Towing Capacity for 2016 Chevrolet Traverse without Factory Tow Package

Updated 07/22/2020 | Published 03/07/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Class III Ball Mount with 2" Ball - 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs

(3914)

$44.94

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(70)

$76.71

Question:

So we have a 2016 Chevy Traverse LT with front wheel drive and we recently purchased the Draw-Tite Class 3 round Tube hitch receiver. I noticed that it said max towing weight was 5000 lbs and I saw that Chevrolet said that the Traverse, when properly equipped is rated to tow 5200 lbs. I wasnt sure if i could actually tow 5000 lbs because i know that my vehicle does not have the factory installed towing package. So I am asking you if my vehicle would be able to tow this amount of weight. Also, Id like to throw in that along with the hitch, we have used a cargo rack and bike rack with the car so far and I am very happy to say that I am very pleased with this product. Thanks and I look forward to hearing your response soon!

asked by: Geoffrey B

Expert Reply:

When looking at weight capacities of a towing setup, you will always be limited by a system's weakest component. I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2016 Chevrolet Traverse and saw that for a front-wheel drive model that does not have the factory trailer towing package, the maximum trailer weight is 2,000 pounds. As you mentioned in your question, the factory towing package would have bumped it up to 5,200 pounds.

So with your Traverse that does not have the factory tow package, you will need to stay under 2,000 pounds of trailer weight even though the installed Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch # 75528 has a far greater capacity of 5,000 pounds.

If you do plan on towing with your vehicle, I recommend using the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56181 to install a 4-way trailer connector on your Traverse. The T-connector will plug directly into existing wiring on the vehicle. I have included a installation video for you to look at.

You will also need a ball mount like the Curt Class III Ball Mount # C45036 with a 2 inch drop. I have attached a link to our selection as well as a helpful article that details how to choose the correct one for your setup.

expert reply by: Chris R

Francine C.

7/18/2020

I have a 2017 traverse. Can I add the towing pkg and tow a trailer(3840)?

Chris R.

7/22/2020

In terms of increasing the capacity of your vehicle, the tow package cannot be added to your Traverse. You can certainly install everything you need to tow a trailer (hitch, wiring, brake controller, etc) but you're capacity will always be 2,000 pounds as listed in the owner's manual.