Towing Capacity and Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations for a 2012 Chevy Equinox  

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I checked the owner's manual for the 2012 Chevy Equinox and found that models with the 3.0 Liter motor like yours can tow trailers up to 3,500 pounds as long as they have trailer brakes. The other number that stands out is the GCWR or gross combined weight rating. This is the most that the trailer and the vehicle can weigh together including any cargo, fuel, and passengers.

For front wheel drive models the GCWR is 7,937 pounds. For all wheel drive models the GCWR is 8,157 pounds.

Towing a trailer can cause the vehicle to get hot so I do recommend a supplemental transmission cooler though it is not listed as a requirement in the manual. Coolers are not vehicle specific so you can add one that fits the space in the engine compartment. I recommend # D13503 which is 11 inches wide, 8-3/4 inches tall, and 7/8 inches deep.

For a trailer hitch I recommend # 13591. This is a Class III trailer hitch with a 2 inch receiver rated for 350 pounds tongue weight and 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And to add a 4-Way trailer wiring harness to the back of the vehicle I recommend # 118494. I have linked a video showing how it installs as well.

expert reply by: Michael H

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