trailer CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2018 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Driving and Operating 277
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.Three important considerations
have to do with weight:
.
Weight of the trailer
. Weight of the trailer tongue
. Total weight on the vehicle's
tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, special
equipment, the dimensions of the
front of the trailer, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry
must be considered. See “Weight of
the Trailer Tongue” later in this
section. Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum trailer
weight.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
278 Driving and Operating
VehicleMaximum Trailer Weight *GCWR
Front-Wheel Drive 680 kg (1,500 lb)2 910 kg (6,415 lb)
Front-Wheel Drive, V92 Trailer Towing Package 2 268 kg (5,000 lb)4 550 kg (10,030 lb)
All-Wheel Drive 680 kg (1,500 lb)3 020 kg (6,650 lb)
All-Wheel Drive, V92 Trailer Towing Package 2 268 kg (5,000 lb)4 650 kg (10,250 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.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle. If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
the tongue load must be added to
the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0219.
If a weight-carrying hitch or a
weight-distributing hitch is being
used, the trailer tongue (1)

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Driving and Operating 279
should weigh 10–15 percent
of the total loaded trailer
weight (2).
After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Trailering may be limited by the
vehicle's ability to carry tongue
weight. Tongue weight cannot cause
the vehicle to exceed the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or
the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating). The effect of
additional weight may reduce the
trailering capacity more than the
total of the additional weight.
It is important that the vehicle does
not exceed any of its ratings—
GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Maximum
Trailer Rating, or Tongue Weight.
The only way to be sure it is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to
weigh the vehicle and trailer.Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Inflate the vehicle's tires to the
upper limit for cold tires. These
numbers can be found on the
Certification label or see Vehicle
Load Limits 0219 for more
information. Do not go over the
GVW limit for the vehicle, or the
GAWR, including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a
weight-distributing hitch, do not go
over the rear axle limit before
applying the weight-distribution
spring bars.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks going by, and rough roads
are a few reasons why the right
hitch is needed.
. The rear bumper on the vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do
not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
. Will any holes be made in the
body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If so,
then be sure to seal the holes
when the hitch is removed. If the
holes are not sealed, dirt, water,
and deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) from the exhaust may get
into the vehicle. See Engine
Exhaust 0231.
Weight-Distributing Hitches and
Weight-Carrying Hitches

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
280 Driving and Operating
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body-to-Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, the hitch must be adjusted so
that the distance (2) remains the
same both before and after coupling
the trailer to the tow vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. 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 rig can turn. Never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 450 kg (1,000 lb) needs to have
its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not try to tap into the
vehicle's hydraulic brake system.
If you do, both brake systems will
not work well, or at all.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Basic Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness, with a
seven-pin connector, is located at
the rear of the vehicle and is tied to
the vehicle's frame. The harness
connector can be plugged into a
seven-pin universal heavy-duty
trailer connector 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/Blue: Left Stop/Turn
Signal
. Green/Brown: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
. Gray/Brown: Taillamps .
Black: Ground
. White/Green: Back-up Lamps
. Red/Green: Battery Feed
. Blue: Trailer Brake*
*The fuse for this circuit is installed
in the underhood electrical center,
but the wires are not connected.
They should be connected by your
dealer or a qualified service center.
If the back-up lamp circuit is not
functional, contact your dealer.
If a remote (non-vehicle) battery is
being charged, select Tow/Haul
Mode on Driver Mode Control knob
on the center console. 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 headlamps
(non-HID only) as a second way to
boost the vehicle system and
charge the battery.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Driving and Operating 281
Electric Trailer Brake Control
Wiring Provisions
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: “To Trailer”
. Red/Black or Red/Blue:
Battery Feed
. White/Blue: Brake Apply Signal
. Black: Ground
The electric trailer brake controller
should be installed by your dealer or
a qualified service center.Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service
and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0141.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 095 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 95.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
312 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
F2 Starter 1
F3 DC DC transformer 1
F4 –
F5 DC DC transformer 2
F6 –
F7 –
F8 –
F9 Vacuum pump
F10 Front wiper F11 –
F12 –
F13 Starter 2
F14 –
F15 Rear wiper
F16 –
F17 –
F18 –
F19 – Fuses
Usage
F20 –
F21 –
F22 Electronic brake control module
F23 Parking/Trailer lamps
F24 Right trailer stoplamp/Turnlamp
F25 Steering column lock
F26 –
F27 Left trailer stoplamp/Turnlamp
F28 –
F29 –
F30 Washer pump
F31 –
F32 Left low –beam
headlamp
F33 Front fog lamps
F34 Horn
F35 – Fuses
Usage
F36 –
F37 Right low –beam
headlamp
F38 Automatic headlamp leveling
motor (if equipped)
F39 Transmission control module
F40 Left rear bus electrical center/
Ignition
F41 Instrument cluster
F42 Heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning
F43 Head-up display (if equipped)
F44 Communication gateway module/
Run/Crank (if
equipped)
F45 –
F46 –

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
316 Vehicle Care
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block
The rear compartment fuse block is
behind a trim panel on the driver
side of the rear storage
compartment.
The trim panel is removed by prying
along the top edge of the trim panel
at two notched locations. Remove
the trim panel to access the fuse
block.
The fuse block label is on the back
of the access door in the driver side
rear trim panel.
Rear Compartment Fuse Block
Fuses Usage F1 – Fuses Usage
F2 Trailer

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Vehicle Care 317
FusesUsage
F3 Folding seats
F4 Rear blower
F5 Rear drive control
F6 –
F7 Right window
F8 Rear defogger
F9 Left window
F10 –
F11 Trailer reverse
F12 USB/Third row seats
F13 –
F14 –
F15 –
F16 –
F17 Camera
F18 –
F19 Ventilated seats
F20 –
F21 – Fuses
Usage
F22 –
F23 –
F24 Lumbar
F25 –
F26 Trailer brake lamps
F27 –
F28 Passive entry/ Passive start
F29 –
F30 Canister vent
F31 –
F32 Heated mirrors
F33 USB/Second row seats
F34 Liftgate module
F35 Fuel system control module
F36 –
F37 –
F38 Window module
F39 Rear closure Fuses
Usage
F40 Memory seat module
F41 Automatic occupancy sensor
F42 –
F43 –
F44 –
F45 Liftgate motor
F46 Rear heated seats
F47 –
F48 –
F49 –
F50 –
F51 –
F52 Semi-active dampening system
module
F53 –
F54 External object calculating remote
system/Blind zone
alert

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Vehicle Care 351
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Use only a flatbed tow truck for
towing a disabled vehicle. Never
use a sling type lift or damage will
occur. Use ramps to help reduce
approach angles if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its
drive wheels off the ground.
Consult a professional towing
service if the disabled vehicle must
be towed.
Front Attachment Points
The vehicle is equipped with
specific attachment points to be
used by the towing provider. These
holes may be used to pull the
vehicle from a flat road surface onto
the flatbed tow truck.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle –such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.
The towing capacity of the
towing vehicle. Be sure to read
the tow vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.
. How far the vehicle will be
towed. Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can be towed.
. The proper towing equipment.
See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice
and equipment
recommendations.
. If the vehicle is ready to be
towed. Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
364 Service and Maintenance
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 219.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits. .
Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0269.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
. Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain
. Frequently towing a trailer
. Used for high speed or
competitive driving
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0284.