Don Johnson Auto Group – Can the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse tow a family boat to Minong, WI?
Families who love the water want an SUV that can handle people, gear, and the boat with equal confidence. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse brings a standard 5,000-pound towing capacity with included trailering equipment, making it a strong match for many fishing boats, runabouts, and small pontoons headed toward Minong, WI. With a turbocharged 2.5L engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, the Traverse delivers the torque and composure you need to pull away smoothly at the ramp, merge onto the highway, and maintain speed up rolling grades.
Capability is only half the story. Towing feels more manageable when visibility and control are on your side. The Traverse complements its rating with available camera views and helpful driver assistance, making it easier to align, hitch, and monitor your load. If your route includes gravel shoulders, slick launches, or early spring trips when temperatures dip, look to the Z71. Its Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD System, Terrain Mode, and Hill Descent Control are engineered for low-grip surfaces where precise traction makes a noticeable difference. Together, the powertrain and chassis provide the kind of confidence that keeps towing calm and predictable.
- Know your numbers: Verify your boat’s weight, including trailer, fuel, and gear, to ensure it is comfortably within the Traverse’s 5,000-pound capacity.
- Balance the load: Distribute gear to achieve proper tongue weight and reduce sway at highway speed.
- Use available cameras: Hitch with confidence by using camera views where equipped for alignment and backing.
- Select the right mode: If you drive a Z71, engage Terrain Mode on loose surfaces and rely on Hill Descent Control for controlled ramp departures.
- Check maintenance: Confirm tire pressures, lug torque, lights, and trailer brakes before you set off.
Beyond the basics, it is worth exploring the Traverse’s technology suite for towing days. The standard 17.7-inch diagonal color touch-screen makes it easy to access settings and display guidance, while the 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center keeps key data within your line of sight. If your weekend includes highway miles, available Super Cruise® can assist on compatible roads when not towing, reducing fatigue on the return trip after a long day on the water. Inside, the cabin’s flexible seating and best-in-class max cargo volume help organize life jackets, tackle boxes, coolers, and extra clothing so every rider has space to stretch out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the Traverse’s 5,000-pound rating enough for my boat and trailer?
Many aluminum fishing boats, smaller fiberglass runabouts, and compact pontoons plus their trailers fall within 5,000 pounds when you include fuel and gear. Always verify your combined weight and stay within the vehicle’s rating, then balance tongue weight for stable handling.
Do I need AWD for towing to local lakes?
Front-wheel-drive models handle paved launches in good conditions, but AWD can add useful traction on algae-slick ramps, gravel approaches, or early-season trips. The Z71’s Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD System can direct torque side to side to help when one wheel finds a low-grip patch.
Will Super Cruise® help with towing?
Super Cruise® is an available hands-free driver assistance technology designed for compatible roads and appropriate conditions. When towing, manual control is recommended. Between trips, it can reduce fatigue on compatible stretches, especially on long drives to and from the lake.
Choosing the right setup starts with honest weight estimates and a test drive that simulates your path to the ramp. Don Johnson Auto Group, serving Amery, Spooner, and Minong, can help you evaluate your boat’s needs, demonstrate available camera views, and walk through equipment that keeps hitching and hauling simple. With the Traverse’s balanced power, smart traction options, and family-size interior, you can tow confidently and still have room for everything else that makes a lake day great.
Request more 2026 Chevrolet Traverse information
Connect with us
