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 Towing the Vehicle 0 334. To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle such as a motor home, see Recreational Vehicle Towing 0 336.
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 covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
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Warning (Continued)
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.
. 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 Driver Mode Control 0 229. If the transmission downshifts too often, a lower gear may be selected using Manual Mode. See Manual Mode 0 223.
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 . 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 0 220.
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
and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See Towing Equipment 0 264. 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 0 284.
Viewing Systems
If equipped, the viewing systems on the vehicle can improve visibility while hitching, backing, and driving with a trailer. See Driver Assistance Systems 0 240 and Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing 0 241.
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 a 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 0 348. 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 0 284.
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 weight of the loaded vehicle and trailer must be within the weight ratings for the vehicle. . GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating . GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating . Maximum Trailer Weight Rating . Maximum Trailer Tongue 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.
262 Driving and Operating 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 following.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's maximum load capacity, see Vehicle Load Limits 0 209. 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 Rating
The maximum trailer weight rating is calculated assuming the tow vehicle has a driver, a front seat passenger, and all required trailering equipment. Weight of additional optional equipment, passengers, and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the trailer weight rating. Use the tow rating chart to determine how much the trailer can weigh, based on the vehicle model, powertrain and trailering options.
2.0L LSY Engine with AWD and V92 Trailer Towing Package 1 588 kg (3,500 lb) 3 822 kg (8,420 lb) 2.0L LSY Engine with AWD and without V92 Trailer Towing Package
680 kg (1,500 lb) 2 835 kg (6,250 lb)
2.0L LSY Engine with FWD and V92 Trailer Towing Package 1 588 kg (3,500 lb) 3 822 kg (8,420 lb) 2.0L LSY Engine with FWD and without V92 Trailer Towing Package
680 kg (1,500 lb) 2 835 kg (6,250 lb)
3.6L LGX Engine with V92 Trailer Towing Package 1 814 kg (4,000 lb) 4 075 kg (8,984 lb) 3.6L LGX Engine without V92 Trailer Towing Package 454 kg (1,000 lb) 2 722 kg (6,000 lb) *The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment, and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be exceeded.
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating is the allowable trailer tongue weight that the vehicle can support. Do not exceed a maximum trailer tongue weight of 400 lbs. 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.
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 tongue to see if the weights are proper. If the trailer tongue weight is too high or too low, adjustments might be made by moving some items around in the trailer. 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 181 kg (400 lb), whichever is less. Ask your dealer for trailering information or assistance.
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. Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle helps maintain combination control. 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 “Trailer Tongue Weight” under Trailer Towing 0 261 or weight limits with various hitch types. Never attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches. Only use frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to the bumper. Always seal any holes in your vehicle if the trailer hitch removed. If not sealed, dirt, water, and carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust may enter your vehicle. See Engine Exhaust 0 220.
Hitch Cover
1. Upper Attachments 2. Fasteners
To remove hitch cover, if equipped:
1. Remove the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2).
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper attachments (1).
To reinstall hitch cover:
1. Hold 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 (1).
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2).
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
1. Front of Vehicle 2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing hitch, measure the front fender height distance (2) before connecting the trailer. Adjust the spring bars until the front fender height distance (2) is the same height before the trailer was connected. Do not reduce the front fender height below the initial distance (2).
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 0 300 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. Never attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you do, both the vehicle anti-lock brakes and the trailer brakes may not function, which could result in a crash.
Trailer Wiring Harness
lf equipped, the trailer wiring harness, with a 7-pin connector is mounted on the trailer hitch.
1. Left Turn/Brake 2. Tail Lamps 3. Reverse Lamps 4. Battery feed 5. Right Turn/Brake 6. Electric Brakes 7. Ground
If the vehicle is not equipped with a trailer connector on the trailer hitch, a 7-wire trailering harness is tied to the vehicles 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:
Stop/Turn Signal Left Yellow/Gray
Stop/Turn Signal Right Green/Violet
Tail/Parking Lamps Gray/Brown
Reverse Lamps White/Green
Battery Feed
Red/Green
Ground Black
Electric Trailer Brake Blue
Electric Brake Control Wiring Provisions
If equipped, (4) blunt-cut wires are located near the driver's feet for an aftermarket electric trailer brake controller as part of the trailer wiring package. The harness contains the following circuits:
Electric Trailer Brakes Blue
Battery Feed Red/Black or Red/Blue
Brake Apply Signal White/Blue
Ground Black
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. It may be necessary to have a technician connect the 12-volt power to the engine compartment fuse block. 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 should 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 0 229. 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 0 261. 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/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 0 227.
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 configuration, or improperly inflated or incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See Towing Equipment 0 264 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 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).
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