5.0 Researching Newbie Towing Vehicle

kswiszowski55

New Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2021
Messages
9
Location
Maryville
Hi all, anyone towing with a Chevy Colorado. I just bought a new 2021 Colorado Z71 with offroad package. Wanting to know if it'll be the right one for a 5.0?? TIA
 
Check the sticker on the panel behind the driver's door (you can see the sticker when the door is open). The critical item you are looking for there is 'cargo weight'.

This is the total amount of 'stuff' including people that you can carry with the truck. The challenge with a fifth wheel like the Escape 5.0 is that the trailer puts a lot of weight on the truck. So you will need to think if you can keep (all people + all pets + all stuff carried in truck + fifth wheel hitch + pin weight) < cargo weight.

The mid size pickups (Colorado, Ranger) can pull an Escape 5.0 within limits, but only when you pay attention to how much other weight you are carrying. IMO if you are just a couple of people it's pretty do-able. If you are a family of four it's probably not going to work well.

Incidentally, moving up to a full size pickup does not always make this better. Some full size pickups (especially the Ram) have surprisingly low cargo weights too.
 
Yes watch payload. My XLT Ranger comes in at 1827lbs, but no 4wd or extended cab, but with a 6’ bed. I do not have a 5th wheel however.
 
More true than you realize Alf. I have the Ranger and a 98 Chevy 2500, but no RV. A windstorm took out out Forest River travel trailer and Bigfoot pickup camper in May 2020. We ordered an E19 in October 2020 which should be here in early October 2021. The Chevy is still solid, but we like to go off the beaten track, so I decided it was time for something newer. My goal was 1800lbs payload and 7000lbs towing. The cheapest vehicle to meet that point was the Ranger. I’m keeping the 2500 because sometimes I need a Truck!
 
An Andersen hitch helps to keep the payload light, if the numbers are creeping up on you. The chains feel heavier than the rest of the hitch some days.
 
An Andersen hitch helps to keep the payload light, if the numbers are creeping up on you. The chains feel heavier than the rest of the hitch some days.

Agreed...also, I'd recommend adding a Roadmaster Active Suspension kit to the truck. Although it doesn't change the payload number, it certainly improves the ride and handling when you're close to it.
 

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