GM Canyon/Chevy Colorado

Dan Fahey · 07-07-2015, 11:21 AM

Seeking feedback on these two vehicles as a tow vehicle.
They can tow up to 7000#. Uses a V6 rated at 305 hp, 6sp auto.

My Impala SS weighs about 4000#, Featherlite 3110 about 1800#
About 5800# loaded up.

Dan

ss3011 · 07-07-2015, 04:18 PM

You would be better off with a 5.3L Silverado with the HD tow package. You probably don't need the Max tow package which includes the 6.0L engine. Make sure you get the integrated brake controller, it's a very nice package !

james schaechter · 07-09-2015, 06:04 AM

When I was looking in to the max tow, I found that they now offer it with a 5.3 and the 6.2 engine now. I would bet that the 5.3 is close to the canyon in mpg and the overall truck would be much better, especially for towing. Only people I know that actually spec out their trucks that close to the weight they are towing are the salesmen trying to sell the junk they have instead of what you need. I would want something that would easily exceed the need in terms of weight. Don't forget overall weight include fuel passengers, cargo,etc.

tj310 · 07-09-2015, 10:07 AM

In 2005 we bought a brand new V6 stick 4wd s10 2door Blazer rated to tow 5000 lbs. I built a smaller light trailer to tow our 2900# Firebird worked out fine, better than anticipated . Lasted 9 years.
It only cost 1/3 of a Suburban , 1/2 of a pickup and you couldn't get a stick in a fullsize

---Trevor

Dan Fahey · 07-10-2015, 12:11 AM

Right now I am towing with a Modified 1994 Caprice Wagon.
Bought a Featherlight 3110 used Trailer.

The Caprice installed 3.08s, new trans, rebuilt rear with New Moser axles, ARP studs and of course all new bearings.
Recently added new HD springs and air bag system with pump.
Complimented with Metro Lower control arms and SS Sway bar.

Going to see how it does going to Pittsburgh.
Handles great!

Engine has 217000 miles and passed Maryland Federal Emissions.
Building a 383 for Towing.

But eventually looking at the GM Canyon.
Sooner or later will have to retire the wagon!
I like it because my wife will find it easier to drive.
The full size Silverado is a beast to park.
My wagon will actually make a U-turn tighter than most small cars.

Dan

Detroit Bob · 07-10-2015, 07:15 PM

Keep in mind that you have to stop that weight as well as tow it. I would be wary.

joelster · 07-11-2015, 06:13 AM

How often do you tow? That is what I would base my decision on. A brand new loaded Colorado 4x4 can be had for around $35k. A similarly equipped Silverado is $10-$15k more. If you tow multiple times a week, I'd get the Silverado. Be careful when you look at them though. There are TONS of LT trim level Silverado's that come with the 4.3 V-6 now.The 5.3 is a $1095 upcharge.

Tom Meyer · 07-11-2015, 03:54 PM

If you are talking about 2015 Canyon /Colorado with the v6 it is a dog compared to the 12 and earlier straight 5 we got both. The 05 pulls a open trailer ok but struggles in the hills. Early models did come with a 5.3 v8, also you want the off road package with heaver springs. Brakes a so so, trailer brakes need to work. Tom

Adger Smith · 07-22-2015, 02:29 AM

Dan,
FYI.
I have a loaded 2005 HD 1500 (4 door) with the towing package W/ 3.73 gears. I've pulled a lot of miles with an open trailer carrying various loads. Cars, Machinery and Parts. Absolutely no trouble. Panic stopped (With loaded trailer) a couple of times running 70+, no problems. The heaviest thing I have pulled is a large Lagun Mill trailer and mill was about 12,000 lbs. I brought it from Colorado Springs co. to East Texas. The longest loaded pull I made was with a CWT balancer and Sunnen hone from L.A to East Texas. Approx 8,00o lbs loaded. Did it in Aug of 2012. It Was 117 degrees going through Pheonix. absolutely no problems on the trip, except one blown trailer tire. This has been a great truck. BTY it's life time avg mileage for 156,000 mi is 16.2 MPG. Those 1500 HD's W/Tow package are a pretty well thought out combination & good for pulling.

Dan Fahey · 07-22-2015, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adger Smith

Dan,
FYI.
I have a loaded 2005 HD 1500 (4 door) with the towing package W/ 3.73 gears. I've pulled a lot of miles with an open trailer carrying various loads. Cars, Machinery and Parts. Absolutely no trouble. Panic stopped (With loaded trailer) a couple of times running 70+, no problems. The heaviest thing I have pulled is a large Lagun Mill trailer and mill was about 12,000 lbs. I brought it from Colorado Springs co. to East Texas. The longest loaded pull I made was with a CWT balancer and Sunnen hone from L.A to East Texas. Approx 8,00o lbs loaded. Did it in Aug of 2012. It Was 117 degrees going through Pheonix. absolutely no problems on the trip, except one blown trailer tire. This has been a great truck. BTY it's life time avg mileage for 156,000 mi is 16.2 MPG. Those 1500 HD's W/Tow package are a pretty well thought out combination & good for pulling.

This is really good information.
The Caprice Wagon uses 3.08 with a 27 inch tall Nitto 255/17/50 tire.
Pittsburgh ProAm mountains was no problem up or back home.
Used Drive and Snuck in the OD on down hill or level stretches.
Going to add a Torque Convert Lock Switch for the clutch.

The real excitement watching the NASCAR travellers tailgating each other to go faster And at times less than a car length between.

Mostly stayed behind Tractor Trailers.
Driving the speed limit which was fine for me.
Added a SS sway bar to the wagon and has nice tight handling.

Towing your situation awareness is heightened.
So far avoided most of the scary insane desperate drivers.

D

07-07-2015, 11:21 AM	#1
Dan Fahey VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,114 Likes: 1,078 Liked 180 Times in 110 Posts	GM Canyon/Chevy Colorado Seeking feedback on these two vehicles as a tow vehicle. They can tow up to 7000#. Uses a V6 rated at 305 hp, 6sp auto. My Impala SS weighs about 4000#, Featherlite 3110 about 1800# About 5800# loaded up. Dan

07-07-2015, 04:18 PM	#2
ss3011 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 885 Likes: 63 Liked 221 Times in 102 Posts	Re: GM Canyon/Chevy Colorado You would be better off with a 5.3L Silverado with the HD tow package. You probably don't need the Max tow package which includes the 6.0L engine. Make sure you get the integrated brake controller, it's a very nice package !

07-09-2015, 06:04 AM	#3
james schaechter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cumming GA Posts: 1,928 Likes: 1,071 Liked 1,212 Times in 249 Posts	Re: GM Canyon/Chevy Colorado When I was looking in to the max tow, I found that they now offer it with a 5.3 and the 6.2 engine now. I would bet that the 5.3 is close to the canyon in mpg and the overall truck would be much better, especially for towing. Only people I know that actually spec out their trucks that close to the weight they are towing are the salesmen trying to sell the junk they have instead of what you need. I would want something that would easily exceed the need in terms of weight. Don't forget overall weight include fuel passengers, cargo,etc. __________________ James Schaechter 3163 STK

07-09-2015, 10:07 AM	#4
tj310 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dresden On. Canada Posts: 460 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: GM Canyon/Chevy Colorado In 2005 we bought a brand new V6 stick 4wd s10 2door Blazer rated to tow 5000 lbs. I built a smaller light trailer to tow our 2900# Firebird worked out fine, better than anticipated . Lasted 9 years. It only cost 1/3 of a Suburban , 1/2 of a pickup and you couldn't get a stick in a fullsize ---Trevor

07-10-2015, 12:11 AM	#5
Dan Fahey VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,114 Likes: 1,078 Liked 180 Times in 110 Posts	Re: GM Canyon/Chevy Colorado Right now I am towing with a Modified 1994 Caprice Wagon. Bought a Featherlight 3110 used Trailer. The Caprice installed 3.08s, new trans, rebuilt rear with New Moser axles, ARP studs and of course all new bearings. Recently added new HD springs and air bag system with pump. Complimented with Metro Lower control arms and SS Sway bar. Going to see how it does going to Pittsburgh. Handles great! Engine has 217000 miles and passed Maryland Federal Emissions. Building a 383 for Towing. But eventually looking at the GM Canyon. Sooner or later will have to retire the wagon! I like it because my wife will find it easier to drive. The full size Silverado is a beast to park. My wagon will actually make a U-turn tighter than most small cars. Dan

07-10-2015, 07:15 PM	#6
Detroit Bob Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Grosse Pointe Woods Mi Posts: 88 Likes: 0 Liked 10 Times in 3 Posts	Re: GM Canyon/Chevy Colorado Keep in mind that you have to stop that weight as well as tow it. I would be wary. __________________ Bob Kowal STK 345

07-11-2015, 06:13 AM	#7
joelster Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tonawanda, NY Posts: 106 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: GM Canyon/Chevy Colorado How often do you tow? That is what I would base my decision on. A brand new loaded Colorado 4x4 can be had for around $35k. A similarly equipped Silverado is $10-$15k more. If you tow multiple times a week, I'd get the Silverado. Be careful when you look at them though. There are TONS of LT trim level Silverado's that come with the 4.3 V-6 now.The 5.3 is a $1095 upcharge.

07-11-2015, 03:54 PM	#8
Tom Meyer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pierce NE Posts: 900 Likes: 51 Liked 301 Times in 105 Posts	Re: GM Canyon/Chevy Colorado If you are talking about 2015 Canyon /Colorado with the v6 it is a dog compared to the 12 and earlier straight 5 we got both. The 05 pulls a open trailer ok but struggles in the hills. Early models did come with a 5.3 v8, also you want the off road package with heaver springs. Brakes a so so, trailer brakes need to work. Tom __________________ Tom Meyer 5240 SS Stock ???

07-22-2015, 02:29 AM	#9
Adger Smith VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Texarkana Ark/TX Posts: 2,348 Likes: 434 Liked 677 Times in 261 Posts	Re: GM Canyon/Chevy Colorado Dan, FYI. I have a loaded 2005 HD 1500 (4 door) with the towing package W/ 3.73 gears. I've pulled a lot of miles with an open trailer carrying various loads. Cars, Machinery and Parts. Absolutely no trouble. Panic stopped (With loaded trailer) a couple of times running 70+, no problems. The heaviest thing I have pulled is a large Lagun Mill trailer and mill was about 12,000 lbs. I brought it from Colorado Springs co. to East Texas. The longest loaded pull I made was with a CWT balancer and Sunnen hone from L.A to East Texas. Approx 8,00o lbs loaded. Did it in Aug of 2012. It Was 117 degrees going through Pheonix. absolutely no problems on the trip, except one blown trailer tire. This has been a great truck. BTY it's life time avg mileage for 156,000 mi is 16.2 MPG. Those 1500 HD's W/Tow package are a pretty well thought out combination & good for pulling. __________________ Adger Smith (Former SS)