M1 Compatibility
The mid-size Tune M1 fits the Chevy Colorado. It fits the 5'2" Short Bed on 3rd gen (2023+) Crew Cab and both the 5'2" Short Bed and 6'2" Long Bed on 2nd gen (2015–2022) by cab config.
The Colorado is one of the strongest mid-size trucks for the M1 in terms of raw payload. Even the off-road ZR2 has more headroom than some competitors' base trims. The main thing to know is the composite bed requirement on 2023+ models.
Your payload number is on the sticker inside your driver's door jamb. It's the only number that was calculated for your specific truck. See the payload guide for why advertised numbers don't apply to your vehicle.
The Composite Bed Issue (2023+)
The 3rd generation Chevy Colorado (2023+) and GMC Canyon use a composite bed instead of a traditional stamped steel bed. The composite material is lighter and more dent-resistant, but the bed rails aren't rigid enough to support the clamping force of a bed-mounted camper like the M1 without reinforcement.
If you have a 2015–2022 Colorado (2nd gen), you have a steel bed and this doesn't apply. The M1 mounts directly to the bed rails with standard clamps.
Cab + Bed: The Decision That Shapes Your Build
The Colorado's cab and bed options changed completely between the 2nd gen (2015–2022) and the 3rd gen (2023+). They're effectively two different platforms when it comes to picking a config.
3rd Gen (2023+): Crew Cab + 5'2" Bed Only
Chevy simplified the new-gen Colorado to a single configuration: Crew Cab with the 5'2" short bed. No more long-bed option, no more extended cab. The M1 platform extends past the bed on this config and you lose meaningful storage under the platform — but the new Colorado's wider track and ~1,700 lbs of payload on most trims gives you margin to compensate with smarter packing. Add the bed-rail stiffener brackets before install (see above).
2nd Gen (2015–2022) Extended Cab + 6'2" Bed
Extended cab with rear-hinged half-doors and a small jump seat row. Available only with the 6'2" long bed. This is the M1-friendliest Colorado config you can buy used: real bed length for under-platform storage, lighter than the Crew Cab, and a steel bed that takes M1 clamps directly with no prep. Best for solo campers and couples.
2nd Gen (2015–2022) Crew Cab + 5'2" or 6'2" Bed
Full 4-door cab. Two bed options:
- 5'2" Crew Cab Short Box: easier to park, but the M1 platform extends past the bed. Same trade-off as the 3rd gen.
- 6'2" Crew Cab Long Box: the best 2nd gen Colorado for a family-friendly M1 build. Real bed for storage, full back seat, steel bed clamps directly.
Quick decision frame
Best Colorado for an M1 build (used): 2015–2022 Crew Cab Long Box (6'2"). Best new (2023+): you only have one option — the 5'2" Crew Cab — and you'll need bed stiffeners before install. Best 2nd gen for solo/couple budget shopping: Extended Cab + 6'2" bed.
Chevy Colorado Payload by Trim
These are approximate door sticker ranges based on manufacturer data. Your actual sticker may differ. Always verify your specific truck.
| Trim | Approx. Door Sticker Range | M1 Build Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Gen WT 2WD (2023+) | ~1,710 lbs | ✓ Strong | Highest payload in the lineup. Plenty of margin. |
| 3rd Gen WT / LT 4WD | ~1,700 lbs | ✓ Strong | 4WD adds minimal weight. Still excellent headroom. |
| 3rd Gen Z71 (4WD only) | ~1,590 lbs | ✓ Workable | Off-road package adds weight. Still very comfortable. |
| 3rd Gen ZR2 | ~1,310 lbs | ✓ Workable | Heaviest trim. Still has more margin than many Tacomas. |
| 2nd Gen (2015–2022) WT / LT | ~1,400–1,550 lbs | ✓ Workable | Steel bed. No stiffener needed. Check your door sticker. |
| 2nd Gen Z71 / ZR2 | ~1,200–1,400 lbs | ⚠ Varies | Depends on year and options. Model your full build. |
GMC Canyon owners: The Canyon shares this platform. Payload varies by Canyon trim (Elevation, AT4, AT4X, Denali) but falls in similar ranges. The composite bed stiffener requirement applies to 2023+ Canyons as well.
Realistic Payload Budget: Colorado + M1
What a typical Colorado M1 build draws against payload. Adjust for your specific setup.
| Item | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100Ah LiFePO4 battery | ~26 lbs | Varies by brand |
| Mattress (4" foam) | ~18 lbs | Custom cut to platform size |
| 7 gal fresh water | 58 lbs | 8.34 lbs/gal |
| Camper gear & accessories | ~50 lbs | Estimate, varies widely |
| Driver | ~175 lbs | Use actual weight |
| Passenger | ~150 lbs | If applicable |
| Cab gear (bags, food, etc.) | ~25 lbs | Easy to underestimate |
| Full fuel tank (~21 gal) | 132 lbs | 6.3 lbs/gal |
| Subtotal (everything except the M1) | ~634 lbs | What loads onto the truck before the camper |
| Tune M1 (base, mid-size) | ~400 lbs | Dry weight, no gear |
| Grand total (with M1) | ~1,034 lbs | What you're actually putting on the truck |
With a 1,700 lb door sticker, you have roughly 666 lbs of headroom after a standard build — room to run a fridge, more water, or heavier gear without obsessing over the calculator. The ZR2 at 1,310 lbs is the outlier: ~276 lbs of margin is workable, but treat it like a tight Tacoma build and model everything.
Colorado-Specific Tips
- Bed stiffeners first (2023+). Order bed rail stiffener brackets before your install appointment. Prinsu, CBI Offroad, and others make Colorado-specific kits. Budget $150–$250 + rivnut tool if you don't have one.
- Steel bed advantage (2015–2022). If you have a 2nd gen, the M1 mounts directly with standard clamps. No prep work needed.
- The Colorado has payload headroom. Unlike the Tacoma where every pound matters, most Colorado trims let you run a comfortable build without obsessing over weight. The ZR2 is the exception: treat it like a tight Tacoma build.
- Canyon = Colorado. If you're shopping between them, choose on features and price. The M1 compatibility and payload story is identical.
- Bed length availability. 3rd gen (2023+) is Crew Cab + 5'2" only. 2nd gen (2015–2022) offered 5'2" and 6'2" beds across Extended Cab and Crew Cab configs. Both 5' and 6' beds are supported by the mid-size M1.