How to prepare your Chevrolet Malibu for towing

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: September 14, 2023

No matter if you are a seasoned veteran with years of experience towing big rigs or someone setting off on their very first cross-country towing excursion, it is important to make sure your Malibu is prepared for the trip.

Towing is no joke. Because of the size and weight of the load you are hauling, it entails additional hazards when driving. You have a duty for the safety of everyone else on the road with you, in addition to your own interests.

Skipping the essential step of getting your Chevrolet Malibu ready for towing might result in errors and mishaps with potentially disastrous results. Here is crucial advice you must remember in order to avoid these dangers and guarantee your towing experience is both safe and fun.

Getting ready for towing

Ensuring a secure and safe trailer towing experience requires thorough preparation. Even seasoned towers should adhere to these guidelines to maintain safety standards

Inspect trailer tires

Do not overlook the trailer's tires. While many people diligently check their pickup truck's tire pressures, they often forget the trailer's tires. It's essential to examine the trailer tires for signs of dry rot and cracking, especially if the trailer has been exposed to the elements and unused for extended periods.

Even if the tread seems adequate, tires deteriorate with time, potentially leading to tire failure. Additionally, consult your vehicle's owner's manual to determine the correct tire pressure for towing. Ensure that the wheel lug nuts on both the trailer and the tow vehicle are tightened to the recommended torque.

Maintain your tow vehicle

Towing places added stress on your vehicle. Prior to embarking on a towing journey, ensure your truck has undergone recent maintenance.

This should include an oil and filter change, checking the condition of the brake pads, confirming the engine coolant is at the correct level, and topping off the transmission fluid.

If your trailer has brakes, have them inspected and adjusted. And, do not forget to grease the wheel bearings.

Match the hitch ball

Verify that the hitch ball on your tow hitch corresponds in size to the coupler on your trailer. Incorrectly sized hitch balls are a leading cause of trailer accidents. Typically, hitch balls come in three sizes: 1.875 inches, 2 inches, and 2.312 inches.

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Carry spare tires and tools

Always have at least one spare tire for your trailer, along with a lug nut wrench specifically designed for your trailer's wheels. Additionally, keep a jack suitable for your trailer to facilitate changing a flat tire on the roadside if necessary.

Use safety chains

Every trailer should be equipped with safety chains that connect to the hitch. Cross the trailer's safety chains rather than running them straight. In the event of a disconnect between the trailer and tow vehicle, crossed chains create a cradle for the trailer tongue to land on, preventing it from digging into the road. Ensure the chains have enough slack for sharp turns without dragging on the road.

Check trailer lights

Prior to hitting the road, double-check the trailer's electrical wiring system to ensure it is securely connected to the tow vehicle. Inspect the wires manually.

They should be loose enough to allow turns without disconnecting from the tow vehicle but not so loose that they touch the road. With a partner confirming, verify that the trailer's running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are all functioning in sync with the tow vehicle.

Select the correct hitch

If your vehicle lacks a factory-installed tow hitch, it is vital to choose the appropriate one. Consult your local trailer rental company and explain your towing requirements.

A professional can provide expert guidance. AAA recommends connecting trailer hitches to the tow vehicle's frame rather than the bumper.

Consider tow mirrors

If your trailer exceeds the width of your tow vehicle, consider acquiring factory or wider aftermarket tow mirrors. These mirrors enhance visibility of the trailer's blind spots during driving and provide better rear visibility when reversing.

Having sufficient mirror width is essential when towing a trailer. Many modern trucks and SUVs offer blind spot warning systems that cover not only the vehicle's blind spots but also the entire trailer length.

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Upgrade to a larger fuel tank

Some full-sized pickups offer the option of a larger than standard fuel tank, a wise choice for frequent towing. Towing typically consumes more fuel, and finding suitable gas stations, especially when towing a long and tall trailer, can be challenging.

Utilize wheel chocks

When detaching the trailer from the tow vehicle, use sturdy wedge-shaped wheel chocks in front of and behind the trailer's tires to stop it from rolling away.

How to stay safe while on the road

After preparing your vehicle, prioritize road safety with these key tips:

Practice

If you are new to towing, practice is essential. Familiarize yourself with towing in an empty area, as it can make a big difference in ensuring a secure towing experience.

Increase stopping distance

Due to the added weight of trailers, provide extra stopping distance. This prevents potential accidents and rear-end collisions at stoplights.

Stay in the right lane

When towing a heavy load, stick to the right lane when possible. Although it may mean slightly slower travel, it enhances your ability to safely maneuver to the shoulder in case of issues, minimizing risks to others.

How to tow your Chevrolet Malibu yourself

You might have to do the towing yourself if you find yourself needing to transport your Malibu a considerable distance, such as while moving. Follow these crucial procedures to guarantee a secure and efficient towing experience:

Invest in high-quality equipment

When towing your vehicle, it's crucial to invest in high-quality towing equipment. You have various options to choose from, including trailers, tow dollies, and tow bars.

Select equipment that is compatible with your vehicle and designed to safeguard it during transport. To make an informed choice, you can research online or seek advice from a knowledgeable customer service representative at a store specializing in towing equipment.

Install a lighting system

On your towed vehicle, ensure that its brake lights activate when you apply the brakes. This is essential for maintaining safety and visibility on the road.

You can achieve this by wiring the brake lights on the vehicle being towed or by purchasing dedicated towing lights that can be easily attached.

Remove valuables

Just as you would before handing over your vehicle for towing, it's crucial to remove pricey goods from your vehicle before it's being towed as a security measure to safeguard your possessions.

Ensure the parking brake is disengaged

Before towing your vehicle, double-check that the parking brake is completely disengaged. When towing, leaving the parking brake on can cause serious damage since it can make the wheels slide.

Make sure the parking brake is disengaged to reduce any damage your Chevrolet Malibu may sustain while being towed.

By following these suggestions and equipping yourself with the required knowledge and gear, you can confidently tow your Chevrolet Malibu over a long-distance journey without running the risk of damage or safety problems.