Hi all!
I currently have a 2022 Wolf Pup 17JG trailer, and I've been considering purchasing a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse RS AWD. My main concern is whether or not the Traverse will be suitable for towing the trailer.
Do you think the Traverse will be up to the task of towing the Wolf Pup 17JG? I would really appreciate any advice or insights you could provide me.
I have a 2016 WP FP16. It's a single axle 3900lb gross weight, 300lb tongue weight, setup. I've pretty much maxed it out, weight wise. I elected to go with a Dodge Grand Caravan with 3.8L engine for a tow vehicle. The van did not come with the factory tow package, so I added: transmission fluid cooler, additional engine cooler and booster springs for the rear wheels (to keep the back end level) along with the hitch system. Without the extra rear springs it always tried to drag the rear, even though I use a weight distribution hitch. One winter I hit a snow covered speed bump which tore off the holding tank drains and bent the axle. While replacing the axle, I had it flipped to gain more ground clearance. This also allowed the installation of shocks on the trailer which helps its stability when being passed on the freeway by a high balling 40' semi.
After about 50k miles the rear brake disks and pads had to be replaced as they were shot from the extra load the trailer puts on them during braking. I also learned that standard highway tires are not good. I now run all weather tires (3 peak mountain snowflake rating) on the van and am glad I bit on them, even though they cost more. Next time I replace trailer tires, it will be with D class type rather than the C class tires it came with.
By itself, the van can cruse right along at whatever speed traffic demands. With trailer attached, I rarely go faster than 55 mph, which is OK by me. but it can only chug up the grapevine with the semis. As I like to take my trailer into the mountains and camp near Oregons many alpine lakes, I am always the guy everyone want to pass on the way up and it is not unusual, even with increased cooling capacity, I have to stop and let the engine cool down. Running the vans A/C during a summer climb is absolutely verboten.
All in all, I'm OK for what it is considering what I paid for the whole rig. However, from my experience, I strongly suggest for your trailer, which is significantly heavier than mine, you opt for a tow vehicle with at least double the power and weight ratings of a Traverse!
Even so, if we go back to Yellowstone or go to the Tetons (lots of climbing), I'm considering using the Chevy C-10 (350V8+4 on the floor) for the tow vehicle.
I didn't mean to write an essay but if it helps you, or anyone else, make wise choices, it was worth staying up late.
TG