2021 Chevy Trailblazer Towing Capacity

The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is an exciting new SUV that offers great capability in a compact package. One key specification for any SUV buyer is towing capacity – how much can you tow with the vehicle? In this in-depth article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer’s towing capacities, equipment, and tips for safe towing.

Overview of the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer

The Trailblazer is an all-new model for 2021, slotting into Chevy’s SUV lineup below the larger Equinox. It’s available in 4 trim levels – L, LS, LT, and ACTIV. The Trailblazer offers excellent fuel economy for its class, with EPA-rated 26 mpg city, 30 highway, 28 combined with front-wheel drive or 24/28/26 with optional all-wheel drive. An athletic design and modern tech features make it appealing for young, active families.

When properly equipped, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer can tow up to 1,500 lbs. This capacity allows the Trailblazer to tow small trailers, boats, ATVs, and other recreational gear. Here are the key towing specs:

Maximum Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs
Tongue/Vertical Weight: 150 lbs
Minimum Trailer Weight (unbraked): 1,000 lbs

The towing capacity is standard on all Trailblazer trims when equipped with the available trailering package. Front-wheel drive models can tow up to 1,500 lbs, while AWD models are rated to tow the same amount.

Trailblazer Towing Equipment & Options

To achieve its max 1,500 lb tow rating, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer requires the available trailering package. This includes:

Class I trailer hitch receiver
4-pin wiring connector
Heavy-duty cooling system
Trailering app integration (in-vehicle app to help with towing)

Without the trailering package, towing is only recommended up to 500 lbs. So it’s important to ensure your Trailblazer has the proper equipment if you plan to tow up to 1,500 lbs frequently.

The trailering package is available on LT and ACTIV trims only. On L and LS, max towing is limited to 500 lbs without the equipment.

Tips for Towing with the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer

While 1,500 lbs allows you to tow smaller trailers, you still need to take precautions for safe towing:

Use a weight distributing hitch – For trailers over 1,000 lbs, a weight distributing hitch helps transfer tongue weight to the front and rear axles rather than just the rear. This improves stability.

Check tongue weight – Make sure tongue/vertical weight is no more than 150 lbs for the Trailblazer. Exceeding this can compromise handling.

Verify trailer and cargo weight – Confirm the fully loaded trailer weight is less than 1,500 lbs total. Include cargo, water, propane, etc. Overloading can damage your vehicle.

Adjust driving habits – Towing puts more load on the engine and brakes. Allow extra distance for braking. Avoid sudden acceleration. Take corners slower.

Check tire pressures – Make sure tires are properly inflated for the additional weight while towing. Refer to door placard or owner’s manual.

Inspect hitch regularly – Check for rust, wear, and damage. Confirm hitch bolts are tight before each trip. Replace worn parts.

Following the tow ratings and these tips will help ensure safe, successful towing with your new Chevy Trailblazer. Always consult your owner’s manual for complete details on towing capacities, equipment, and guidelines.

How Does the Trailblazer Compare to Other Small SUVs?

The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer’s 1,500 lb max towing capacity slots it right in the mix with competitors in the small SUV segment:

2021 Ford Escape – 2,000 lbs
2021 Honda CR-V- 1,500 lbs
2021 Mazda CX-30 – 2,000 lbs
2021 Hyundai Tucson – 2,000 lbs
2021 Subaru Crosstrek – 1,500 lbs

The Trailblazer matches class leaders like the CR-V but can’t quite hit the 2,000 lb rating of the Escape, CX-30, and Tucson when equipped with its tow package. Still, 1,500 pounds is sufficient for most owners who only occasionally tow small trailers or watercraft. Shoppers needing to regularly tow over 1,500 lbs may want to look at a larger SUV.

Can You Tow A Camper or Travel Trailer With the Trailblazer?

What about towing a small camper or travel trailer with the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer? While the 1,500 lb rating will accommodate very small, lightweight trailers, most standard camping trailers exceed the Trailblazer’s limits. For example:

Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS: 3,490 lbs dry weight
Livin Lite Camplite CL16BK: 2,998 lbs dry weight
Airstream Basecamp X 20FB: 3,400 lbs dry weight

These typical 16-20 foot trailers weigh well over the Trailblazer’s capacity when loaded up with gear. Owners wanting to tow a camper should look for trailers under 2,000 lbs loaded weight. Pop-up tent campers or retro teardrop-style trailers are better fits for the Trailblazer. Carefully check the specs of any trailer you’re considering.

Is the Trailblazer Capable of Towing A Boat?

Towing small boats like a jet ski or pro fishing boat is within the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer’s abilities. Here are some examples of boats that can be towed with the 1,500 lb capacity:

Sea-Doo Spark 2up Jet Ski – 405 lbs dry weight
Intex Mariner Inflatable boat – 130 lbs
12′ Aluminum fishing boat – 650 lbs
14′ Aluminum fishing boat – 750 lbs

Again, the key is to stay under 1,500 lbs in total weight. Larger bowriders or wakeboard boats can exceed the limits when fully loaded with fuel and gear. Carefully check gross vehicle weight ratings and talk to your boat dealer to pick the right tow vehicle.

Towing Safety Tips

Tow rating and capacity are important, but safety should always be your top priority:

Allow extra stopping distance – Increase your following distance while towing to account for slower braking. Avoid sudden stops.
Take wide turns – A trailer will track inside your turning radius, so take turns wider than normal.
Use tow/haul mode – The transmission’s tow mode improves performance while towing.
Watch speed – Don’t exceed 55 mph while towing a trailer up to 1,500 lbs. Obey all posted speed limits.
Load trailer properly – Distribute weight appropriately so the tongue weight is no more than 10-15% of total weight.
Check lights – Make sure all trailer brake lights, turn signals, and markers are functioning.
Inspect tires – Check trailer tire pressure and tread depth before each trip.
Secure cargo – Properly secure all cargo in the trailer to prevent shifting during travel.

The Bottom Line on 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Towing

The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer provides a nice balance of fuel efficiency, flexibility, and power. While best suited for towing smaller loads, its available 1,500 lb towing capacity gives you the ability to haul ATVs, personal watercraft, bass boats, and lighter trailers for weekend adventures. Just be sure you order the trailering package on LT or ACTIV trims and follow all the guidelines for safe towing. With the proper setup and precautions, the Trailblazer can meet the towing needs of many families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an efficient, nimble SUV.

Overview of the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer