2015 GMC Canyon Long-Term Review: Max Towing Test
Welcome back to our 2015 GMC Canyon long-term test. To read the whole series, click here.
The GMC Canyon has performed admirably in our tests so far, but how is it at towing? Most folks who choose to buy a midsize truck over a half-ton are probably not going to be pulling a heavy trailer regularly, but these trucks have been given an SAE-rated tow rating of 7,000-lbs, so I set out to test the claim.
Since the trailer was so heavy, we used an aftermarket load-distributing hitch complete with an extra sway control bar, a recommended practice when towing anything over 3,000 lbs. or 20′ long. It’s also worth noting that the name Airstream is quite appropriate, as these are some of the most aerodynamic trailers on the market, making them less strenuous to tow than large square trailers.
Hook-ups on the Canyon are well laid out and easy to use thanks to conveniently located light jacks that sit above the rear bumper and easy to access safety chain connections.
The powertrain felt like it was just about completely wrung out, but it wasn’t outmatched. Tow/haul mode keeps the engine at high RPMs where the power lives, with the truck rarely making it to fifth gear. On the highway, it comfortably cruises along in fifth, sitting just below 3,000 RPM at around 65 MPH. On ramps were easily conquered by the Canyon, which had no trouble hitting highway speeds before having to merge.
We performed a standing start on a 16-percent grade to get a feel for the truck on an incline and once again it performed well. Hill hold worked perfectly even with the trailer, making sure we didn’t roll back before taking off. And once throttle is applied, the truck snorted to life, working damn hard but accelerating rather quickly, even upshifting into second at the very end of the short climb.
So what did we learn from our day of hauling? When the Canyon is hooked up with the proper equipment, it pulls admirably, demonstrating that the maximum tow rating is not just an empty claim.
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Trailer provided by Can-Am RV
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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Thanks for that. I was looking to move into a 41' bumper pull and just realized that I would need to get a full size truck. I liked the Canyon, but would have had to limit myself to a 30' or there about. Retiring (in my late 30s) in about 5 years and I wanted to travel the high desert by myself and pup/kitty. I am really looking forward to it.
what is that used for the towing mirrors?