Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer or trailering dealer for assistance with preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read the entire section before towing a trailer. To tow a disabled vehicle, see Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0 303. To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle such as a motor home, see Recreational Vehicle Towing 0 305.
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
Warning
You can lose control when towing a trailer if the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is too heavy or the trailer brakes are inadequate for the load, the vehicle may not stop as expected. You and others could be seriously injured. The vehicle may also be damaged, and the repairs would not be
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Warning (Continued)
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only if all the steps in this section have been followed. Ask your dealer for advice and information about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration, braking, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. The following information has many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. Read this section carefully before pulling a trailer. When towing a trailer: . Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer towing. These requirements vary from state to state.
236 Driving and Operating
. State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. If your visibility is limited or restricted while towing, install extended side view mirrors, even if not required.
. Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent damage to the engine, axle, or other parts.
. GM recommends performing an oil change to the vehicle before heavy towing.
. Do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make starts at full throttle during the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer towing.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul Mode, if equipped, is recommended for heavier trailers. See Driver Mode Control 0 206. If the transmission downshifts too often, a lower gear may be selected using Manual Mode. See Manual Mode 0 201.
If equipped, the following driver assistance features should be turned off when towing a trailer: . Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) . Super Cruise Control . Park Assist . Automatic Parking Assist (APA) . Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) If equipped, the following driver assistance features should be turned to alert or off when towing a trailer: . Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) . Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA), the LCA detection zones that extend back from the side of the vehicle do not move further back when a trailer is towed. Use caution while changing lanes when towing a trailer. If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), use caution while backing up when towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that extend out from the back of the vehicle do not move further back when a trailer is towed.
Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a trailer: . Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open. . Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel. . Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air. See “Climate Control Systems” in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0 198.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The combination of the vehicle and trailer is longer and not as responsive as the vehicle itself. Get used to the handling and braking of the combination by driving on a level road surface before driving on public roads. The trailer structure, the tires, and the brakes must be all be rated to carry the intended cargo. Inadequate trailer equipment can cause the combination to operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner. Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
Driving and Operating 237
and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See Towing Equipment 0 241. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the combination moving and then manually apply the trailer brake controller to check the trailer brakes work. During the trip, occasionally check that the cargo and trailer are secure and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system might be heard. The system reacts to vehicle movement caused by the trailer, which mainly occurs during cornering. This is normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving without a trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer. The combination of the vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as quickly and is much longer than the vehicle alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. To move the trailer to the left, move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move that hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs when towing a trailer to prevent damage to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns could cause the trailer to contact the vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing, so the trailer will not go over soft shoulders, over curbs, or strike road signs, trees, or other objects. Always signal turns well in advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting down a long or steep downhill grade. If the transmission is not shifted down, the brakes may overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions. When towing at higher altitudes, engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at lower altitudes. If the engine is turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle could show signs similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run, preferably on level ground, with the transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning the engine off. If the overheat warning comes on, see Engine Overheating 0 261.
238 Driving and Operating Parking on Hills
Warning
To prevent serious injury or death, always park your vehicle and trailer on a level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift
into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal:
. Start the engine.
. Shift into the desired gear.
. Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of
the chocks. 4. Stop and have someone pick up and
store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when used to tow trailers. See Maintenance Schedule 0 317. It is especially important to check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system, and brake system before and during each trip. Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions. See Engine Overheating 0 261.
Trailer Towing Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage the vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer correctly, follow the directions in this section and see your dealer for important information about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature, dimensions of the front of the trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and trailer contents must be below all of the maximum weight ratings for the vehicle, including: . Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) . Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) . Maximum Trailer Weight Rating . Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating . Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR) See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment” under Towing Equipment 0 241 to determine if equalizer bars are required to obtain the maximum trailer weight rating. See “Trailer Brakes” under Towing Equipment 0 241 to determine if brakes are required based on the trailer weight. The only way to be sure the weight is not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh the tow vehicle and trailer combination, fully loaded for the trip, getting individual weights for each of these items.
Warning
You and others could be seriously injured or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the trailer brakes are inadequate for the load. The vehicle may be damaged, and the repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this section have been followed. Ask your dealer for advice and information about towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer including any fuel, passengers, cargo, equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed the GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR for the vehicle is on the tow rating chart later in this section.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's maximum load capacity, see Vehicle Load Limits 0 188. When calculating the GVWR with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue weight must be included as part of the weight the vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is calculated assuming the tow vehicle has a driver, a front seat passenger, and all required trailering equipment. This value represents the heaviest trailer the vehicle can tow, but it may be necessary to reduce the trailer weight to stay within the GCW, GVWR, maximum trailer tongue load, or GAWR-RR for the vehicle. Use the tow rating chart to determine how much the trailer can weigh, based on the vehicle model, powertrain, and trailering options.
Vehicle Maximum Trailer Weight *GCWR
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating is the allowable trailer tongue weight that the vehicle can support using a conventional trailer hitch. It may be necessary to reduce the overall trailer weight to stay within the maximum trailer tongue weight rating while still maintaining the correct trailer load balance.
Do not exceed a maximum trailer tongue weight of 204 kg (450 lb). The trailer tongue weight contributes to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). GVW includes the CURB WEIGHT of your vehicle, any passengers, cargo, equipment, and trailer tongue weight. Vehicle options, passengers, cargo, and equipment reduce the maximum allowable tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which also reduces the maximum allowable trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance must be maintained to ensure trailer stability. Incorrect load balance is a leading cause of trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1) should be 10– 15% of the loaded trailer weight (2). Some specific trailer types, such as boat trailers, fall outside of this range. Always refer to the trailer owner’s manual for the recommended trailer tongue weight for each trailer. Never exceed the maximum loads for your vehicle, hitch, and trailer. After loading the trailer, separately weigh the trailer and then the trailer tongue and calculate the trailer load balance percentage
to see if the weights and distribution are appropriate for your vehicle. If the trailer weight is too high, it may be possible to transfer some of the cargo into your vehicle. If the trailer tongue weight is too high or too low, it may be possible to rearrange some of the cargo inside of the trailer. Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight for your vehicle. Use the shortest hitch extension available to position the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue weight on the trailer hitch and the rear axle. If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch receiver, choose a carrier that positions the load as close to the vehicle as possible. Make sure the total weight, including the carrier, is no more than half of the maximum allowable tongue weight for the vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less. Ask your dealer for trailering information or assistance.
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight that can be supported by the rear axle of the vehicle. Do not exceed the GAWR-RR for the vehicle, with the tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded
for the trip including the weight of the trailer tongue. If using a weight-distributing hitch, do not exceed the GAWR-RR before applying the weight distribution spring bars. For additional assistance with trailering or additional information, see your dealer.
Towing Equipment Hitches
Always use the correct hitch equipment for your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads can affect the trailer and the hitch. Never attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches. Only use frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to the bumper.
Hitch Cover
To remove the hitch cover, if equipped: 1. Remove the four fasteners on the
lower tabs. 2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to
about a 45 degree angle. 3. Pull the cover downward to disengage
the upper attachments. To reinstall the hitch cover: 1. Hold the cover at a 45 degree angle to
the vehicle and push the upper tabs into the slots in the bumper.
2. Push the bottom of the cover forward until the lower tabs line up with the lower slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners forward.
4. Reinstall the four fasteners on the lower tabs.
Consider using mechanical sway controls with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional about sway controls or refer to the trailer manufacturer's recommendations and instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment
A weight-distributing hitch may be useful with some trailers.
1. Front of the Vehicle 2. Body-to-Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing hitch, measure the front fender height above the front axle distance (2) before and after connecting the trailer. Adjust the spring bars until the front fender height distance (2) is approximately halfway between the first and second measurements.
Tires
. Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle. . Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. See Tires 0 277 for instructions on proper tire inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer, and attach the chains to the holes on the trailer hitch platform. Instructions for safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Always leave just enough slack so the combination can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Driving and Operating 243 Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb) must be equipped with brake systems and with brakes for each axle. Trailer braking equipment conforming to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirement CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is recommended. State or local regulations may require trailers to have their own braking system if the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds certain minimums that can vary from state to state. Read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so they are installed, adjusted, and maintained properly. Never attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you do, both the vehicle antilock brakes and the trailer brakes may not function, which could result in a crash.
Trailer Wiring Harness Basic Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness, with a seven-pin connector, is at the rear of the vehicle and is tied to the vehicle's frame. The harness requires the installation of a trailer connector, which is available through your dealer.
Use only a round, seven-wire connector with flat blade terminals meeting SAE J2863 specifications for proper electrical connectivity. The seven-wire harness contains the following trailer circuits: . Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal . Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal . Brown: Tail/Parking Lamps . White: Trailer Ground . Red: Stop Lamp Supply Voltage . Black: Back Up Lamp Supply Voltage . Blue: Service Brakes The fuse for the electric trailer brake circuit is in the engine compartment fuse block, but the wires may not be connected. They should be connected by your dealer or a qualified service center. To control electric trailer brakes, a trailer brake controller needs to be installed on the vehicle by your dealer or a qualified service center. See electric brake control wiring provisions. If a battery outside the vehicle is being charged, place the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode. This will boost the vehicle system voltage and properly charge the battery. If the trailer is too light for Tow/Haul Mode,
turn on the non-HID only headlamps as a second way to boost the vehicle system voltage and charge the battery.
Electric Trailer Brake Control Wiring Provisions
Wiring provisions for an aftermarket electric trailer brake controller are included with the vehicle as part of the trailer wiring package. The harness contains the following circuits: These wiring provisions for an electric trailer brake controller are included with the vehicle as part of the trailer wiring package. The body harness, inside the front driver side instrument panel, contains blunt cut wires below the headlamp switch for the electric trailer brake controller. The harness contains the following wires: . Blue: Electric Trailer Brakes . Blue: Battery Feed . White/Blue: Brake Apply Signal . Black: Ground Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer brake controller owner's manual to determine wire color coding of the electric trailer brake controller. The wire colors on the brake controller may be different from the vehicle.
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The electric trailer brake controller should be installed by your dealer or a qualified service center.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at the beginning of each trip, and periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn signals will illuminate to indicate the vehicle is turning, changing lanes, or stopping. When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument cluster will illuminate even if the trailer is not properly connected or the bulbs are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
If equipped, Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. For instructions, see Driver Mode Control 0 206. Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be most effective when the vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). See “Weight of the Trailer” under Trailer Towing 0 238. Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when towing a heavy trailer or carrying a large or heavy load:
. Through rolling terrain.
. In stop-and-go traffic.
. In busy parking lots. Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode when lightly loaded or not towing will not cause damage; however, it is not recommended and may result in unpleasant engine and transmission driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control (TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing. If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle brakes are selectively applied at each wheel, to help reduce excessive trailer sway. If equipped with the Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system, and the trailer has an electric brake system, StabiliTrak/ESC may also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak light will flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce vehicle speed by gradually removing your foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 204.
Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in serious injury or death, even if the vehicle is equipped with TSC. If the trailer begins to sway, reduce vehicle speed by gradually removing your foot from the accelerator. Then pull over to check the trailer and vehicle to help correct possible causes, including an improperly or overloaded trailer, unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
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Driving and Operating 245
Warning (Continued)
configuration, or improperly inflated or incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See Towing Equipment 0 241 for trailer ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff sidewalls to help prevent sway and to support heavy loads. These features can make it difficult to determine if the trailer tire pressures are low only based on a visual inspection. Always check all trailer tire pressures before each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire blowouts. Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer tire sidewall will show the week and year the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of trailer tire blowouts. Never load your trailer with more weight than the tires are designed to support. The load rating is on the trailer tire sidewall. Always know the maximum speed rating for the trailer tires before driving. This may be significantly lower than the vehicle tire speed rating. The speed rating may be on the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is not shown, the default trailer tire speed rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
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