Towing a Boat in CT? The Best Chevy SUVs & Trucks for the Long Island Sound

September 2nd, 2026 by

2026 Chevrolet Colorado Towing a Boat

Towing a Boat in CT? The Best Chevy SUVs & Trucks for the Long Island Sound

Heading out to the coastal waters of the Long Island Sound requires a reliable, heavy-duty towing vehicle. Whether you are hauling a center console boat, dual console, or personal watercraft, Chevrolet offers top-tier trucks and SUVs engineered to handle demanding trailering needs. Explore performance specs and towing capabilities for two of the best choices for Connecticut boaters: the 2026 Chevy Suburban and the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500.

2026 Chevy Suburban Performance & Towing

The Chevy Suburban is known for its family-friendly comfort and exceptional performance, making the 2026 model year an outstanding option for coastal trips. Boasting three unique powertrains, impressive utility, and competitive fuel economy, the 2026 Chevrolet Suburban offers all the capability you need for your travels.

2026 Chevy Suburban Engine Options

Three engines are available across the 2026 Chevy Suburban lineup, including two gas-powered V8s and a Duramax® diesel engine:

5.3L EcoTec3 V8

  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Standard rear-wheel drive; available 4-wheel drive
  • Horsepower: 355 hp
  • Torque: 383 lb-ft
6.2L EcoTec3 V8

  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Standard rear-wheel drive; available 4-wheel drive
  • Horsepower: 420 hp
  • Torque: 460 lb-ft
Duramax® 3.0L Turbo Diesel

  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Standard rear-wheel drive; available 4-wheel drive
  • Horsepower: 305 hp
  • Torque: 495 lb-ft

2026 Chevy Suburban Towing Capacity

With so much power under the hood, it’s no surprise that the Chevrolet Suburban offers significant towing capability for street and marine hauling. Experts estimate that entry-level Suburban LS RWD models can tow up to 8,200 pounds. Towing capability may vary based on engine, drivetrain, and equipped towing packages, so always check your owner’s manual before hitching up your boat or trailer.

2026 Chevy Suburban MPG Ratings

Despite its impressive size and power, the 2026 Chevy Suburban offers competitive fuel economy ratings for its class. Drivers who choose the Chevy Suburban diesel engine can enjoy gas mileage ratings as high as 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Engine & Drivetrain City / Highway / Combined MPG
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (RWD) 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (4WD) 14 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (RWD) 15 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (4WD) 14 mpg city / 18 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined
Duramax® 3.0L Turbo Diesel (RWD) 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
Duramax® 3.0L Turbo Diesel (4WD) 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined

2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Towing Capacity

The 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 towing capacity is impressive, allowing you to haul more recreational equipment, trailers, and heavy boats across Connecticut and surrounding coastal areas with ease.

How Much Can A Silverado 1500 Tow?

The Silverado tow rating depends on the selected engine configuration. Below are the available maximum towing, payload, and torque capacities:

  • Max Available Towing Capacity: 13,300 pounds with Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine and a properly equipped truck
  • Max Available Payload Capacity: 2,260 pounds with TurboMax™ engine and a properly equipped truck
  • Max Available Torque: 495 lb-ft with Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine

Engine Options Breakdown

TurboMax™ (Standard on WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss)

  • 310 hp
  • Best-in-class 430 lb-ft of standard torque
  • Active Fuel Management™ and Automatic Stop/Start
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
5.3L EcoTec®3 V8 (Standard on LTZ and High Country. Available on WT Double Cab and Crew Cab models, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss)

  • 355 hp
  • 383 lb-ft of torque
  • Dynamic Fuel Management and Automatic Stop/Start
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (Available on RST Crew Cab 4×4, LT Trail Boss, LTZ 4×4, ZR2 and High Country 4×4)

  • 420 hp
  • 460 lb-ft of torque
  • Equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management and Automatic Stop/Start
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel (Standard on ZR2. Available on Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country)

  • 305 hp
  • 495 lb-ft of torque
  • Automatic Stop/Start
  • 10-speed automatic transmission

Chevy Silverado 1500 Trailering Packages

The Trailering Package is standard on some Silverado trim levels, such as the Custom, and available on others like the Work Truck. It includes:

  • Trailer hitch & trailering hitch platform
  • 2-inch receiver hitch, 4-pin and 7-pin connectors
  • 7-wire electrical harness and 7-pin sealed connector for trailer lights and brakes
  • Hitch Guidance

The Max Trailering Package is an available option on select configurations (such as the RST) and adds:

  • Trailering Package
  • Increased towing and GCWR
  • Automatic locking rear differential & Handling/Trailering Suspension Package
  • Enhanced cooling radiator & revised shock tuning
  • Heavier-duty rear springs and increased RGAWR
  • 9.76-inch rear axle (3.42 axle ratio for gas / 3.73 axle ratio for diesel)
  • Trailer brake controller

Ready for Your Next Waterway Adventure?

Now that you know more about the Chevy Suburban and Silverado 1500 towing specifications, visit us to test-drive your favorite model and experience true hauling power today.