It will be fine chassis wise. Weight distribution hitches are great especially if you’re not used to towing. I towed 7500 lbs with my shortbed zr2 (rated for 5k) 2 days ago and it handled it beautifully. My trailer brakes failed during the trip(trailer issue) and the truck stopped everything fine, however, I would not tow anything substantial without trailer brakes on purpose. As for the engine I don’t know mine is the diesel. I would also recommend tow mirrors I found the stock mirrors completely inadequate.

 

Add tow mirrors and go! You shouldn't have any problem with that.

 

Yep, I would say the weight distribution hitch is going to be required for good stability and control, but other than that you are well within the ranges.

 

I added these mirrors, they were cheap, easy on and off, and worked great.

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AJH1HK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/ame]

 

I've read that I shouldn't exceed 70% of max towing capacity (4,900lbs).

Am I barking up the wrong tree with this much camper with the Colorado? Will it tear apart the Colorado?

Sorry to hear you have read misinformation.



I hate it when people start the whole "only tow XX% of the max allowable".



These trucks are easily capable of towing 7,000 lbs (V6 models). Just don't expect the truck to work like it does empty and take it easy.


- Preston

 

Agree with the above, you will be fine.
Get a weight distribution hitch, make sure the trailer brake controller is set properly, realize that you are hauling a load and don’t drive like you stole it, and go have fun.

 

Your Colorado will have no problems towing that camper. Follow the speed limits and avoid using cruise control and you will be fine.
Your gas mileage will be cut almost in half when towing so plan your fuel stops accordingly. I say this because it is sometimes near impossible to squeeze into a pump lane at some gas stations.

 

The new sae tow ratings make it much easier to say yes, your truck will haul that load no problem. It is legitimately rated to tow that load up Davis dam, and stop it on the way back down (with trailer brakes).

You’re on the right track to add the safety gear that many skimp on, such as the wdh. It will only help you, and make the experience more enjoyable. As for the 750ish Tongue weight, unless you really fill the truck up, that’s fine for tongue weight to still stay within GVW and GAW.

I would recommend taking the whole setup and weighing it on a scale that can tell you the weight on each axle, loaded as close to how you would travel as you can. Most CAT scales do this. You don’t need to do it before buying, that trailer is unlikely to exceed any limits. But it could help you load better, and just know what you have, once you get it. Those manufacturer numbers are never quite right.

 

I’m towing Jayco 23BHM which is 6,250 GVWR (5K dry and 600 tongue weight) with 2016 CCLB diesel and WDH. Although it’s under maximum towing weight for that configuration, which is 7,600 lb, with two adults, two kids, bed cap, etc it’s pretty close if not over payload maximum. We did two long trips over last years - one from Toronto to Newfoundland and back and another one Toronto to Florida - each is probably close to 4,000 miles. Truck tow the load fine but on the highways I’m keeping the max speed at 55 MPH and still can feel every passing large vehicle. Love the truck - no issues, great gas mileage but I feel it’s a bit too small or maybe too light for that camper.

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You'll be fine !! I pull a 26 ft Forest River Coachman for 700 miles one way and only felt a little drag from the weight !! You'll be happy with how our trucks handle when towing !!

 

How many of you are actually putting your camper on the scales? I have a FR Mini lite 2109S

on my first trip I hit the scales on the way out of town... Trailer axles were 4200 lbs tongue weight was 840 lbs with a very light load, do not trust what the manufacturer posts on their website. I think the sites says 450 LB TW or so.

I am still within spec on all axles, payload, GCWR though.

 

Am I barking up the wrong tree with this much camper with the Colorado? Will it tear apart the Colorado?

No, you will not tear up the Colorado by towing a 6,000 lb trailer. Depending on how comfortable you are with towing, you may find it to be more comfortable, and more stable towing at a lower percentage of you max tow weight. There are many here who are happily towing comparable trailers happily.