Re: Chev Equinox
I'm a big fan of oversizing tow vehicles a bit myself, but facts are facts. And despite some people's opinions here which have been stated, the actual fact is that most 1 1/4 inch receivers are considered Class II, which means they can handle up to 3,500 lbs gross and 300 lbs tongue weight. So if indeed this is a Class II hitch, it can handle just as much as the vehicle itself. And Chevy wouldn't rate the vehicle to tow 3,500 lbs if the unibody structure couldn't even support the weight of the trailer, so I don't buy those arguments.<br /><br />However, there are some 1 1/4 inch receivers that are class 1, which may only handle 1,000 to 2,500 lbs. You're definitely going to want to verify the make/model of the receiver to ensure it is a class II. If it is, then I see no reason to change it. Is this a factory tow setup? If yes, call the dealer, read the sticker on the receiver, or read the owner's manual. If no, call the manufacturer of the receiver and confirm its capacity. If it's a Hidden Hitch brand (I have their catalog so it's the only brand I can vouch for with 100% confidence), it's definitely a Class II as they don't even produce a class I hitch for an Equinox. I'd bet dollars to donuts it's probably a Class II receiver and will be just fine. Remember also that balls and ball mounts have their own capacities, sometimes lower than the receiver. Check these as well, it should be stamped right on the units themselves, or at least a sticker should give the ratings.<br /><br />I'm quite confident that the parking brake lever on the Equinox is located on the right side of the drivers seat. By all means there is one, and I'm sure the owner's manual will spell out where it is and how to use it.<br /><br />I recommend taking the time to weigh the boat/trailer combo. Do it with a full tank of gas and normal gear. I doubt it's greater than 3,500, but I think you'll be surprised at how close to 3,500 lbs it actually is. The 2,000 to 2,300 estimate sounds real low to me. But even if I'm wrong, I certainly would want to know for sure before doing much towing with an Equinox. I think it'll be close enough to max capacity that your son will want to pay very close attention to the towing section of his owner's manual. For example, when towing that boat, he may only be able to carry 3 people with no luggage. And trailer brakes may be a requirement as well (if not by Chevy themselves, then most likely by state law.) And I wouldn't be surprised if Chevy recommends capping speed at 45 or 55 mph while towing that much weight. Make sure he reads Chevy's little glovebox book from cover to cover to ensure he understands where the limits are and how to handle them. Here's one of my favorite quotes from GM about how they (laughably) determine their max tow ratings:<br /><br />"Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers, and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your Chevy dealer for additional details."<br /><br />Based on such a statement, I doubt that vehicle can actually tow anywhere close to 3,500 lbs unless he's a very lonely boater with no luggage and the vehicle has no options! Many forget that friends, family, beer, power seats, sunroof, luggage racks, etc. will all dramatically reduce the towing capacity of their vehicles.<br /><br />Good luck!
