How much weight can you put in the back of a Traverse?
The back of a Chevy Traverse can typically carry about 1,400 to 1,600 pounds of payload, depending on the year, trim, and drivetrain. The exact limit is determined by the vehicle’s GVWR minus its curb weight, and this rating includes all passengers and cargo. Always check the door jamb placard for your specific vehicle to confirm the exact figure before loading heavy items.
Understanding payload and cargo limits
Payload capacity is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry beyond its own empty weight. It is calculated from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) minus the curb weight. Everything you load inside the cabin or cargo area contributes to that limit, and weight added to the roof or hitch also counts toward the overall weight the vehicle can carry. Staying within this limit helps maintain handling, braking performance, and passenger safety.
How weight is calculated
To determine your allowable load, follow this simple method:
- Find the GVWR on the driver’s door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual. For Traverse models, it commonly falls in the range of roughly 6,000–6,700 pounds depending on year and configuration.
- Find the curb weight (the vehicle’s weight without passengers or cargo, but with standard fluids and equipment).
- Compute payload = GVWR − curb weight.
- Subtract the weight of all passengers and cargo you plan to carry to verify you remain under the payload limit.
Following these steps lets you gauge how much you can safely carry in the back and inside the cabin without exceeding the vehicle’s rated capacity.
Practical loading guidelines
These guidelines help you load safely and maximize stability while staying within the Traverse’s limits.
- Distribute weight evenly from left to right to preserve balanced handling.
- Place the heaviest items low and as close to the center as possible to maintain a low center of gravity.
- Secure cargo with nets, straps, or cargo anchors to prevent shifting during driving or braking.
- Avoid stacking items so they block rear visibility or extend beyond the cargo area boundaries.
- Do not exceed the vehicle’s payload or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). If you need to carry more than the limit, consider alternative options such as a trailer or a properly rated roof cargo carrier, and adjust load accordingly.
By following these practices, you can safely maximize cargo capacity without compromising vehicle safety or performance.
How to determine your exact capacity
Because payload can vary by year, trim, and drivetrain, your most reliable source is the vehicle’s door jamb placard, which lists the GVWR. Subtract the curb weight (also listed on the placard or in official specs) to obtain the payload, then subtract the actual weight of passengers and luggage to confirm you are within limits. When in doubt, consult a Chevrolet dealer or refer to the owner’s manual for model-specific figures and guidance.
Summary
In short, most modern Traveres support roughly 1,400–1,600 pounds of payload, but exact numbers hinge on the specific vehicle. Always verify the GVWR and curb weight on the door label, account for all occupants and cargo, including any roof or hitch-mounted loads, and load with care to maintain safe handling and braking. If you anticipate regularly approaching the upper end of the limit, consider alternate arrangements to distribute weight safely.
