Don Johnson Auto Group – Can the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox tow a small boat or camper near Chippewa Falls, WI?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is known for everyday versatility, and for many shoppers near Chippewa Falls, WI, that naturally leads to one key question about weekend plans and summer getaways. If hauling fishing gear to Lake Wissota, pulling a lightweight camper to state park campgrounds, or moving a small utility trailer fits your lifestyle, the Equinox delivers confident capability without giving up the comfort and technology your family uses every day.
Equinox offers up to 1,500 pounds of towing capacity supported by an efficient 1.5L Turbo engine and a standard Drive Mode Selector. Available all-wheel drive adds traction on loose boat ramps and snow-covered backroads, while thoughtful technology helps you maneuver with clarity. Inside, the 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen with Google built-in keeps directions, apps, and music close at hand, and the 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center puts key data in your line of sight. That blend of capability and confidence makes the Equinox a smart match for towing small loads around Chippewa County and beyond.
Here is a quick, high-level snapshot of what in-market shoppers usually want to confirm before hitching up. If any of these spark more detailed questions, our team is happy to walk through specifics for your trailer and gear.
- Max towing: Up to 1,500 lbs
- Engine: 1.5L Turbo with 175 hp
- Drive Mode Selector: Standard for tailored traction
- All-wheel drive: Available for added confidence
- Camera tech: Available HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror
- Driver assistance: Chevy Safety Assist standard, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam®
- Visibility alerts: Available Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Side Bicyclist Alert
- Cargo volume: Up to 63.5 cu. ft. with seats folded
Choosing the right trim can fine-tune your towing experience. Equinox LT is a well-equipped everyday driver; RS adds a confident, sporty look inside and out; and ACTIV brings an adventurous stance with uniquely tuned suspension and all-terrain tires. When you are guiding a trailer into a tight driveway or crowded lot near Irvine Park, available HD Surround Vision, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and the Rear Camera Mirror can help with awareness. Inside, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility plus available wireless phone charging keep your devices powered and your route to the boat launch organized.
Preparation matters just as much as the rating. Before you hitch up for the weekend, use this simple pre-trip checklist to help keep things smooth.
- Confirm the total loaded trailer weight is within 1,500 lbs and check tongue weight guidelines in the Owner’s Manual.
- Inspect tires on the Equinox and trailer for proper inflation and tread condition.
- Verify lights and wiring connections function correctly.
- Load gear evenly to prevent trailer sway and maintain clear rearward visibility.
- Select the appropriate drive mode and allow extra distance for braking and merging.
With those fundamentals covered, let’s address the most common layers of the towing question in a straightforward way so you can decide if the 2026 Equinox suits your weekend plans around Chippewa Falls.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of trailers fit safely within the Equinox 1,500 lb rating?
Examples typically include a small utility trailer for yard projects, a single-ATV or snowmobile trailer, many 12 to 14 foot aluminum fishing boats, and select compact pop-up campers. Always verify the actual loaded weight, account for gear and fuel, and consult the Owner’s Manual for limits and guidance.
Do I need all-wheel drive for towing around Chippewa Falls?
AWD is not required to achieve the 1,500 lb rating, but available AWD can add traction on wet boat ramps, gravel launches, and winter roads. The standard Drive Mode Selector helps tailor performance to conditions. If your plans include year-round towing or uneven terrain, AWD is a smart upgrade.
Does the Equinox include a hitch and wiring from the factory?
Hitch receivers and the appropriate trailer wiring harness are available as GM Accessories, and our technicians can install and integrate them for you. We will also walk you through light checks and safe hook-up procedures before your first trip.
How should I think about tongue weight and loading?
As a general guideline, tongue weight often targets about 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight, but you should always follow the Owner’s Manual and component ratings. Balance cargo low and centered, secure items to prevent shifting, and never exceed the vehicle’s payload or hitch limits.
Can driver-assistance features help when hitching and parking a trailer?
Available HD Surround Vision can provide a composite overhead view to help line up and maneuver at low speeds. The Rear Camera Mirror can enhance rearward visibility, and available Rear Cross Traffic Braking may assist when backing out in busy lots. These features support careful driving but do not replace driver attention and safe practices.
Beyond capability, Equinox makes road time comfortable. Evotex seating surfaces on RS and Evotex with sueded microfiber on ACTIV add a refined touch, heated front seats and steering wheel are standard, and the cabin stays organized thanks to a convenient center console with pass-through. Exterior choices range from Polar White and Reef Blue Metallic to bold Cacti Green, with available two-tone roofs on select trims. If your weekends blend light towing with campus drop-offs, trailhead runs, and family errands, Equinox keeps pace with it all.
Ready to see how towing feels from the driver’s seat? Visit Don Johnson Auto Group in Rice Lake, Hayward, Cumberland, or Ladysmith for a personalized walk-around and a test drive that includes hitch guidance and feature demos. We are a short, easy drive from Chippewa Falls, and our team will help you compare LT, RS, and ACTIV, confirm accessory options, and set you up for confident towing in every season.
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