Thielen Motors – What can the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox tow around Wadena, MN?
When you’re eyeing a compact SUV for weekday errands and weekend escapes, tow ratings matter—especially if your plans include a small boat, pop-up camper, or a utility trailer for yard projects. The 2026 Equinox is rated to tow up to 1,500 lbs., and with its 1.5L Turbo engine, standard Drive Mode Selector, and available all-wheel drive, it’s designed to make light-duty towing straightforward and confidence-inspiring. What does 1,500 lbs. realistically look like, and how do you set yourself up for success?
First, think in terms of the whole picture: the trailer’s empty weight plus the cargo you add, and the tongue weight that presses down on the hitch. Many popular weekend rigs fall comfortably within the Equinox’s rating, and when you keep loads organized and balanced, the SUV’s smooth turbo torque and composed chassis make for a stress-free drive. For the best experience, map your route, leave extra braking distance, and—if conditions warrant—pair the available AWD with your Drive Mode Selector to add traction on demand.
- Small utility trailer: Haul yard waste, lumber, or DIY supplies—keep total loaded weight within 1,500 lbs.
- Pop-up camper: Many compact pop-ups fit; verify dry weight plus gear and water before you hitch.
- Pair of kayaks or canoes: On a lightweight trailer, you’ll stay well within rating for lake days.
- Small fishing boat: Aluminum boats and minimal gear often fall safely under the limit.
- Power sports gear: A single ATV or pair of bicycles on a light trailer typically works well.
To prepare, check your trailer coupler and hitch class, ensure lights function, and confirm that your tires—including the trailer’s—are in good condition. Even without a heavy rig, visibility is essential; available HD Surround Vision can help with low-speed maneuvering, and standard camera views assist with hitch alignment. Keep your cargo low and centered over the trailer axle to avoid sway, and use quality straps to secure your load.
On the road, smooth inputs are key. Accelerate progressively, brake earlier than you would unladen, and take wider turns. The Equinox’s chassis tuning and 175-hp 1.5L Turbo provide a calm, predictable feel that supports confident towing in town or on the highway. If rain or gravel are part of your route, available all-wheel drive can add stability, and you can use the Drive Mode Selector to fine-tune responses to conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need all-wheel drive to tow with the Equinox?
No—towing up to 1,500 lbs. is possible with front-wheel drive. However, available all-wheel drive can enhance traction on slippery boat launches, wet campsites, and gravel roads, which many weekend users value.
What trailer wiring should I have?
Most light-duty trailers use a 4-pin connector for basic lighting functions. Verify your trailer’s plug, ensure all lights operate, and perform a walk-around before every trip.
How should I load my trailer?
Keep heavier items low and centered slightly forward of the axle to maintain proper tongue weight and stability. Distribute the rest evenly left to right, then secure everything with quality straps.
Can I still use the Equinox’s driver assistance tech while towing?
Core features like Forward Collision Alert and Following Distance Indicator still function, but remember that added weight increases stopping distances. Use your mirrors, allow extra space, and drive attentively—assistance features complement, but do not replace, an alert driver.
If you want a compact SUV that handles weekday life and light-duty trailer duties with ease, the Equinox fits right in. Its balanced 1.5L Turbo power, available AWD, and intuitive technology—like the 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen with Google built-in and Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility—create an easygoing towing partner for summer projects and lake weekends alike. Have a specific trailer in mind? Bring the specs, and our team will help you validate fitment and best practices. Thielen Motors is proudly serving Bemidji, Wadena, and Cass Lake, and we’re happy to walk you step by step through setup so your first tow feels like your tenth.
Whether you’re planning a couple of kayak runs or a season’s worth of cabin trips, the right preparation makes all the difference. Confirm weights, set your mirrors, perform a light check, and take a shakedown drive around the block before heading out. When your trailer is within the Equinox’s rating and your load is balanced, you’ll appreciate how calm, quiet, and capable this SUV feels—on paved town roads and winding county routes alike.
Request more 2026 Chevrolet Equinox information
Connect with us
