Why The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2’s Tow Rating Fell By 2,000 Pounds
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For towers, it may have come as a shock when Chevrolet announced the 2017 Colorado ZR2 would be capable of pulling 2,000 pounds less. But, the 5,000-pound tow rating comes at the expense of the off-road upgrades. You can’t always have your cake and eat it, too.
We asked Chevrolet why 2,000 pounds had to be cut back from the 2017 Colorado ZR2’s towing rating, and the answer simply lies in the revised chassis design.
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 features a two-inch higher lift, three and a half inch higher track, and both cause towing ratings to slip. The other portions of the 5,000-pound towing puzzle are the redesigned spring and damper rates. While the regular Colorado can handle the extra weight in the rear, the Colorado ZR2 focuses more on its rock crawling capabilities rather than what’s on its tow hook at the rear.
And, let’s be honest, who’s going to be towing 5,000 pounds while off-roading this beast? We’d rather focus on getting the Colorado ZR2 muddy without the burden of towing.
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I put a small lift on my truck, 2.5″ front, 1.75″ rear so it’s level and still almost stock looking until parked next to a non-lifted Silverado. Was talking to a guy (VW & Kia mechanic) with a 6″ on his truck and he was questioning my choice to not get a big kit. I mentioned that I actually tow a boat and didn’t want to comprise any more than it already is. I was told I could just get a bigger drop hitch. It was a conversation where other person is so black and white set in their ways, not capable of understanding, that it was just pointless.
Another good example is the Ram Power Wagon. A regular Ram 2500 with the 6.4 V8 has a 15,500 lbs towing and 3200 lbs payload. With a 2″ lift, 33″ tires, and the weight of the other accessories, those figures fall to 10,800 lbs towing and 1500 lbs payload.
I would love to see the SAEJ2807 towing test performed on one of those 6″+ lifted brodozers or lowered trucks. Either would probably fail to attain any kind of rating.
What color is the ZR2 in the pictures?
I have my new zr2 and I like what I see. I will eventually be towing with a motorhome as soon as blue ox designs a new base plate assembly.
I like the new “off road” mode that will hopefully turn off the nannies. Mileage suffers by about 2 mpg so far compared to my former Colorado z71 4wd. The suspension soaks up the road dips and speed bumps. Not as stiff as the old one. My previous rigs were a Jeep Wrangler with a 6″ lift with front and rear lockers. Sway disconnect o. Board air. Bla bla. Then to an FJ cruiser. I hope to travel the back roads in comfort with this new Colorado zr2