Jones Chevrolet - Can a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox tow a jon boat or teardrop camper near Florence, SC?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is designed for everyday versatility, and one of the most practical questions shoppers ask around Florence is whether it can confidently handle light towing for weekend plans. If your goals include trailering a small jon boat to the Great Pee Dee River, hauling a compact utility trailer for yard projects in West Florence, or pulling a lightweight teardrop camper toward Lake Marion, the answer depends on knowing the Equinox rating and matching it with the right setup. At Jones Chevrolet, we help you size things correctly so you can tow within the vehicle’s capability and enjoy the trip.
Below, we break down what the 2026 Equinox is rated to tow, real-world examples that fit those limits, and the features that make it easier to hitch, maneuver, and pack for a smooth outing in and around Florence, SC.
Know the number: Equinox towing rating and what it means
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is rated to tow up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped. That figure is the maximum allowable trailer weight, including the trailer itself plus everything loaded on it. Staying within that limit is the key to safe, confident towing whether you choose Equinox LT, RS, or ACTIV, and whether you stick with front-wheel drive or opt for available all-wheel drive.
Just as important is tongue weight—the downward force the trailer places on the hitch. As a rule of thumb, plan for about 10 percent of trailer weight as tongue weight, and be sure that figure plus passengers and cargo stays within the vehicle’s payload capacity. Our team can help you review a specific trailer’s data plate and your Equinox’s door-jamb sticker to confirm a safe match.
What fits within 1,500 lbs around Florence, SC?
Plenty of local adventures land comfortably inside the Equinox rating. Think single-axle loads that are compact and simple to maneuver at neighborhood speeds or on US-52 and I-95. Here are common examples we see our customers towing near Florence—paired with practical weight ranges you can verify on your trailer’s documentation before you head out.
- 12–14 ft jon boat (single PWC or small skiff): Often 700–1,200 lbs with trailer and gear, depending on hull and outboard
- Teardrop or ultralight camper: Many models come in from 900–1,400 lbs dry; add water and gear carefully to stay under 1,500 lbs
- 4x6 or 5x8 utility trailer: Typical 600–1,200 lbs loaded with mulch, yard equipment, or DIY supplies
- Single-axle kayak/canoe trailer: Commonly 300–800 lbs loaded, ideal for Lynches River and local landings
Each of these can be a great fit, but the specifics matter—weights vary by brand, options, and cargo. We recommend bringing your trailer specs to our showroom so we can walk through your exact setup.
Why the Equinox makes light towing feel easier
Powering the 2026 Equinox is an efficient 1.5L Turbo engine with 175 hp. Paired with the standard Drive Mode Selector, you can tailor responsiveness to the moment—especially helpful when you’re easing a small boat trailer down a ramp or navigating a tight service road along the river. Available all-wheel drive adds traction on gravel pull-offs and damp launch areas—capability that comes in handy on uneven surfaces around Florence County.
Tech makes the difference at low speed. Available HD Surround Vision gives you a high-res, 360-degree view around the vehicle while maneuvering, which is especially useful for aligning a receiver with your trailer coupler. The available Rear Camera Mirror can also expand your awareness after you’re hitched, and features like Rear Cross Traffic Braking add confidence when you’re backing out from a spot with limited visibility. These systems support your awareness but do not replace safe driving and attentive mirror checks.
Packing smart: cargo space, access, and balance
With up to 63.5 cu. ft. of max cargo volume and a flexible 60/40 split-folding rear seat, the Equinox leaves generous room for coolers, rods, camping totes, and PFDs. The hidden storage under the rear cargo floor helps keep tools or tie-down straps secure and out of sight. If you’re loading solo, the available hands-free AutoSense Power Liftgate is a quiet hero—wave your foot under the bumper and the liftover opens so you can place gear without setting it on the ground.
When towing, think in terms of balance: pack heavy items low and forward in the trailer, secure everything with ratchet straps, and confirm that tongue weight is within target. Inside the cabin, that clever pass-through center console makes a great home for routes, gloves, and a handheld inflator—small things that save time when you reach the landing.
Local perspective: where Equinox towing shines
For quick weekday escapes, a single-axle utility trailer behind the Equinox is right at home on Hoffmeyer Road or Second Loop as you pick up mulch, pavers, or a new push mower. On the water side, many Florence-area owners use the Equinox to pull a light jon boat to put-ins along the Great Pee Dee or to paddle-friendly spots off Lynches River. If your plans stretch toward Lake Marion on the weekend, that steady 1.5L Turbo and available AWD are reassuring as you climb graded ramps or transition from paved to gravel surfaces near popular launches.
Florence drivers also appreciate that the Equinox’s compact footprint makes it simpler to park with a small trailer at crowded convenience stores or hardware lots. Pair that with the large 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen and Google built-in for directions, traffic, or a quick call through OnStar®—and you’ll feel like you’ve cut the friction from every step.
A simple readiness checklist before you tow
To keep things easy and safe, use this quick pre-trip routine. If you want, we can review these steps with your Equinox during a test drive and set up any accessories you need.
- Confirm weights: Verify the trailer’s loaded weight is 1,500 lbs or less and calculate a suitable tongue weight.
- Inspect equipment: Check tire pressures on both the Equinox and the trailer, test lights, and examine the coupler, safety chains, and wiring.
- Hitch correctly: Ensure the ball size matches the coupler, fully latch and pin the coupler, cross safety chains, and secure the breakaway cable if equipped.
- Load and balance: Place heavy items forward and low in the trailer, then secure cargo to prevent shifting.
- Set mirrors and cameras: Adjust mirrors, enable available camera views, and plan your route for wide turns and lower speeds.
If you’re new to towing, practice in an open lot near your neighborhood before heading for I-95 or busy downtown streets. Smooth inputs and extra following distance make all the difference.
Feature highlights Equinox owners love for towing days
Beyond the essentials, several 2026 Equinox features support a low-stress towing experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility simplify navigation and playlists without cables, while Adaptive Cruise Control can help reduce fatigue on longer stretches outside town when you are not towing. IntelliBeam® automatically toggles high beams on dark two-lane roads, so you can focus on steering and situational awareness during early arrivals or late returns.
Inside, the 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center keeps your key details in easy view, and durable interior materials—Evotex on RS and Evotex with sueded microfiber on ACTIV—handle wet gear and frequent in-and-out trips without fuss. If you prefer a more rugged look, ACTIV’s all-terrain tires and uniquely tuned suspension bring extra grip and a composed ride on uneven access roads.
Accessories and setup support at Jones Chevrolet
We can equip your 2026 Equinox with the essentials—hitch receiver, correct hitch ball mount, and wiring—to suit your trailer. While you’re here, we’ll demonstrate how to connect safely, sync your lighting, and stow your gear for proper weight distribution. If your plans include roof-mounted kayaks or rods, our parts team can help you choose the right Chevrolet Accessories for secure transport.
Every new qualifying Equinox at our store also includes our exclusive 20-Year / 200,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty for long-term confidence. It’s coverage designed for the way Florence drivers actually use their vehicles—on the weekday grind and the weekend getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need all-wheel drive to tow with the 2026 Equinox around Florence?
No, you can tow with front-wheel drive within the same 1,500-lb limit. Available all-wheel drive can add traction on wet ramps or loose gravel, which some boat owners find helpful near area landings and unpaved lots.
Can I tow two jet skis with the Equinox?
Many double-PWC trailers exceed 1,500 lbs once loaded with fuel and gear. A single PWC often fits; two usually do not. Check the combined loaded weight on the trailer’s data plate before deciding.
What hitch and wiring do I need?
Most light trailers use a 2-inch receiver with the appropriately sized ball mount and a 4-pin flat wiring harness for lights. We’ll match hardware to your trailer and install it for a clean, safe setup.
Will towing affect my fuel economy?
Yes, expect reduced efficiency when towing due to added drag and weight. Keep speeds moderate, maintain tire pressures, and pack light to help offset the impact.
Are the Equinox camera and safety systems a substitute for mirrors?
No. Features such as available HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror support visibility but do not replace attentive driving, proper mirror use, or safe braking distances. Always follow the guidance in your Owner’s Manual.
Take the next step
If you’re planning light towing around Florence, SC, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is an easy SUV to live with—simple to hitch, confident to maneuver, and comfortable for the drive. Bring your trailer specs or a short list of what you want to tow, and we’ll confirm fit, demonstrate the available camera views, and set you up with the right accessories. Visit us at Jones Chevrolet in Sumter—just a straightforward drive from Florence—and let our team help you get road-and-water ready with an Equinox that matches your plans.
Have questions before you visit? Reach out to our team and we’ll walk through your towing scenario, from hitch selection to packing tips, so your first trip to the ramp feels as smooth as your second.