The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a stylish, technologically advanced crossover SUV that offers drivers a comfortable and convenient daily driver. With ample cargo space and seating for up to 5 passengers, the Trailblazer is a versatile option for many motorists. However, one question drivers frequently have is “What is the 2021 Trailblazer’s towing capacity?” Knowing the vehicle’s tow rating is crucial for determining how much cargo it can safely haul.
What Is Towing Capacity?
In simple terms, towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely pull. It sets limits on the combined weight of the trailer and its cargo that won’t put dangerous strain on the SUV’s engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes. Exceeding the tow rating risks component failure and jeopardizes the safety of the driver, passengers, and other vehicles sharing the road. It also voids the automaker’s warranty due to the stress placed on the drivetrain.
Towing capacity considers:
- Engine power and torque
- Transmission gearing and cooling capacity
- Chassis and suspension durability
- Brake system performance
- Vehicle weight and balance
Manufacturers conduct extensive testing to calculate tow ratings for each model and powertrain. Towing capacity varies based on factors like the engine size, drivetrain configuration, and whether features such as a towing package are equipped. Understanding precisely what a vehicle is capable of towing prevents overloading and helps match the right trailer to the tow vehicle.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Towing Capacity
The 2021 Trailblazer offers two available engines:
- 1.2L Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine
- 1.3L Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine
The maximum conventional towing capacity for the standard 1.2L engine is 1,000 lbs when properly equipped with the trailering package. The upgraded 1.3L engine increases the rating to up to 1,500 lbs.
These ratings apply to pulling a trailer with a gooseneck or bumper hitch. The Trailblazer is not rated for fifth-wheel trailers, which must be pulled by a pickup truck or larger SUV designed for heavier towing.
It’s also important to note that the vehicle must have the available trailering package equipped to achieve the max tow rating. This includes:
- Class I hitch receiver
- 4-pin wiring harness
- Heavy-duty cooling system
- Trailer sway control
Without the towing package, the 2021 Trailblazer is limited to only pulling 500 lbs.
What Can You Tow With a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
The 2021 Trailblazer’s 1,000-1,500 lb tow rating makes it capable of safely pulling:
- Small utility trailer
- Pop-up camper
- Personal watercraft like a jet ski
- Motorcycle or ATV
- Lightweight fishing boat (14 ft or less)
- Enclosed cargo trailer
- Equipment trailer loaded with lawn gear or tools
Heavier trailers like travel trailers, larger boats, and horse trailers exceed the Chevy’s limits for safe towing. Pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado or Silverado with higher tow capacities are better suited for hauling bulkier cargo.
It’s also crucial to distribute trailer weight appropriately by not exceeding the maximum tongue/hitch weight (how much of the load is pressing down on the receiver). For the 2021 Trailblazer, this is a maximum of 150 lbs with the proper hitch and equipment. Careful load balancing improves handling and braking control.
Trailblazer Towing Features and Equipment
Chevy equips the 2021 Trailblazer with some helpful features and the option of a trailering package to enhance towing abilities:
Standard Equipment
- StabiliTrak – Electronic stability control helps prevent rollovers or skids when towing.
- Hill Start Assist – Prevents rollback when starting on an incline.
- Hitch Guidance – Provides a visual cue for aligning the hitch.
- 7-pin wiring harness – Provides power connections for trailer lights.
Available Towing Package
Adds:
- Class I hitch receiver
- 4-pin connector
- Upgraded cooling system for transmission and engine
- Trailer sway control
Safety Technology
The Trailblazer also offers driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and rear vision camera to make towing safer and less stressful.
Intelligent Transmission
The continuously variable automatic transmission efficiently manages gear ratios to optimize performance when towing.
Tips for Towing With the Chevrolet Trailblazer
Follow these guidelines for safe, successful Trailblazer towing:
- Verify your trailer’s fully-loaded weight is at or below the max 1,500 lb tow rating before hooking it up. Don’t exceed limits.
- Equip your Trailblazer with the available trailering package for optimal cooling and electrical connections.
- Use a weight-distributing hitch for better stability and sway control. This transfers weight to the front axle.
- Balance trailer weight evenly from side-to-side and ensure no more than 150 lbs of tongue weight.
- Load heavier cargo low and over the trailer’s axles.
- Check tire pressure on the SUV and trailer for proper inflation.
- Inspect hitch, trailer wiring, tires, and brakes for wear or damage before each trip.
- Take turns and brake gradually when towing. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
- Take wide turns to accommodate trailer length. Use tow/haul mode for more power downshifts.
- Take extra care when passing. Allow extra distance to accelerate and stop.
- Monitor engine temperature gauges for any sign of overheating.
Consult your owner’s manual for full towing instructions, weight limits, and safety information. Stay within the recommended guidelines to tow safely and optimize your Trailblazer’s hauling performance.
Can the 2021 Trailblazer Tow a Travel Trailer or RV?
The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer max tow rating of 1,500 pounds is not sufficient for pulling travel trailers or RVs, even small, lightweight models. Pop-up campers can weigh 2,500 pounds or more when fully loaded with gear and passengers. Small travel trailers commonly have dry weights starting around 3,000 to 4,000 lbs.
The exception would be to tow a very small teardrop-style camper trailer without appliances onboard and minimal gear packed inside. But most tent trailers and travel trailers exceed the Chevy’s capacity limits due to size, features, plumbing systems, etc.
Pickup trucks like the Colorado or full-size Silverado with V8 engines and tow packages capable of hauling 7,000+ pounds are better options for recreational vehicle towing. Drivers interested in occasionally towing an RV should consider a larger crossover like the Chevy Traverse, which offers a max tow rating of 5,000 pounds.
While the Trailblazer matches well with small utility or cargo trailers, utilizing it to tow sizable RVs risks overloading the drivetrain and chassis. Stick within the 1,500 pound tow rating for safe towing performance.
Can You Flat Tow a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Flat towing involves driving with all four wheels on the ground rather than on a trailer. The 2021 Trailblazer can be flat towed safely by following a few guidelines:
- Shift into neutral gear and turn the ignition off while towing. Do not exceed 65 mph.
- Keep drive mode in 2WD. Do not flat tow in AWD.
- Release the parking brake. The transmission will automatically lock into PARK when the ignition is off.
- Use a tow bar approved for the vehicle’s curb weight. Ensure tire pressure is correct.
- Review the owner’s manual for any additional flat towing instructions.
- Avoid towing long distances when possible. Flat towing places more stress on components than trailer towing.
- Periodically stop and shift out of neutral to circulate transmission fluid and lubricate components.
The Trailblazer’s automatic CVT transmission does not have a separate neutral position, so the engine must be turned off when flat towing. Otherwise, the SUV can safely be towed short distances behind a motorhome or tow vehicle. Just take precautions for secure connections, checking fluid levels, proper vehicle setup, and safe speeds. Limit extended flat towing to avoid premature drivetrain wear.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer’s max 1,500 lb tow rating helps identify which small trailers it can safely manage. While built primarily fortransporting people and gear, the Chevy’s optional trailering package allows pulling utility trailers, motorcycles, personal watercraft, and other light cargo.
Taking proper steps to distribute trailer weight, use appropriate hitches and connections, and drive cautiously provides the best towing experience with Chevy’s stylish crossover. While the Trailblazer matches well with smaller trailers, pickup trucks or larger SUVs are necessary for higher capacity towing jobs like travel trailers. Consider your needs to select the ideal Chevy model for towing while staying within the recommended guidelines.
