Max Truck Camper Payload Ratings of the Chevy Colorado Pickup

With a maximum payload rating of 1,836 pounds, the Chevy Colorado is an outstanding choice when it comes to hauling a small truck camper on a mid-size truck. But before you buy, it’s important to know what the truck is rated for when it comes to payload. Why is the payload rating so important when buying a truck camper? Because the payload rating tells you how much weight you can safely carry without overloading your truck. The payload rating includes everything not permanently attached to your truck such as passengers, the camper, and all cargo. In this article, we present the max truck camper payload ratings of the Chevy Colorado mid-size pickup truck.

Unfortunately, finding Chevrolet’s payload and GVWR ratings online can be a chore and very time consuming. Many sources have incomplete information or inaccurate information entirely. Fortunately, Truck Camper Adventure has done the research for you in thus article. Now you can find all of these ratings in one, easy-to-read location.

Chevy Colorado

When it comes to cab size and bed length the Chevy Colorado comes in one flavor—a crew cab with a 5-foot bed. Likewise, only one engine is offered—the 2.7L I4 turbo—it generates an impressive 237 horsepower at 5,600 rpms, and 260 pound-feet of torque at 1,200 rpms. Want more? The Trail Boss and ZR2 get the “turbo plus” version of the 2.7L engine with 310 ponies and 430 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with an eight-speed to be offered in 2024. Standard offerings for the 2023 Chevy Colorado include a 3:42 rear axle, a two-stage multi-leaf suspension, 17-inch wheels, an 21.4-gallon gas tank, a 170 amp alternator, and a standard 131.4-inch wheelbase.

The Colorado ZR2 offers a host of goodies including 17-inch rims, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, multimatic DSSV dampers, an aluminum front skid plate, cast-iron control arms, front and rear electronic locking differentials and a modified 3.42 rear axle for better low-end torque performance. The “Desert Boss” ZR2 variant, adds a few upgrades including 17-inch beadlock capable wheels, a special off-road bumper and front fascia, a roof-mounted light bar, and an underbody camera. The Desert Boss trim offers even more with a sports bar and sail panel in the bed, black badges and special decals.

The Colorado Trail Boss offers a 2-inch suspension lift, 3-inch-wider track, the 2.7L turbo plus engine, 32-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires, a G80 automatic locking rear differential, skidplate package, and more. The ZR2’s steel rock rails and under armor can be ordered as well. So without further adieu, let’s take a look at the max truck camper payload ratings of the Chevy Colorado pickup truck.

• 2023 LT Base price: $31,600
• Powertrain: 2.7L I4
• Max Payload: 1,836 pounds
• Max Towing: 7,700 pounds

A Warning About Colorado Options

When it comes to payload, options can either hurt or help a truck’s rating, though this appears less of an issue with the Chevy Colorado which offers comparable GVWR/payload rating regardless trim. As a truck camper owner, you should always opt for the “maximum payload” or “max tow package” if offered, as this maximizes payload. As for other options, however, choose wisely. Yes, having a ZR2 is great for off-roading and raising your testosterone, but all of that extra hardware is also heavier. This means less payload. Ditto for 4WD. That feature, while great for driving on rough roads, sand, and snow, isn’t so great for your payload rating—the typical 4WD drivetrain weighs 300 pounds more that the 2WD version.