How to Make Sense of 2016 Chevy Colorado and Trailer Towing Numbers for Carrying a Polaris  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey Larry, thanks for reaching out to us - I'd be more than happy to help you sort through these numbers!

There are 3 main numbers you need to pay attention to when it comes to towing a trailer; the Max Trailer Weight Rating of your tow vehicle, the GVWR of the trailer, and the Tongue Weight of the trailer.

The max trailer weight rating of your vehicle means this is the heaviest a trailer can weigh and you can safely tow with your vehicle. Basically, as long as the GVWR of the trailer isn't over the max trailer weight rating then you'll be able to tow it with your truck.

The GVWR of your trailer is the dry (unloaded) weight combined with cargo you put into the trailer. Regardless of what the axles are rated for, you cannot exceed the GVWR of a trailer and safely tow it down the road.

The tongue weight of the trailer really boils down to placing the cargo in the "sweet spot" of the axle so your trailer naturally tries to sit level and gives you the best tracking behind your truck. You'll shoot to load your cargo so the tongue weight is about 13% of the weight of the loaded trailer. So, for example, let's round up and say your GVWR is 3,000 lbs (to make the math easy). This means you'll shoot to have the tongue weight of your trailer be about 390 lbs. Using a tongue weight scale like part # e99044 makes it really easy to hit the correct tongue weight every time you load your trailer.

From the numbers you gave me, it looks like your Polaris is overloading your trailer by over 200 lbs so you definitely need a new one. Try to find one that doesn't exceed a GVWR of 7,000 lbs, and make sure it has a cargo carrying capacity higher than the weight of your Polaris - ideally you'll want a decent cushion in case you need to carry some gear in the trailer as well.

Hopefully this helps to stop your head from spinning and circles and gives you some clarity. If you still need some help please let me know!

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Larry

9/22/2024

Jon! Hello! Thanks for your answers! What do you mean " Get one that doesn't exceed a GVWR of 7000 lbs". I wanted to use this trailer to load my hunting tent and gear and the Polaris. What trailer would you suggest? Thanks!!! Larry.

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Jon G.

9/23/2024

@Larry Happy to help out! What I meant by that was just make sure that you don't get too much trailer for your truck. It's tempting to get the "biggest and best" trailer when we realize we need an upgrade, so just make sure the trailer can carry the Polaris but it won't overload your truck when everything is loaded up. If you have a few trailers in mind that you'd like my input on as to what would best suit your situation I'd be more than happy to help out, but I try to steer away from making specific recommendations because there is a lot to consider like price-point, size, and what comes with the trailer.

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Larry

9/24/2024

@JonG Thank you !!!

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