Which truck tows better for weekend getaways around Barron, WI: 2026 Chevrolet Colorado or 2026 Toyota Tacoma?

Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet - How the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado’s Bed and Tailgate Features Make Hauling Easier around Chetek, WI When you shop midsize trucks, it is easy to fixate on horsepower and towing figures. Those matter—no question—but day-to-day capability often comes down to how easily you can load, organize, secure, and power your gear. That’s where the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado quietly pulls ahead. Around Chetek, WI, where a Saturday can mean grabbing lumber, loading coolers, or backing down a ramp, the Colorado’s thoughtful bed and tailgate details save time and reduce hassle in ways that specs alone cannot capture. This deep dive focuses on the parts of your truck you touch every weekend: the bed, tailgate, lighting, power, and tie-downs. We will highlight what stands out, how those features translate to real-world convenience in and around Chetek, and simple tips to make the most of your setup. Easy Loading and Securement: The Foundation of Weekend Utility Bed design is not just about dimensions. It is about smart features that make every load quicker and more secure. The Colorado offers up to 17 available tie-downs, which means you can place anchor points where you actually need them—low for heavy items or higher for odd-shaped cargo. Fewer bungee acrobatics, more confidence that your load stays put along County Highway SS or out past the shoreline. Tie-down capacity: Up to 17 available tie-downs give you more anchor options to stabilize mixed cargo. Bed lighting: Built-in lighting helps with early starts or late wrap-ups without a flashlight in your teeth. Power to go: An available 120-volt outlet supports chargers and light tools on-site. Measurement made simple: The built-in tailgate measurement tool takes the guesswork out of quick cuts. For Chetek drivers, that combination is especially useful when you are splitting time between the yard, the lake, and a quick stop at the hardware store. Load a stack of decking boards, add coolers and tackle, then use separate tie-downs and straps to keep everything tight. With bed lighting and available power onboard, you can prep gear at dawn, plug in a battery charger, and keep the day moving. Why the StowFlex Tailgate Changes the Game The available StowFlex® tailgate is one of those features you appreciate more each time you use it. The integrated storage is perfect for tie-down straps, gloves, a small first-aid kit, or a compact inflator—items that used to rattle around the cab or get lost under a pile of gear. With the EZ Lift and Lower design, it takes far less effort to open and close, and the mid-position setting can support up to 500 lbs. That mid-position helps when you are carrying longer wood or a ladder that will not fit flat. It is a clever answer to a common weekend frustration. Built-in storage: Keep straps, gloves, and tools in a dedicated, protected space. EZ lifting: Lighter, smoother tailgate operation reduces strain throughout the day. Mid-position support: Holds up to 500 lbs and creates a stable surface for longer items. Quick measuring: Marked increments on the tailgate simplify layout for cuts and spacing. At the Lake Chetek chain, where plans shift from errands to launching a boat in minutes, the StowFlex® compartment becomes your grab-and-go hub for essentials. You can keep the cab uncluttered and still have everything you need within reach. Visibility and Control When the Day Runs Long Colorado’s available camera systems are just as helpful in a driveway as they are at a trailhead. Up to 10 available camera views, including available underbody cameras, support better low-speed awareness when lining up to a trailer or angling into a tight turnout near a boat ramp. Combined with bed lighting, that makes evening wrap-ups calmer and safer. Multiple camera views: Up to 10 available perspectives boost awareness while maneuvering. Underbody cameras: Helpful for clearing obstacles and staying off big rocks or stumps. Guidance for trailering: Camera views and an available trailering app support alignment and checklists. The camera tech is especially helpful for solo loading and trailering. Instead of hopping in and out to check alignment, you can use on-screen guides to dial things in and get rolling faster. For repeat tasks—like launching your fishing boat—those small time-savers add up. Make the Bed Work Harder: Simple Tips You do not need to overhaul your routine to get more from the Colorado’s bed and tailgate. A few easy habits go a long way. Standardize your gear: Keep a dedicated strap set and gloves in the StowFlex® compartment so you never leave home without them. Use the mid-position: For long boards or ladders, the mid-position tailgate stabilizes weight and reduces load shift. Leverage tie-down zones: Mix high and low anchor points to reduce fore-aft and side-to-side movement at once. Light the workspace: Switch on bed lighting when loading at dawn or dusk to avoid missteps and speed up the job. Power on board: Use the available 120-volt outlet to top off tool batteries while you drive between stops. These small tweaks make errands smoother and weekends more enjoyable—especially if you split your time between jobsite chores and lake time. Tech That Connects the Dots Beyond the bed, the cabin tech ties the day together. The standard 11.3-inch touch-screen and best-in-class standard 11-inch digital Driver Information Center simplify routing, visibility, and communications. With Google built-in, you can use voice commands to set destinations across Chetek, call home, or pull up playlists without taking a hand off the wheel. Standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility helps keep your phone’s essentials within easy reach on screen. For power users, available wireless charging helps you go cord-free. If you are backing down a narrow ramp, those camera views pay off again. And if you are headed out of town, the available drive modes let you dial traction for gravel, grass, or a muddy approach to a campsite. Frequently Asked Questions: Can the 2026 Colorado handle mixed cargo without a bed divider? Yes. With up to 17 available tie-downs, you can stabilize bulky and small items using multiple anchor points. For added separation, consider compact storage boxes that strap to the tie-downs and leave the center of the bed open. Is the StowFlex® tailgate weather-resistant for storing small tools? The integrated compartment is designed for everyday use and helps protect commonly used items from the elements. We still recommend placing sensitive electronics in protective cases for long-term storage. Do I need extra lighting if I already have bed lighting? Most owners find the factory bed lighting is more than enough for loading and unloading at dawn or dusk. If you routinely work in full darkness far from ambient light, a compact rechargeable work light can supplement visibility. Which drive mode should I use for a gravel road near Chetek? Normal mode works well for most daily driving, but if the surface is loose or rutted, Off-Road mode can enhance traction and throttle response. Terrain mode is better suited to very low-speed obstacle crawling. Can the available 120-volt outlet run power tools? It is ideal for charging batteries and running low-draw accessories. For specific tool requirements, check the tool’s power consumption and compare that to the outlet’s rating. When you are ready to see how these features come together in person, our team is happy to provide a hands-on walkaround and show you how to set up tie-downs, use the tailgate measurement tool, and configure camera views. At Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet—serving Cameron, Barron, and Chetek—we listen first and tailor recommendations to your daily routine so your Colorado works exactly the way you need it to. If you want one midsize truck that handles everyday errands, home projects, and lake days without a fuss, the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado’s bed and tailgate features belong at the top of your list. The details make the difference—and around Chetek, those details help you do more with less effort. Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet is ready to help you choose the right configuration and get every advantage from the Colorado’s smart design. Request more 2026 Chevrolet Colorado information

Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet - Why the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado’s Drive Modes Make Life Easier Around Eau Claire, WI The roads in and around Eau Claire, WI offer a little of everything—city streets with stop-and-go traffic, rolling two-lanes that transition to gravel, and plenty of boat launches and trailheads to explore. That kind of variety is why the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado’s drive modes matter more than a spec on a window sticker. They make the truck feel tailored to your day, even as conditions change from one mile to the next. In a world of buzzwords, “drive modes” can sound like a gimmick. In Colorado, they’re the opposite—practical, useful, and confidence-boosting. A simple dial lets you tap into specific calibrations for throttle response, transmission shift mapping, traction control, and stability systems. Translation: more grip when you need it, smarter power delivery when you’re towing, and a friendlier, more efficient feel when you’re simply running errands across town. What Each Mode Does for Real Eau Claire Drives Colorado offers up to five available modes, including a configuration exclusive to ZR2. Even if you’re not spending every weekend off-road, each setting has a clear purpose that pays off in real driving. Normal: Your everyday setup for balanced response and comfort Off-Road: Tuned for loose surfaces like gravel, mud, and deep snow Terrain: Optimized for steep grades and low-speed control over obstacles Tow/Haul (available): Improves shift logic and braking support with a trailer or heavy load Baja (ZR2 only): Calibrated for sandy, high-speed off-pavement terrain Consider a Saturday that starts with a supply run on Clairemont Ave (Normal), shifts to a gravel drive out toward your favorite boat launch (Off-Road), then includes a tricky incline at the ramp itself (Terrain). If you’re towing a fishing boat or pop-up camper, you’ll appreciate Tow/Haul in how it changes shift behavior to keep the 2.7L TurboMax® engine squarely in the sweet spot—firming control and boosting your confidence, particularly on rolling grades west of town. How the Powertrain Supports Each Mode Modes alone don’t make magic—the hardware needs to back them up. Colorado’s 2.7L TurboMax® engine delivers best-in-class standard torque at 430 lb-ft, paired with an enhanced 8-speed transmission that feels composed in Normal and decisive in Tow/Haul. That torque is what helps you creep over ruts in Terrain mode, maintain momentum on deep gravel in Off-Road, and merge briskly on I-94 when the day calls for highway miles. The calibration behind each mode uses that torque differently, which is why Colorado can feel like multiple trucks in one familiar package. If you choose a ZR2, Baja mode adds a unique dimension. While northwest Wisconsin isn’t famous for dunes, sandy two-tracks and silty riverbank paths do pop up. The Baja mapping keeps the truck stable and controlled on those looser surfaces, letting you maintain pace without fighting wheelspin and body movement. It’s a specialized setting, but when you need it, you’ll be glad it’s there. Vision, Traction, and Placement: Where Cameras Come In Switching modes helps Colorado adapt under the skin; available camera technology helps you place the truck with precision. Up to 10 available camera views—plus available underbody cameras—offer a dramatically clearer perspective when the pavement ends or parking gets tight. If you like to explore trailheads along the Chippewa River State Trail or work around uneven job sites, seeing what’s immediately in front of and beneath the truck is a genuine advantage. It’s also a relief when backing down a boat ramp or lining up a hitch—no guesswork, just a composed, repeatable routine. In off-road settings, the synergy is even better. Shift into Off-Road or Terrain, bring up the available underbody view, and you can move carefully past obstacles, checking clearances without hopping out. It’s the sort of capability that helps you avoid minor scrapes and keeps the adventure relaxing. Everyday Utility: Why Modes Aren’t Only for Trail Days Not every drive is a playground. Daily life asks for comfort, predictability, and easy control. That’s where Normal shines—it keeps the 2026 Colorado relaxed and efficient, with throttle and shift behavior tuned for smooth progress. When a storm slicks up neighborhood streets or country lanes get washboard-rippled, Off-Road can add valuable traction and stability, even at low speeds. And when you’ve hitched the utility trailer for a landscaping dump run, Tow/Haul stabilizes the experience—particularly on stop-and-go drives across Eau Claire. Once you live with these modes, you stop thinking about them as “features.” They become part of how you drive: choose the right setting, proceed with confidence, and move on with your day. That’s good design. Smart Cabin Tech That Complements the Drive Colorado’s tech doesn’t end with modes. The 11.3-inch diagonal center touch-screen keeps guidance, audio, and apps close at hand, while the standard 11-inch digital Driver Information Center shows essential data with sharp clarity. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility make it easy to bring your smartphone along for the ride, and the available wireless phone charging pad reduces cable chaos. It’s a cabin that communicates clearly and lets you focus on the task at hand—whether that’s towing, trailering, or simply getting across town. Safety-wise, Chevy Safety Assist comes standard, bundling driver assists that help add peace of mind in city traffic and on dark two-lanes. The combination of attentive safety tech and configurable drive modes is what separates this truck from many in the segment. You can tailor behavior to conditions and let the truck support you when attention gets stretched thin. Frequently Asked Questions: Do I need a ZR2 to get multiple drive modes? No. Colorado offers up to five available modes across the lineup. ZR2 adds Baja mode, which is exclusive to that trim. Can I use Tow/Haul without a heavy load? You can, but it’s designed for trailering or hauling. For everyday driving without a load, Normal typically delivers the smoothest, most efficient experience. Are the underbody cameras useful if I don’t off-road often? Yes. They can help with steep driveways, uneven job sites, and aligning with curbs or obstacles—situations you might encounter even in daily driving. If you’re exploring the 2026 Colorado as your all-in-one truck for Eau Claire life—weekday commutes, weekend projects, and occasional adventures—our team is here to help you try each mode, compare trims, and decide which features will support your routine. Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet appears once here as requested. From test-drive routes that include real local terrain to accessory advice and service support, we’ll make sure your truck feels dialed-in from day one, serving Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and Amery. Request more 2026 Chevrolet Colorado information

Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet - Can the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado haul 4x8 plywood near Barron, WI without a trailer? If you are planning a weekend project around Barron, WI and wondering whether a 2026 Chevrolet Colorado can bring home 4x8 sheet goods without hooking up a trailer, you are in the right place. At Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet in nearby Rice Lake, our team helps local DIYers and pros figure out smart, safe ways to carry building materials every day, and the latest Colorado has thoughtful bed and tailgate features that make hauling full sheets simpler than you might expect. Because most midsize pickups are narrower between the wheel wells than 48 inches, loading sheets completely flat in the bed usually is not the play. Chevrolet engineered around that real-world challenge with a clever tailgate, strong tie-down solutions, and helpful visibility tech that work together to support and secure 4x8 cargo for short runs between area yards and job sites from Barron to Rice Lake and Chetek. How the Colorado bed helps you carry building sheets The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado’s bed and tailgate are built with versatility in mind. You get up to 17 available tie-downs to anchor straps exactly where you want them, plus cargo bed lighting that helps when you are loading early or wrapping up late. Select models offer an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate with built-in StowFlex® storage, so you can keep straps, gloves, and measuring tools close at hand without taking up space in the cab. The star of the show for 4x8 hauling is the tailgate’s mid-position setting, which is designed to support longer items by creating a higher resting point at the rear of the bed. Chevrolet rates the mid-position tailgate to support up to 500 lbs when used correctly, and the Colorado’s built-in tailgate measurement tool makes it easier to confirm lengths before you load. In practice, that means you can slide sheets in, rest the rear edge on the mid-position tailgate, and strap everything down securely for the short hop down US 53 or along WI-25. Step-by-step: hauling 4x8 sheets safely in a Colorado Below is the loading approach we demonstrate for guests who want to carry building sheets without a trailer. It is simple, quick, and easy to repeat on future supply runs. Measure your cargo and opening: Confirm your sheet length and make sure your garage or jobsite entry will accommodate the overall length with the tailgate in its chosen position. Set the tailgate to mid-position: Use the notches to place the tailgate in the mid-height setting, which helps support sheet goods and keeps them more level front to back. Place the first sheet forward in the bed: Slide it in so the front edge nests against the front bed wall. Keeping weight forward helps stability and keeps steering responsive in town. Stack and align carefully: Load additional sheets squarely. Even stacks sit better on the mid-position tailgate and are easier to strap down without shifting. Secure with tie-downs at four points: Use the Colorado’s tie-downs to run ratchet straps in an X-pattern over the load, then add a front strap to keep everything planted against the bed wall. Flag any rear overhang: If your cargo extends past the bumper, attach a bright red flag as required. It makes you more visible as you head back through Barron or Rice Lake traffic. Drive conservatively and recheck: Take surface streets where possible, avoid sudden stops, and recheck strap tension after the first mile. This method keeps weight supported and evenly distributed. Remember that the tailgate’s 500-lb mid-position rating covers the weight it is supporting at the back, so load thoughtfully and keep heavier items forward in the bed. As always, the driver remains responsible for securing cargo and operating with care. What about rain, tools, and on-site power? When the forecast is up in the air, available bed lighting makes quick cover-and-strap jobs easier in low light, and the tailgate’s StowFlex® storage is a handy spot for bungees, gloves, and a tarp. If you need to trim a sheet on arrival, the Colorado offers an available 120-volt bed outlet that can power common corded tools. Inside, the standard 11.3-inch diagonal center touch-screen with Google built-in, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility keeps your delivery address, supplier calls, and playlists organized while you are on the move between Barron lumber yards and job sites on the south side of Rice Lake. Backing into tight loading zones is easier with the Colorado’s available 10 camera views and trailering-capable visibility tech. Whether you are lining up at the Menards loading lane in Rice Lake or easing into a narrow driveway off La Salle Avenue in Barron, those camera options help you see around obstacles and keep your load clear of posts and curbs. Which Colorado trims are best for weekend projects? Every 2026 Colorado comes standard with the TurboMax® engine and an enhanced 8-speed transmission, so you get confident low-speed control when you are creeping into a crowded yard or launching a careful 3-point turn in a downtown Barron alley. The LT trim adds EZ Lift and Lower tailgate with built-in StowFlex® storage, while Trail Boss and Z71 bring a factory lift and all-terrain tires that also serve you well on gravel drives out near the Chetek Chain of Lakes. If you split your time between job sites and trailheads, ZR2 elevates off-road capability with Multimatic® DSSV dampers, while still offering the bed versatility you want for weekend projects. Regardless of trim, Colorado’s Normal drive mode is optimized for everyday driving around Barron County streets and county highways. For dirt or gravel approaches to a pole barn or lakeside property, Off-Road mode can increase traction and throttle control for smoother, more predictable low-speed progress. Accessory ideas we install for sheet-hauling We fit a lot of Colorados for local builders and DIYers. If you want to make loading even easier, our parts and service pros can help you choose the right gear and install it for you. Bed extender or load stop: Adds a secure rear corral for longer items when the tailgate is down or in mid-position. Ratchet straps and soft loops: Quality tie-downs protect your cargo and your truck’s finish while keeping loads tight. Bed mat or plywood risers: Reduces sliding and can help keep edges off the wheel wells when you are stacking sheets. Clamp-on cargo rack: Provides overhead support if you also carry long trim pieces or ladders with your sheet goods. Weather protection: A rolling tonneau that can be secured open offers quick coverage if a shower pops up after pickup. Not sure what fits your truck and your workflow best? Our team will walk you through options, show you how each solution secures in the Colorado’s bed, and install it so you are ready for the next supply run down Highway 8. Safety notes specific to Barron County errands Local roads can go from open farm fields to tree-lined dips quickly, and gusty crosswinds near open stretches can tug at an unsecured load. Keep speeds moderate when crossing the Red Cedar River area toward Rice Lake, leave extra following distance, and take advantage of IntelliBeam® Auto High Beams for nighttime visibility on darker county roads. Chevy Safety Assist is standard across the 2026 Colorado lineup to support your drive, but please remember that safety and driver assistance features do not replace safe driving or cargo-securement best practices. If you want to see how the mid-position tailgate supports your specific materials, stop by Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet at 734 West Ave in Rice Lake. We will set the tailgate, stage a mock load, show you tie-down points, and help you plan a secure strap layout before you make the next Barron supply run. When you are ready, we can get you behind the wheel so you can experience the TurboMax® torque and the Colorado’s easy maneuverability for yourself. Frequently Asked Questions: Can a 4x8 sheet lie completely flat between the wheel wells in a 2026 Colorado? Like most midsize pickups, the distance between the wheel wells is narrower than the sheet’s 48-inch width. The practical solution is to use the Colorado’s mid-position tailgate to support the rear edge and strap the stack securely to the bed’s tie-downs. What is the weight rating for the 2026 Colorado’s mid-position tailgate? The Colorado tailgate’s mid-position is rated to support up to 500 lbs when used properly. Keep heavier items forward in the bed and be sure cargo weight is distributed evenly before you strap it down. Do I need special equipment to secure sheet goods in the Colorado? No special equipment is required, but we recommend quality ratchet straps, soft loops to protect painted surfaces, and a red safety flag for any overhang. The Colorado’s available 17 tie-downs give you plenty of anchor points to create a solid X-pattern over the load. Will a sport bar or light bar interfere with plywood loading? Sport bars and light bars, like those available with the Stars & Steel Special Edition, can change front-of-bed clearance. Full sheets still load with the tailgate in mid or down positions, but you may need to slide them slightly higher or adjust strap routing. We are happy to test-fit your materials at our Rice Lake store. Can you install a bed extender that works with the Colorado’s tailgate positions? Yes. Our parts team can recommend bed extenders and load stops designed for the Colorado that work with the tailgate up, mid, or down. We will install and show you how to use them safely. Is there tech that helps with tight loading zones at local retailers? Yes. The Colorado offers up to 10 available camera views that can help you see curbs, posts, and pedestrians when backing into narrow loading areas in Barron or Rice Lake. It is a great confidence boost when space is tight. Can I power tools from the truck bed while I am working on site? The Colorado offers an available 120-volt bed outlet, which is perfect for common corded tools like a circular saw. It is a useful backup when power at the site is not readily available. When you are ready to try the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado’s bed features firsthand, visit us at Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet in Rice Lake. We will show you the tailgate’s mid-position setup, the StowFlex® storage, and the tie-down layout that makes hauling 4x8 plywood around Barron, WI practical, quick, and secure. Request more 2026 Chevrolet Colorado information