2024 Chevrolet Equinox Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Quick Answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs
• Max Payload: 1,190 - 1,293 lbs
• GVWR: 4,464 - 4,630 lbs
• GCWR: 6,464 - 6,630 lbs
• Curb Weight: 3,274 - 3,421 lbs
• Hitch Class: Class I (estimated, based on towing capacity)
• Max Tongue Weight: 150 lbs (estimated, 10% of max tow capacity)

Tow Ratings by Engine & Trim

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox is offered with a single engine option across all trims, making the towing capacity consistent regardless of the specific trim level. The towing capacity is primarily influenced by the drivetrain.

Payload capacity can vary based on installed options and accessories. Always check your vehicle's door jamb sticker for the most accurate payload information.

Tow Package Contents

Chevrolet does not offer a dedicated "tow package" for the 2024 Equinox in the traditional sense that you might find on larger SUVs or trucks. The 1,500-pound towing capacity is achieved with the standard vehicle configuration. For safe towing, an accessory hitch can be installed.

Features that are often part of tow packages on other vehicles, such as an integrated trailer brake controller or a heavy-duty transmission cooler, are typically not available or necessary for the 2024 Equinox's modest towing capacity. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is generally integrated into the vehicle's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, providing an added layer of safety when towing.

5th-Wheel & Gooseneck

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox is not designed for 5th-wheel or gooseneck towing. These types of hitches are reserved for heavy-duty trucks and require a much larger towing and payload capacity than the Equinox offers.

Weight Distribution & WDH Requirements

Given the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox's maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and an estimated max tongue weight of 150 pounds, a weight-distributing hitch (WDH) is generally not required. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend a WDH for tongue weights exceeding 200-500 pounds, or when the trailer significantly impacts the vehicle's stance or handling. For trailers within the Equinox's limits, proper loading and ensuring the tongue weight is within the recommended 10-15% of the total trailer weight should suffice.

Real-World Towing Tips for this Vehicle

• Stay within limits: Never exceed the maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs or the maximum tongue weight of 150 lbs. Overloading can cause significant damage to your vehicle and create unsafe driving conditions.
• Proper Trailer Loading: Distribute weight evenly in your trailer, with about 60% of the cargo weight placed in the front half of the trailer to ensure proper tongue weight. This helps maintain stability.
• Check Tires: Ensure both your Equinox's tires and the trailer's tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressures before each tow.
• Braking Distance: Remember that towing a trailer significantly increases your stopping distance. Allow extra room between your vehicle and others.
• Speed Management: Maintain conservative speeds. The added weight of a trailer can make your vehicle feel less responsive, especially at higher speeds.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Before heading out, double-check all trailer connections, lights, and safety chains.
• Transmission Considerations: While the Equinox doesn't have a specific tow/haul mode, driving in a lower gear (such as L or using the manual shifting option if available) in hilly terrain can help reduce strain on the transmission and engine.
• SAE J2807 Compliance: Chevrolet designs its vehicles to meet or exceed SAE J2807 towing standards, which involve rigorous testing protocols to ensure consistent and reliable towing capacities.

Common Towing-Related Issues

• Overheating: While less common with the Equinox's modest capacity, towing in hot weather or up steep grades can stress the engine and transmission, potentially leading to overheating if limits are pushed.
• Premature Brake Wear: The added weight of a trailer will increase wear on your vehicle's brakes. Be mindful of this and inspect your brake pads more frequently.
• Transmission Strain: Constant heavy towing can accelerate wear on transmission components. Adhering to towing limits and proper driving techniques can help mitigate this.
• Suspension Sag: Heavy tongue weight, even within limits, can cause the rear of the vehicle to sag, affecting handling and headlight aim. Properly distributing trailer load helps alleviate this.
• Tire Issues: Underinflated tires or tires not rated for the additional load can lead to blowouts or poor handling. Always ensure tires are properly inflated and in good condition.

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