Can I Pull A 5th Wheel Camper With A Chevy Colorado?

Updated 09/03/2024 | Published 07/08/2023

Question:

Could I tow an 18 ft 5th wheel with a chevy colorado 3.6 v6? Dan

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

It is possible to pull a 5th wheel with a Chevy Colorado. There are going to be a few limiting factors though, this vehicle really is not designed for 5th wheel or gooseneck towing.

I recommend using a Universal install kit like the Reese # RP30035, since there are no custom fit install kits available. This will give you your industry standard 5th wheel rails in the bed. From there you can put a hitch in the bed like the Reese M5 # RP30928. This hitch is rated for 20,000 lbs so it will be more than enough for what you will be pulling. You could of course use any 5th wheel hitch that is compatible with the ISR (industry standard rails). Please note that with your truck it would require the use of a rotating pin box (sidewinder). This is the only way to move the pivot point back far enough to allow turning clearance. You would also need the Sidewinder wedge kit # RP44FR.

Also, I am not sure exactly what year and model of Colorado you have, but most of these are only rated to tow a maximum of 6 or 7 thousand pounds. You can check the towing section of your owners manual for more detail on your specific towing capacities. You will want to be sure whatever camper you are attempting to pull will not overload your truck.

You may also want to beef up the rear suspension to keep it from sagging. Something like an air bag kit, or at the very least a Timbren bumpstop. Feel free to contact me directly with the specific year, make and model of your truck, and I can make some recommendations.

I have included a few links below if you want to get a better idea of what is involved.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Corey W.

9/1/2024

Hello, I have a 2019 chevy colorado z71. I would really like to be able to get a fifth wheel, we found one that is 7700lbs right at my max. If I put air bags and say an RV chip or something would that help?

Jesse M.

9/3/2024

@CoreyW Yes, an air bag kit will definitely help the truck handle the load better. It will not increase your towing capacity, but it will help eliminate sagging, and it will improve ride quality. The correct Air Lift air bag kit for your 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 is part # AL59533.