tow vehicle

[michael joseph]

Any suggestions on what camper will be safely towed with a GMC Envoy?

[clarkbre]

Any single axle trailer with about a 3500lbs GVW.

We need more information.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by michael joseph

Any suggestions on what camper will be safely towed with a GMC Envoy?

Other than a popup, not much.
Maybe the smallest of travel trailers.
It probably has a towing capacity of 3500lbs and tongue capacity of 350lbs.

[deepseadan]

I’m not sure what year or options your gmc envoy has, but according to google it’s towing capacity is 5200 - 6100.

Going off those numbers you’re going to have to go with an rpod type trailer or similar.

From personal experience though, if you’re planning on being safe there’s probably a few things you’ll have to do.

1. Double check your envoy’s hitch to be sure it’s weight distribution capable. If not purchase a frame mount one that is.

2. Get a “NO” sway hitch like a Hensley arrow cub. Don’t let people tell you to get a friction type hitch, your wheelbase is to small.

3. If needed replace your tires with a high load range tire better suited for towing.

4. You may need air bags to help support your coil springs in the rear.

Overall sway will be your biggest enemy, so focus on that.

[rsdata]

Pulled info for 2006 GMC Envoy from etrailer dot com...

Page 4-58 of the online owner's manual for your 2006 GMC Envoy with inline 6-cylinder engine lists varying towing capacities depending on the axle that is installed and whether the vehicle is 2WD or 4WD.

For the 2WD Envoy (L6 engine) the maximum trailer weights are:

5300-lbs for the 3.42 axle ratio
5800-lbs for the 3.73 axle ratio
6300-lbs for the 4.10 axle ratio

For the 4WD Envoy (same L6 engine) the maximum trailer weights are:

5200-lbs for 3.42 axle
5700-lbs for 3.73 axle
6200-lbs for 4.10 axle

Trailer towing requires a number of items including a hitch receiver, a ball mount, hitch ball and wiring for the trailer's lights and brakes. The linked article on trailer towing basics may be of interest to you.

Using this info...

REMEMBER... you need to look at the MAXIMUM cargo weight of your vehicle, which is on a yellow sticker on the driver side door frame. This total weight includes everyone in the Envoy, all cargo you intend to carry with you, the weight of the WDH, (which is usually about 75#) PLUS the tongue weight of the towed camper... WHICH IS ALWAYS heavier then the label states on the trailer you are buying by at least 15-25%. This number added together is the TOTAL WEIGHT you can haul with your Envoy. MY YELLOW sticker is shown below. MY TOTAL PAYLOAD is 1306#.

you might get into a dual axle hybrid 183 which is about 4000# and maxes out at about 4800# loaded... TONGUE WEIGHT is about 560#... this is what I have and it includes 3 tip-out queen beds... perfect for a couple and a couple of children. The wife and I use the third tip out bunk for storage of clothes, food items and dirty clothes while out camping.

Additional equipment needed to be added to your Envoy would include the weight distribution hitch, AND a brake controller. Plus get rid of the P-rated tires on the Envoy and get LT-rated tires which will give you a stiffer, but safer ride and help eliminate any sway problems while pulling the trailer. You may need to add air-bags to the rear springs, but don't do it until you see that you need them.

Don't plan on any trips thru the mountains though...

You are doing it right... ask what your TV can handle then shop for the trailer... MANY people buy the trailer then find their tow vehicle cannot handle what they got.

[Teetime]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Other than a popup, not much.
Maybe the smallest of travel trailers.
It probably has a towing capacity of 3500lbs and tongue capacity of 350lbs.

Yes, and whatever you tow, make sure you have trailer brakes. I don't know if the Envoy has a brake controller, but that is a must! We don't want to be reading about you in the newspaper.