Nov 14, 2025
Can the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Handle Mountain Towing Around Helena, MT?

City Motor Company – Can the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Handle Mountain Towing Around Helena, MT?

Montana drivers expect a midsize pickup to haul confidently up mountain passes, ease down gravel switchbacks, and slip into tight trailhead parking without drama. The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado meets that brief with a strong 310-hp turbocharged 2.7L engine, a best-in-class 7700-pound max tow rating when properly equipped, and off-road hardware that inspires confidence when the pavement ends.

If you are considering a camper, side-by-side, drift boat, or gear trailer for adventures near Helena, the Colorado’s fundamentals align perfectly with Big Sky Country. The 8-speed automatic keeps the engine in its torque sweet spot, and available four-wheel drive adds surefooted traction in snow and on rutted forest roads. For weekend anglers or hunters, the hitch-view camera helps you line up solo at dawn, even on uneven ground.

  • Power & Torque: A turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder delivers 310 hp and robust low-end torque for grades and passes.
  • Towing Fundamentals: Up to 7700 pounds when properly equipped covers many family campers and boat trailers.
  • Trail Support: Available 4WD, off-road suspensions, and locking differentials on ZR2 trims expand access to remote sites.
  • Camera Confidence: A hitch-view camera simplifies coupler alignment and check-ins at the campsite or ramp.

Trim selection matters, especially if your plans include unmaintained roads. The ZR2 introduces Multimatic DSSV dampers that remain composed over washboard and unexpected dips, while power-locking front and rear differentials help you climb out of slick clay or loose gravel with less wheelspin. If you frequent rockier trails or higher-clearance trailheads, the ZR2 Bison adds 12.2 inches of ground clearance, 35-inch tires, and hydraulic bump stops—useful when your campsite access road looks more like a dry creek bed.

Inside, an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In keeps navigation and trail mapping straightforward, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep cords out of the way. If you tow often, consider available adaptive cruise control for long interstate stretches and the 360-degree camera system for threading tight trailhead parking or backing the trailer into a narrow driveway at home. The Colorado’s medium footprint also pays dividends around town, where parallel parking and tight lots are common.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the 7700-pound rating enough for my camper?

Many lightweight travel trailers and pop-up campers fall within that range when properly equipped, but always compare your specific trailer’s loaded weight and tongue weight with your truck’s configuration, including payload and hitch requirements.

Which trim is best for towing and off-road use?

For frequent towing on mixed terrain, the Z71 or Trail Boss offer extra traction and suspension travel. If you regularly venture beyond maintained roads, the ZR2 adds Multimatic DSSV dampers and locking differentials for the most composed trail performance.

Do I need a 360-degree camera for trailer work?

While not required, the available 360-degree camera system is extremely helpful in tight campgrounds and busy boat ramps. The hitch-view camera is a standout for solo hookups.

How comfortable is the Colorado on longer towing trips?

The cabin’s supportive seats, available Bose audio, and the combination of an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster with an 11.3-inch touchscreen reduce fatigue. Adaptive cruise control is available for smoother highway miles.

Whether your adventures take you to lakes, trail systems, or mountain campsites, the 2026 Colorado is built to pull confidently, protect its underbody, and keep you connected along the way. If you want a deep dive on trims, towing setups, and accessories tailored to your trailer, City Motor Company is here to help—serving Helena, Lewistown, and Fort Benton—with hands-on guidance and a test-drive route that mirrors your routes to the mountains and river access points.

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