Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity: 5,000 lb Explained
Traverse towing
Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity: 5,000 lb Explained
What the Traverse can tow, what equipment it takes, and what 5,000 lb means up north.
- 5,000 lbwith trailering equipment
- 1,500 lbwithout
- FWD or AWDsame rating
Home › Chevrolet Traverse Guide › Towing: 5,000 lb explained · Last updated October 31, 2026
Short answer: Up to 5,000 lb with GM's trailering equipment on FWD or AWD, and 1,500 lb without it. Chevrolet lists trailering equipment on most 2027 Traverses, but check the window sticker.
Prices are GM MSRP including the $1,995 destination charge unless noted, checked against Chevrolet.com starting MSRPs on Oct 31, 2026; option prices from GM 2027 order data as reported by GM Authority and GM-Trucks (2026). GM can change prices; confirm on the window sticker or ask for an out-the-door quote.
Ratings
| Configuration | Max trailer |
|---|---|
| 2.5L FWD with trailering equipment | 5,000 lb |
| 2.5L AWD with trailering equipment | 5,000 lb |
| Without trailering equipment | 1,500 lb |
Chevrolet trailering data. Payload and tongue weight limits are on the door-jamb Tire and Loading label.
What 5,000 lb looks like up north
- Yes: pop-up campers, small travel trailers, fishing boats, pontoons on single-axle trailers, two-place snowmobile trailers.
- Probably not: bigger travel trailers and fifth-wheels — those need a Tahoe, Suburban or pickup.
- Ice season: wheelhouses and larger fish houses can top 5,000 lb. Weigh it before you hitch up.
Towing checklist
- Use loaded weight, not brochure dry weight. Fuel, gear and the motor add up.
- Check the door-jamb label. Tongue weight (about 10% of the trailer), passengers and gear all count against payload.
- Confirm the equipment on the sticker: hitch, cooling and trailering camera views. Driver Confidence (360° camera) helps with hitching; see Traverse packages and options.
- Winter: salt on trailer lights and bearings; rinse after every trip.
Over 5,000 lb regularly? Compare in Traverse vs Tahoe vs Equinox. Bring your trailer weight and we'll match the right build: Order a Traverse.
Back to the Chevrolet Traverse buyer's guide.
More buyer questions
Towing questions buyers ask
Do I need a package to tow 5,000 lb?
Chevrolet lists trailering equipment as included on LT, Z71 and RS for the 5,000-lb rating. Confirm the hitch and wiring on the window sticker of the specific vehicle; tongue weight should stay near 500 lb.
What trailering tech is standard?
Hitch View, Hitch Guidance and the Trailering App are standard per Chevrolet. HD Surround Vision is available for tighter boat-launch backing.
Traverse questions
How much can a Traverse tow?
Up to 5,000 lb with trailering equipment, or 1,500 lb without, on FWD or AWD.
Does every 2027 Traverse have the trailering package?
Chevrolet lists trailering equipment on most 2027 trims; confirm it on the window sticker.
Can a Traverse tow a pontoon?
Many pontoons on single-axle trailers fall under 5,000 lb loaded. Weigh yours to be sure.
Traverse or Tahoe for towing?
Under 5,000 lb, the Traverse. Heavier campers call for a Tahoe (up to 8,400 lb) or Suburban.
What is the Traverse max tongue weight?
Published spec sheets list 500 lb maximum tongue weight with the 5,000-lb rating; confirm in the owner's manual.
More Traverse guides
Sources: Chevrolet trailering data (5,000 lb with trailering equipment), Chevrolet.com, 2027 Traverse