Why is the tow rating for a 2.9L 4-cyl.,5-speed manual GMC Canyon so low...

[wink]

...versus other small trucks? I'm really interested in the Canyon but I want the 4-cyl. engine only because the '07 models you can't get a 5-speed manual with the inline 5-cyl engine. The 4-cyl is rated 185 hp, 190 lb-ft of torque which is the highest of any 4-cyl. among compact pickups, yet they're only rated to tow 2100 lbs (with the manual trans.) The 4-cyl. Toyota Tacoma Nissan Frontier are only in the 150 hp range, yet they are rated to tow 3500 lbs. What gives???? I can't wait to hear the explanation on this one.....

And before you ask I'm not even considering a Ford Ranger.

 

[InjunRAIV]

There could be many reasons. Engine power is one thing, but towing capacity also takes braking and load carrying capacity into account. The Canyon seems like it should be able to tow much more than 2100 lbs - heck, there are FWD cars out there that can tow more than 1,500! But I'm not advising you to tow more than the rated capacity...

 

[Alien]

i'm glad you're not considering ford ranger. to tell you the truth, i really don't know why the rating is lower. You might try asking on ChevroletForum.com. it could be geared differently.

 

[squatch shackleford]

GMC = Great Mounds of Crap that's the problem. and the new vehicles are made of crappy metal and plastic, so they're made to break.

 

[pokey2892000]

because they can't get out of their own way let alone tow anything..... think 2.8l v6.......

 

[purpleshopper]

good, dont consider the ranger. here is why i believe that is the case...those other companies rate thier capacity differently than chevy. consider this, during the 80s toyota badged its truck with a 1ton badge. now, even though, im sure that it could carry 1 ton in the bed, but its not in the same class as the 1 ton 3500 chevy dually. right? by the way, i have towed 7k with my 86 4cyl toyota. things to consider for better towing....long wheelbase, lower to the ground, ball distance from rear axle, frame strength, and drivetrain (even low HP can tow something heavy just fine, just slowly up hills). a short wheelbase, 4wd with 200 hp wouldnt be as good for towing as a long wheelbase, 2wd that only has 150hp....i currently have a 74 landcruiser with a chevy 454 and a huge lift...i wouldnt even try towning 2100lbs faster than 45mph.

 

[sasyone]

Ive got the cousin,a colarado and its a four cylinder also. Ive had mine for several months and Ive towed my trailer mostly and Ive not had a problem,that engine has lots of power but I would think the frame isn't that strong,it appears pretty light weight.