Chevy Trax Towing Capacity & Cargo Space

The Chevy Trax is small sport utility vehicle that has versatility for carrying people and gear, and you can expand the amount of cargo it can handle by towing a trailer. A trailer can give you extra space when needed without the expense of buying or renting a large vehicle.

Explore what you can pull with the Chevy Trax’s towing capacity.

2021 Chevy Trax LT

What Is the Towing Capacity of the Chevy Trax?

With a 1,263-pound towing capacity, the Trax can handle many types of trailers and their cargo. Here are some options for lightweight towing and their approximate empty weights:

• Small teardrop and lightweight campers, about 1,000 pounds.
• Lightweight pop-up campers, about 1,000 pounds (great for a weekend getaway fishing around Boardman, Ohio!)
• Two-place snowmobile trailer, about 500 pounds.
• Enclosed 5-by-8-foot utility trailer, about 900 pounds.
• Open 5-by-8-foot utility trailer, about 300 to 800 pounds
• Motorcycle trailer, about 300 to 800 pounds.
• Jet Ski trailer, about 100 to 500 pounds.

In addition to the trailer’s weight, consider the weight of the equipment and other cargo you’re towing when checking to see if it’s advisable to tow. Cargo such as a garden tractor or motorcycle can add a few hundred pounds. Add cargo weight to the trailer’s empty or dry weight, and tally the gross vehicle weight (GVW) of the trailer to keep it under the towing limit. For comparative purposes, check out the towing capacity on our top rated pickup truck, the Chevy Silverado.

Chevy Trax Engine and Drivetrain

Both of the Chevy Trax’s trims have a turbocharged 138 horsepower 1.4-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The base LS and premium LT trims have standard front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. The brakes are among the strongest performing in their class, which is a definite plus for hauling extra cargo.

For larger towing needs, check out the towing capabilities on the Chevy Equinox, which offers two engine options, a turbocharged 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter, for towing up to 3,500 pounds.

How Do I Keep Trailer Weight Low?

Lighter-weight trailers can save gas and allow more flexibility in what you can transport. Research weight and costs before deciding on a trailer purchase to pair with your Chevy Trax.

Many newer campers and other pop-ups are lightweight and designed to be towed by smaller vehicles. Known as ultralight, they are constructed with materials such as aluminum, fiberglass, and composites. New campers are also designed to be aerodynamic, with pointed fronts and low undercarriages. Lightweight pop-up campers are aerodynamic and easy to tow when collapsed. When set up, pop-ups expand and are more spacious than regular campers in their weight class. Both types of campers require stabilizer jacks and leveling blocks to keep them from moving once set up.

For utility trailers, consider how you plan to use them prior to purchase. You can easily haul plywood sheets or brush a few times a year using an inexpensive steel utility trailer. Towing a utility trailer to the lumberyard and back differs significantly from taking one on a long road trip. Longer-distance road trips with camping equipment might require a lightweight trailer that saves gas. Lighter trailers with more features cost more but can be worth the investment if you use them frequently.

Aluminum trailers are 10 to 15% lighter than ones made of steel but cost more. The lighter weight allows you to add more cargo before reaching a vehicle’s towing capacity. Aluminum trailers, which are made of aluminum blended with other metals, are as strong as their heavier steel counterparts and don’t rust. Aluminum trailers are also better than steel for winter use.

What Trailer Basics Do I Need To Know?

Tow your trailer safely by following these basic tips. Choose a good frame hitch and receiver that provide adequate clearance and meet specifications for tongue weight and the total weight of the trailer. Make sure lighting connections are ready to hook to the trailer. For smaller trailers, lights typically connect to a flat four-prong plug. Ensure the diameter of the hitch ball matches the trailer coupler. Use safety chains, crossing them under the tongue and ensuring they have enough slack to make turns but not so much that they scrape the pavement.

Pulling a trailer requires extra care, as it slows acceleration and increases braking distance. Load your trailer carefully, placing about 10 to 15% of the total weight on the hitch to keep the trailer stable and prevent it from bouncing. Do this by distributing about 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer.

Turning and backing up with a trailer require extra care, too. Maintain slower speeds, and allow extra space to make turns and extra time to stop. Lane changes also require additional care due to reduced rear visibility, which you can enhance by adding accessories such as tow mirrors. Crosswinds, steep hills, large trucks, and high speeds can cause trailer sway, so be sure to take your foot off the gas and slow down gradually.

Consult the owner’s manuals for the vehicle, hitch components, and trailer to ensure you’ve met all safety measures. Make sure vehicle maintenance is up to date to limit potential problems down the road.

Chevy Trax Cargo Space

The four-door, five-passenger Chevy Trax has interior options for toting smaller cargo that doesn’t require a trailer. Fit your cargo by using one of eight seating configurations. Passenger and second-row seats fold flat, creating up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo volume. The maximum cargo length is 8 feet. You’ll find four cargo tie-downs and additional storage under the rear floor. Cargo nets and carpeted cargo mats are also available.

The LT trim offers roof rack side rails that provide attachment points for accessories such as cargo boxes, ski racks, and cargo carriers. Bicycles, skis, canoes, and luggage can easily and securely attach to the roof.

The Chevy Trax is an economical vehicle for getting people and cargo to your destination, plus it looks great in 9 different Chevy Trax colors! In addition to trailer options for a 1,263-pound towing capacity, it offers flexible inside cargo space and an optional roof rack. If you’re interested in this small SUV for your next adventure, stop by Cochran Chevrolet.