Chevy Traverse LT Towing Capacity

The Chevy Traverse is one of Chevy’s most popular SUV models, known for its spacious interior, car-like handling, and impressive towing capabilities. But many owners wonder – what is the towing capacity for the Traverse LT trim specifically? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Chevy Traverse LT towing capacity.

Overview of the Chevy Traverse

The Chevy Traverse is a midsize 3-row SUV that slots between the smaller Equinox and the larger Tahoe in Chevy’s lineup. First introduced in 2009, the Traverse is now in its second generation which debuted in 2018.

Some key highlights of the Traverse include:

Seating for up to 8 passengers
Available V6 engine with up to 310 horsepower
Available all-wheel drive
Generous cargo space and storage compartments
Family-friendly features like USB charging ports

The Traverse comes in several trim levels, including L, LS, LT, Premier, High Country and RS. The LT is one of the most popular trims thanks to its combination of features and value.

So what is the max towing capacity for the Chevy Traverse LT? Here’s a quick rundown:

2018-2019 Traverse LT: 1,500 lbs towing capacity
2020-2022 Traverse LT: 1,500 lbs towing capacity

The tow rating has remained consistent at 1,500 lbs for all model years of the second-gen Traverse LT. This allows you to tow small to midsize trailers, boats, ATVs and more.

For comparison, here are the tow ratings for other Traverse trims:

L and LS trims: 1,500 lbs
Premier trim: 5,000 lbs
High Country trim: 5,000 lbs

So the LT has the same base 1,500 lb towing capacity as the lower L and LS trims. To get the highest rating of 5,000 lbs, you’ll need to upgrade to the Premier or High Country.

What Affects Traverse LT Towing Capacity

There are a few factors that determine the max tow rating for the Chevy Traverse LT and other trims:

Engine

The standard engine on most Traverse trims is a 3.6L V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for light towing duties. Upgrading to the more powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine increases tow capacity to 5,000 lbs on certain trims.

Drive Type

Traverse LTs are only available with front-wheel drive. Adding available all-wheel drive helps improve overall traction and control when towing in slippery conditions.

Equipment

Proper towing equipment like a weight distributing hitch and electric trailer brakes are required to safely tow up to the Traverse’s max capacity. Towing packages with a hitch receiver, wiring harness and more may be equipped from the factory or installed aftermarket.

Vehicle Configuration

The overall payload, passenger and cargo weight also impacts the max tow rating. Tow capacity decreases as payload weight increases. Removing unneeded cargo and passengers provides the best towing performance.

Towing Features of the Chevy Traverse LT

Even though it’s not meant for heavy duty towing, the Traverse LT still provides some helpful features for managing light trailers:

Trailer Sway Control – Detects sway caused by trailer oscillations and applies brakes individually to help stabilize the vehicle and trailer
Hill Start Assist – Prevents rollback when starting on an incline
Rear Vision Camera – Helps with hooking up a trailer and gives visibility of the area behind the vehicle
7-Pin Wiring Harness – Provides power connections for trailer lighting
Trailer Hitch Provisions – Allows for easy installation of a trailer hitch receiver rated up to the vehicle’s max tow capacity
Cooling System – Designed to handle the extra load of towing to prevent overheating

So while the Traverse LT is best suited for light recreational towing, it still offers a decent amount of support when hitching up a small trailer.

Tips for Towing with a Chevy Traverse LT

Here are some useful tips to follow when towing with a Traverse LT:

Verify your trailer weight is under 1,500 lbs total weight (dry weight plus cargo)
Use a properly rated hitch and wiring setup
Load the trailer correctly with the proper tongue weight
Check tire pressures on both vehicles
Adjust side mirrors to maximize rear visibility
Allow extra stopping distance while braking
Take it slow and avoid abrupt accelerating/braking
Reduce speeds when going downhill
Use lower gears for increased power and braking
Check trailer lights and connections regularly

Carefully following the manufacturer guidelines and towing capacity limits is crucial to having a safe and successful towing experience.

Adding Towing Capacity to a Traverse LT

If you need to tow more than 1,500 lbs regularly, the Traverse LT may not be the best option. Here are a few ways to get a higher tow rating:

Upgrade to a Premier or High Country trim with the factory 5,000 lb tow package
Install an aftermarket towing package – but keep in mind this may void the factory warranty
Upgrade to a more truck-based Chevy SUV like the Tahoe which can tow over 8,000 lbs depending on configuration
Consider a light duty pickup like the Chevy Colorado which offers 7,000+ lbs of towing capacity

While possible, adding towing capacity to a Traverse LT is somewhat limited compared to other vehicles designed for heavier trailer towing needs right from the factory.

Is the Chevy Traverse LT Good for Towing?

The Chevy Traverse LT can tow small trailers, boats, ATVs and more up to 1,500 pounds gross trailer weight. This makes it a very capable SUV for light recreational towing duties. Families who like weekend trips with a pop-up camper or jet ski trailer will appreciate the Traverse LT’s tow rating.

However, owners requiring more significant towing capabilities should look at upgrading to the Premier/High Country trim or choosing a different vehicle altogether. Exceeding the 1,500 pound tow rating in the LT risks damage to the drivetrain and unsafe handling.

Other Towing Considerations

Towing safely and successfully requires more than just staying within the vehicle’s max tow rating. Here are some other factors to consider:

Tongue Weight – The downward pressure exerted by the trailer tongue on the hitch should be 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight for optimal handling. Too little or too much tongue weight can compromise steering and braking control.

Trailer Brakes – Electric or surge trailer brake systems are required for towing near the Traverse’s max capacity. This helps supplement the vehicle brakes.

Transmission Temperature – Towing puts additional load on the transmission which can lead to overheating. Monitor temperature gauges and allow the vehicle to cool if needed.

Driving Habits – Careful acceleration, braking and cornering are required when towing. Avoid aggressive maneuvers that can cause swaying or jackknifing when pulling a trailer.

Tire Pressure – Proper inflation levels help carry the extra weight of a trailer, and should be set to the vehicle’s recommended towing pressures.

Hitch Selection – Use a hitch rated for the max load capacity. Weight distributing hitches can provide added stability control with heavier tongue weights.

Following all the towing recommendations helps ensure a safe, stable trailering setup.

Summary of Chevy Traverse LT Towing Capacity

To wrap it up, here’s a quick summary of key info on Chevy Traverse LT towing:

Max tow rating of 1,500 lbs gross trailer weight
Ideal for small recreational trailers and watercraft
V6 engine provides adequate power for light towing
Front-wheel drive model – AWD optional
Trailer sway and hill start assist enhances towing control
Allows towing of small campers, ATVs, utility trailers etc
Exceeding 1,500 lbs limit risks drivetrain damage
Higher trims offer up to 5,000 lbs tow capacity
For heavier towing needs, upgrade to a Tahoe, Silverado pickup or other high capacity vehicle

So while not a high-capacity towing machine, the versatile Traverse LT can handle occasional lightweight trailering when equipped properly. For family recreational towing duties, it’s an ideal SUV choice with ample passenger room and cargo space.

Hopefully this detailed guide gives you a better understanding of the Chevy Traverse LT’s towing capabilities, limitations and recommendations. Please

Overview of the Chevy Traverse