Don Johnson Auto Group – Can the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado safely tow a midsize camper near Barron, WI?
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado brings serious capability to the midsize truck class, and that includes confident towing for campers, boats, and utility trailers around Barron, WI. With a max towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped, a 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter engine, and smart trailering tech, the Colorado is engineered to handle weekend trips to the Chetek Chain of Lakes or longer hauls up Highway 53 with poise.
To determine whether it is the right fit for your specific camper, it helps to look beyond a single number. Towing ratings vary by configuration, driveline, and trim. For example, the off-road-optimized ZR2 is limited to 6,000 pounds due to its specialized hardware, while other trims can reach the 7,700-pound maximum when properly equipped. Payload, tongue weight, and hitch setup also matter. Our team at Don Johnson Auto Group can walk you through these details and help you match the right Colorado to your trailer so you can travel across Barron County with confidence.
Use the following step-by-step approach to validate your setup before you hitch up and head out.
- Confirm trailer weight: Check the camper’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and expected trip weight, including water, gear, and propane.
- Match to tow rating: Compare that loaded weight to the Colorado’s tow rating for your exact trim and driveline.
- Calculate tongue weight: Aim for 10-15 percent of trailer weight on the hitch and ensure it stays within the truck’s payload capacity.
- Verify payload margin: Account for passengers, pets, and cargo in the cab and bed when assessing available payload.
- Choose the right hitch: Use the correct class of hitch and, when appropriate, a weight-distribution system for stability.
- Plan for terrain and weather: Consider Barron County’s rolling hills, winter traction needs, and boat-launch ramps when deciding on RWD vs 4WD.
Beyond the numbers, the Colorado’s design and technology help make towing feel natural, even for first-time owners. Below is a snapshot of the features that matter most for in-market shoppers focused on camping and trailering.
- Powertrain: A 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder delivers robust torque for confident acceleration and merging under load.
- Tow ratings: Up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped on select trims; ZR2 is rated at 6,000 pounds.
- Drivetrains: Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive availability lets you tailor traction to seasonal conditions and launch ramps.
- Trailering tech: A backup camera with Hitch View helps you align solo, and an available 360-degree camera system enhances visibility around the truck and trailer.
- Stability and control: Trail Boss and Z71 feature a limited-slip rear differential to help maintain traction when surfaces get slick.
- Off-road focus: ZR2 and ZR2 Bison add Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers and serious hardware for backcountry access, with some trade-off in max tow rating.
- Driver confidence: Standard driver-assistance features include automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist, with blind-spot monitoring available.
- Cabin tech: An 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps maps and trailer checklists at your fingertips.
If you are debating between RWD and 4WD, think about how and where you will tow. RWD can be ideal for frequent highway trips with lighter trailers, while 4WD can add traction on gravel sites, wet grass at the campground, or snowy trailheads in the Blue Hills. Also remember that the 2026 Colorado arrives exclusively as a crew cab with a five-foot bed, making it easier to park in town while still providing the payload and bed space to carry coolers, firewood, and recovery gear.
When you are ready, our product specialists can help you build a configuration that aligns your camper’s real-world weight with the right Colorado trim. We can also demonstrate Hitch View in our lot so you see how simple lining up a trailer can be.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which 2026 Colorado trim is best for towing a midsize camper?
For the highest ratings, look to non-ZR2 trims properly equipped to reach up to 7,700 pounds. If your adventures include more rugged two-tracks and you can stay within 6,000 pounds, the ZR2’s capability is compelling.
Do I need four-wheel drive to tow around Barron, WI?
Not necessarily. Rear-wheel drive can be a great match for paved-road towing. Choose four-wheel drive if you regularly launch boats on slick ramps, camp on unpaved sites, or travel through winter weather.
How do payload and tongue weight affect my setup?
Tongue weight typically equals 10-15 percent of your trailer’s loaded weight and counts against the truck’s payload along with passengers and cargo. Verifying these numbers ensures balanced, stable towing.
What trailering tech helps most for solo hookups?
The backup camera with Hitch View makes it easier to align your ball and coupler without a spotter, and the available 360-degree camera system provides additional situational awareness.
Can I tow confidently on longer trips?
Yes. The Colorado’s strong turbocharged engine, available limited-slip rear differential, and driver-assistance features support confident trailering. We recommend confirming your trailer brake setup and practicing a short route before your first extended drive.
At Don Johnson Auto Group, we are here to make towing feel simple and safe. If you are near Barron, WI, stop by our Rice Lake showroom to explore the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado in person. We will help you verify capacities for your specific camper, demonstrate Hitch View and available camera systems, and set up a test drive that includes a towing-focused route. When your adventure starts with the right match, the miles get better from the very first turn.
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