2023 Chevrolet Traverse Owners Manual - Trailer Towing

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 0 311. To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle such as a motor home, see Recreational Vehicle Towing 0 313.

Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips

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.

State laws may require the use of extended side view mirrors. Even if not required, you should install extended side view mirrors if your visibility is limited or restricted while towing.

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.

It is recommended to perform the first oil change before heavy towing.

During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer towing, do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make starts at full throttle.

Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul Mode is recommended for heavier trailers. See Tow/Haul Mode 0 195. If the transmission downshifts too often, a lower gear may be selected using Manual Mode. See Manual Mode 0 193.

If equipped, the following driver assistance features should be turned off when towing a trailer:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Super Cruise Control

Lane Keep Assist (LKA)

Park Assist

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.

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 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 and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See Towing Equipment 0 228. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Make wider turns than normal when towing, so 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.

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 0 250.

When parking your vehicle and your trailer on a hill:

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.

Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.

When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of the trailer.

Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).

Release the brake pedal.

Apply and hold the brake pedal.

Start the engine.

Shift into a gear.

Release the parking brake.

Let up on the brake pedal.

Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.

Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Backing the Trailer into the Water

Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the water to prevent damage to the electrical circuits on the trailer. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after removing the trailer from the water.

If the trailer has electric brakes that can function when the trailer is submerged, it might help to leave the electrical trailer connector attached to maintain trailer brake functionality while on the boat ramp.

To back the trailer into the water:

If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.

Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than necessary.

Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.

Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.

Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of the trailer.

Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).

Release the brake pedal. Pulling the Trailer from the Water To pull the trailer of the water:

Press and hold the brake pedals.

Start the engine and shift into gear.

Release the parking brake.

Let up on the brake pedal.

Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.

Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Slowly pull the trailer from the water.

Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive mode that is appropriate for the road conditions.

The vehicle needs service more often when used to tow trailers. See Maintenance Schedule 0 312. It is especially important to check the automatic transmission fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system, and brake system before and during each trip.

Check periodically to see that all nuts and bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.

The cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions. See Engine Overheating 0 250.

If equipped with a diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement.

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.

Safe trailering requires monitoring the weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature, and how frequently the vehicle is used to tow a trailer.

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:

GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating

GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Maximum Trailer Weight Rating

GAWR-RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear

Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating

See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment” under Towing Equipment 0 228 to determine if equalizer bars are required to obtain the maximum trailer weight rating.

See “Trailer Brakes” under Towing Equipment 0 228 to determine if brakes are required based on your trailer's 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.

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 following.

To check that the weight of the vehicle and trailer are within the GCWR for the vehicle, follow these steps:

Start with the "curb weight" from the Trailering Information Label.

Add the weight of the trailer loaded with cargo and ready for the trip.

Add the weight of all passengers.

Add the weight of all cargo in the vehicle.

Add the weight of hitch hardware such as a draw bar, ball, load equalizer bars, or sway bars.

Add the weight of any accessories or aftermarket equipment added to the vehicle.

The resulting weight cannot exceed the GCWR for the vehicle.

The gross combined weight can also be confirmed by weighing the truck and trailer on a public scale. The truck and trailer should be loaded for the trip with passengers and cargo.

For information about the vehicle's maximum load capacity, see Vehicle Load Limits 0 179. When calculating the GVWR with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue weight must be included as part of the weight the vehicle is carrying.

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 GCWR, 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.

Weights listed apply for conventional trailers unless otherwise noted.

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 349 (770 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 the 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.

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 total 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 the 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.

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.

Ask your dealer for trailering information or assistance.

Towing Equipment

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

Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle helps maintain control of the vehicle-trailer combination. Many trailers can be towed using a weight-carrying hitch which has a coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a tow eye latched to a pintle hook. Other trailers may require a weight-distributing hitch that uses spring bars to distribute the trailer tongue weight between your vehicle and trailer axles. See “Maximum Trailer Tongue

Weight” under Trailer Towing 0 224 for

weight limits with various hitch types.

Avoid sharp turns when using a step-bumper hitch to prevent damage. Make wider turns to prevent contact between your trailer and your bumper.

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.

A weight-distributing hitch may be useful with some trailers.

Front of Vehicle

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 half way between the first and second measurements.

Tires . Do not

. 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 0 285 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 about 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.

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.

Trailer Wiring

The trailer wiring harness (if equipped), with a seven-pin connector is located at the rear of the vehicle, and it is tied to the vehicle's frame.

If the vehicle is not equipped with a seven-pin trailer connector, the body harness has provisions to connect a trailer harness and a seven-pin 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:

* Circuit powered by electric trailer brake control wiring provisions.

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:

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. The electric trailer brake controller should be installed by your dealer or a qualified service center. If equipped, there are four blunt cut wires inside the front driver side instrument panel. It will be necessary to have a technician connect the 12-volt power to the engine compartment fuse block. 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 For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul mode, see Driver Mode Control 0 214. Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.

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 0 248. Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when pulling a heavy trailer or 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/ESC warning 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 0 212.

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 blow-outs. 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 blow-outs. Never load your trailer with more weight than the tires are designed to support. The load rating is located 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).