the Z82 trailering package, V6 engine, and locking differential. And this is using the J2807 standards which GM is using for the first time in 2015. To get a lot of these heavier trailering packages, you usually have to order as they are very scarce on dealer lots. I special ordered my truck and set it up for towing. And after much debate, are getting the Andersen hitch. Loren

[rbryan4]

Welcome Geoff. Your Colorado should pull a 21 just fine. I tow a 19 with an F150. As for whether or not to get a WDH, I'll echo what Reace told me: "you don't 'need' it, but I think you'll benefit from it."

Got an Andersen Hitch and have had no regrets.