Officially, in the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV owners manual, on page 246, says “The vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer” 2017 Chevy Bolt EV Owner’s Manual
However, other electric vehicles have also stated similar things in their owners manual. Vehicle owners have towed small loads successfully, as the Bolt EV has similarly rated brakes and propulsion power as similarly sized gasoline powered vehicles. The manual statement may be more of an exclusion of liability for Chevrolet if drive train parts become damaged because of the extra load and stress. This is not legal advice. Do your research and make your own decisions
Trailer Hitch Options
As of April, 2017, there are 2 companies building receiver hitches for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. Curt Manufacturing, and Draw-tite.
This photo from Bro1999 (via GM-volt.com) shows a comparison of the two hitches – the Curt hanging much farther down than the Draw-tite.
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Item #24956
This fully welded, corrosion-resistant Chevrolet Bolt EV trailer hitch receiver is perfect for your light-duty towing needs. Draw-Tite’s Tested Tough guarantee ensures that this hitch exceeds industry standards. The cross bar is hidden behind the Bolt EV’s rear bumper fascia.
Rated for 2000 lb gross trailer weight and 200 lb tongue weight, the Bolt trailer hitch comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Bolt on, no welding required. Install time is rated at 20 minutes, although ETrailer.com lists it at 40 minutes.
Minor trimming of the rear fascia is required.
It appears to fit much closer to the Bolt EV’s rear bumper fascia than the Curt receiver does.
Available from e-Trailer.com and CARiD and Amazon
Curt Manufacturing
Curt Manufacturing has a 1 1/4 inch receiver hitch built specifically for the Bolt EV. Model # 11457
Installation can be done with simple tools in approximately 20 minutes for a professional and 40 minutes for a novice. Installation requires trimming a small piece out of the lower rear bumper fascia. The hitch weighs 21 pounds, and uses the same bolts that hold the rear bumper beam onto the vehicle frame.
Available from Amazon.com
When installed on a 2017 Bolt EV, the hitch as approximately 7 3/4 inches from the ground.
The Bolt EV hitch hangs down about 2 inches below the rear bumper valance, and it wouldn’t need to hang down that far. If Curt modifies the design and moves the receiver up it would allow for about 10 inches of ground clearance.
Roof Rack
Another option for hauling small boats or cargo is to use the factory installed roof rack. The 2017 Bolt roof rack is rated for 100 lbs. With the load up on top of the vehicle, instead of behind, there may be more of an aerodynamic penalty which will affect range and efficiency ratings. Dimensions of the Bolt EV roof rails is approximately 36″ inside to inside, and 38.75″ outside to outside. More Chevy Bolt Roof Rack Details
why does this article relate to two different receivers, yet shows installation information for only one of them ? And that one which does show, appears to mount with only two bolts, certainly not a safe and secure design.
The Curt receiver has 2 bolts on each side. The DrawTite also has 2 bolts on each side, the second being on the triangulated support arm that runs towards the front of the vehicle.
Since the Bolt doesn’t have any tow rating (it’s not rated for towing), these receivers are only for bike racks etc, and the companies don’t state what weight they are rated to tow either. It’s the classic “do it all at your own risk” thing
I see many Americans living in ‘trailers’ or a derivative soon enough. Not all will be displaced persons from losing their houses to storms etc.. but the mobile lifestyle may be more ‘sustainable’ than staying put, when it really hits the fan.
Consequently, the travel trailer manufacturers had better start cluing into electric cars and batteries, and solar power and inverters and all the rest of it.
Why don’t the trailers have regenerative braking and a bigger battery, low in the frame like the EV’s? Regen produces electricity directly related to it’s mass (weight) and momentum. The tow vehicle will be the ‘director’. On mildly hilly terrain the feature would probably add 25% to the range of both vehicles (together) and relegate the expensive disc brakes to the job of observer/backup.