Which Chevy Traverse can tow 5000 lbs?
The Chevrolet Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 engine and the Trailering Package. Without that package, the towing capacity is lower. The exact rating depends on year and configuration, so always verify the window sticker for a given vehicle.
To understand which Traverse can reach the 5,000-pound limit, it helps to know what equipment unlocks that capability and how it applies across model years. Below is a practical guide to identifying and configuring a Traverse for near-maximal towing.
What enables a 5,000-lb tow rating
To tow 5,000 pounds safely, you need a specific engine and towing hardware, plus proper trailer setup. The following elements are commonly required or strongly recommended on a Traverse to reach the maximum rating.
Below is a concise checklist of the key components and configurations that typically unlock the 5,000-lb towing capability.
- 3.6L V6 engine (310 hp, 266 lb-ft of torque)
- Trailering Package (includes heavy-duty cooling, enhanced engine cooling, and a compatible hitch setup)
- 2-inch hitch receiver with the appropriate trailer wiring harness (and, where applicable, a trailer brake controller)
- Sufficient payload capacity to handle tongue weight and cargo while towing (GVWR/payload must support the trailer’s tongue weight)
In practice, meeting these requirements allows the Traverse to achieve the 5,000-pound braked towing rating. Always confirm with the dealer or the vehicle’s manual for your exact configuration, because equipment availability can vary by model year and trim.
Which models and years are capable
The current generation of the Chevrolet Traverse (introduced for the 2018 model year and refreshed thereafter) offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when equipped with the 3.6L V6 and Trailering Package. This rating applies to both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations that include the necessary towing hardware. Older model years may have different limits or require different equipment, so verify the specific vehicle’s tow rating in its window sticker and owner’s manual.
Practical notes for buyers and owners
Because towing capacity depends on multiple factors, here are practical considerations to keep in mind when targeting a 5,000-lb tow load.
- Always use the correct trailer hitch, wiring, and brake controls as specified for the Trailering Package.
- Be mindful of payload: ensure that passenger and cargo weight do not push the vehicle beyond its GVWR, which would reduce safe towing capacity.
- Consider braking requirements and trailer electronics; some trailers require an integrated or aftermarket brake controller.
- Check the trailer’s weight distribution and tongue weight: a typical target is about 10–15% of the trailer’s gross weight for tongue weight.
For prospective buyers, the key takeaway is that 5,000 pounds is achievable on a Traverse when the right engine and towing package are installed. If you need to tow near that limit regularly, confirm the exact configuration with the dealer and review the trailer’s requirements and your vehicle’s payload ratings.
Summary
The Chevrolet Traverse can reach a 5,000-pound towing capacity when equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine and the Trailering Package, available across modern model years with proper hardware. Always verify the specific vehicle’s tow rating, ensure sufficient payload, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe towing.
If you plan to tow regularly at or near the limit, consult your dealer for the exact package contents, confirm the year-specific capabilities, and follow best practices for weight distribution, braking, and trailer maintenance.
