Towing with a GMC Canyon

"Commentator" wrote in message news:dSb6e.304$ snipped-for-privacy@news20.bellglobal.com... I have ordered the gear to fit out my 2wd Reg Cab 2.8l I-4 Canyon for towing, and wanted to get some feedback. I will not be doing regular or frequent towing, but this summer I do need to rent a U-Haul and make a 3,600 KM round trip over hilly terrain along the north shore of the St. Lawrence through Quebec, then cross country across dirt roads (albeit well kept) into Labrador to move out my mother. From etrailer.com, I have ordered the following: Valley Class III receiver V82640 Draw-Tite T-One Wiring Harness 18301 High Performance Class II Transmission Cooler HH41020 The truck has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Seemingly, a Class II hitch should be fine, but every time I search my make of vehicle, regardless of make of hitch, I get pointed to a Class III. My biggest question is the cooler. I visited several local after-market places yesterday and got mixed messages about the need for a cooler. I stopped at a local dealer, and was also advised that the cooler in the radiator should be sufficient. I searched the net, and got mixed messages. My thought is that it is cheap insurance, but that the Class II is sufficient, given the 3,500 lb. rating on both the truck and the cooler. Also, the tranny is the same as for the I-5, which has a rating to 4,000. Thoughts?

How much weight do you for see towing, and what about the load in the truck?

Bob La Londe

Certainly no more than 3,000 lbs between the trailer and the truck. The most I would ever expect to tow after that is a small utility trailer.

I'd still consider a Class III hitch. The "accessories" department for the larger receiver hitches is a little better. Things like shackles, hitch plugs, bike carriers, etc., etc are more abundant for the 2" than the smaller ones...

Thanks for the feedback, all.

I'll stick with the Class III and install the cooler.