HaulChartwork out the towing kit you actually need

What you need to tow 3,000 lb

To tow 3,000 lb you need a hitch rated at or above 3,000 lb — that is Class 2 hardware in a 1-1/4 in receiver — a ball that matches your coupler, a ball mount rated past your 300–450 lb tongue weight, trailer brakes with a controller.

Here is the full kit, in the order you should buy it. Every requirement below comes from a published manufacturer guide or standard — the source is linked at the bottom.

Two numbers still have to come from you. Your vehicle's tow rating for its exact configuration, and your payload — because tongue weight sits on your rear axle and counts against payload, not against tow rating. Payload is printed on the certification label in your driver's door jamb and it is specific to your VIN. Check your vehicle's rating →

How this 3,000 lb kit was worked out

QuestionAnswerWhere it comes from
Trailer classClass II — Medium-DutyGM trailer classification table (2,001–3,500 lb)
Hitch hardwareClass 2, 1-1/4 in receiverCURT published class ratings
Tongue weight300–450 lb10–15% of loaded trailer weight
Trailer brakesRequiredChevrolet: required above 2,000 lb (varies by state)
Weight distributionNot required on weight aloneChevrolet + Ford: 5,000 lb weight-carrying ceiling

Common questions

What hitch class do I need to tow 3,000 lb?

A hitch rated at or above 3,000 lb gross trailer weight. That is Class 2 hardware with a 1-1/4 in receiver, rated to 3,500 lb. Ratings are set per part number, so check the sticker on the hitch — and your vehicle's own tow rating governs if it is lower.

What is the tongue weight of a 3,000 lb trailer?

Between 300–450 lb — 10 to 15% of the loaded trailer weight. No manufacturer publishes a tongue-weight figure for you because it depends entirely on how the trailer is loaded. Too little causes sway; too much overloads your rear axle.

Do I need trailer brakes for 3,000 lb?

Yes. Trailer brakes are required above 2,000 lb of trailer weight, and electric brakes need a controller in the cab. Requirements vary by state, and some states set a lower threshold.

Do I need a weight-distribution hitch for 3,000 lb?

Not on weight alone — 3,000 lb is under the 5,000 lb weight-carrying ceiling. Consider one anyway if the trailer is tall or the tow vehicle squats.

Which vehicles are rated to tow 3,000 lb?

Of the configurations published here, these can take 3,000 lb — but only in the configurations listed on each page, and your payload still governs:

Make
2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio — 1 configuration2026 Buick Enclave — 1 configuration2026 Chevrolet Blazer — 4 configurations2026 Chevrolet Colorado — 4 configurations2026 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van — 8 configurations2026 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van — 6 configurations2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — 50 configurations2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD — 47 configurations2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD — 30 configurations2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV — 7 configurations2026 Chevrolet Suburban — 12 configurations2026 Chevrolet Tahoe — 12 configurations2026 Chevrolet Traverse — 2 configurations2026 Chrysler Pacifica — 2 configurations2026 Dodge Durango — 4 configurations2026 Ford Bronco — 25 configurations2026 Ford Expedition — 4 configurations2026 Ford Expedition Max — 2 configurations2026 Ford Explorer — 9 configurations2026 Ford F-150 — 64 configurations2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty — 98 configurations2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty DRW — 25 configurations2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty SRW — 76 configurations2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty — 9 configurations2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty Chassis Cab — 45 configurations2026 Ford F-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab — 60 configurations2026 Ford F-600 Super Duty Chassis Cab — 16 configurations2026 Ford Maverick — 2 configurations2026 Ford Ranger — 4 configurations2026 Ford Transit Cargo Van — 48 configurations2026 Ford Transit Chassis Cab — 26 configurations2026 Ford Transit Cutaway — 26 configurations2026 Ford Transit Passenger Van — 22 configurations2026 Genesis GV70 — 1 configuration2026 Genesis GV80 — 1 configuration2026 GMC Canyon — 4 configurations2026 GMC Sierra 1500 — 54 configurations2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD — 41 configurations2026 GMC Sierra 3500 HD — 29 configurations2026 GMC Sierra EV — 7 configurations2026 GMC Yukon — 10 configurations2026 GMC Yukon XL — 10 configurations2026 Hyundai Palisade — 6 configurations2026 Hyundai Santa Fe — 5 configurations2026 Jeep Cherokee — 1 configuration2026 Jeep Gladiator — 4 configurations2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee — 1 configuration2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L — 1 configuration2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer — 6 configurations2026 Jeep Wrangler — 12 configurations2026 Kia Carnival — 1 configuration2026 Kia EV9 — 3 configurations2026 Kia Sorento — 5 configurations2026 Kia Telluride — 1 configuration2026 Mazda CX-50 — 3 configurations2026 Mazda CX-70 — 5 configurations2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV — 2 configurations2026 Mazda CX-90 — 6 configurations2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV — 3 configurations2026 Nissan Armada — 2 configurations2026 Nissan Frontier — 11 configurations2026 Nissan Pathfinder — 6 configurations2026 Polestar 3 — 2 configurations2026 Ram 1500 — 27 configurations2026 Ram 2500 — 43 configurations2026 Ram 3500 — 30 configurations2026 Ram ProMaster — 1 configuration2026 Subaru Ascent — 7 configurations2026 Subaru Crosstrek — 1 configuration2026 Subaru Forester — 1 configuration2026 Subaru Outback — 3 configurations2026 Toyota 4Runner — 16 configurations2026 Toyota Grand Highlander — 14 configurations2026 Toyota Highlander — 7 configurations2026 Toyota Land Cruiser — 2 configurations2026 Toyota RAV4 — 5 configurations2026 Toyota Sequoia — 8 configurations2026 Toyota Sienna — 11 configurations2026 Toyota Tacoma — 27 configurations2026 Toyota Tundra — 32 configurations2026 Volkswagen Atlas — 2 configurations

"Rated for it" is not the same as "ready for it": the tow rating assumes the vehicle is otherwise unloaded, and your tongue weight of 300–450 lb comes out of payload.

What are you towing at 3,000 lb?

The hitch is the same at this weight, but the braking and stability kit differs by trailer type:

Towing travel trailer at 3,000 lbTowing boat trailer at 3,000 lbTowing car hauler at 3,000 lbTowing utility trailer at 3,000 lbTowing horse trailer at 3,000 lb

Nearby weights

Towing 1,000 lbTowing 1,500 lbTowing 2,000 lbTowing 2,500 lbTowing 3,500 lbTowing 4,000 lbTowing 4,500 lbTowing 5,000 lbTowing 6,000 lbTowing 7,000 lbTowing 8,000 lbTowing 9,000 lb

Source: 2025 Chevrolet Trailering Guide · last verified 2026-08-29