towing CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2019 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
270 Driving and Operating
{Warning
The LKA system does not
continuously steer the vehicle.
It may not keep the vehicle in the
lane or give a Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) alert, even if a
lane marking is detected.
The LKA and LDW systems
may not:. Provide an alert or enough
steering assist to avoid a
lane departure or crash.
. Detect lane markings under
poor weather or visibility
conditions. This can occur if
the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by
dirt, snow, or ice, if they are
not in proper condition, or if
the sun shines directly into
the camera.
. Detect road edges.
. Detect lanes on winding or
hilly roads.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If LKA only detects lane markings
on one side of the road, it will
only assist or provide an LDW
alert when approaching the lane
on the side where it has detected
a lane marking. Even with LKA
and LDW, you must steer the
vehicle. Always keep your
attention on the road and
maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle
damage, injury, or death could
occur. Always keep the
windshield, headlamps, and
camera sensors clean and in
good repair. Do not use LKA in
bad weather conditions.
{Warning
Using LKA while towing a trailer
or on slippery roads could cause
loss of control of the vehicle and
a crash. Turn the system off.
How the System Works
The LKA camera sensor is on the
windshield ahead of the rearview
mirror.
To turn LKA on and off, press
A
on the center console.
When on,
Ais green if LKA is
available to assist and provide LDW
alerts. It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel and
display
Aas amber if the vehicle
approaches a detected lane marking
without using a turn signal in that
direction. It may also provide an
LDW alert by flashing
Aamber
as the lane marking is crossed.
Additionally, there may be three
beeps, or the driver seat may pulse
three times, on the right or left,
depending on the lane departure
direction.
Take Steering
The LKA system does not
continuously steer the vehicle.
If LKA does not detect active driver

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
Driving and Operating 275
Warning (Continued)
and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you
and others:. Dispense fuel only into
approved containers.
. Do not fill a container while
it is inside a vehicle, in a
vehicle's trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than
the ground.
. Bring the fill nozzle in
contact with the inside of
the fill opening before
operating the nozzle.
Contact should be
maintained until the filling is
complete.
. Do not smoke while
pumping fuel.
. Avoid using electronic
devices.
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 0358. To tow
the vehicle behind another vehicle
such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0359.
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 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.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
276 Driving and Operating
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 0236. If the
transmission downshifts too
often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode
See Manual Mode 0235. 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:
. Forward Automatic Braking
System (FAB)
. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
. Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
Driving and Operating 277
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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.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 0232.
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 0283. 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.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
278 Driving and Operating
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 TurnsCaution
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 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
0305.Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
Driving and Operating 279
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 0373. 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
0 305.
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.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
280 Driving and Operating
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:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight
Rating
. GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating
. Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
. Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment” underTowing
Equipment 0283 to determine if
equalizer bars are required to obtain
the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0283 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.
{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 following.
To check that the weight of the
vehicle and trailer are within the
GCWR for the vehicle, follow these
steps:
1. Start with the "curb weight" from the Trailering Information
Label.
2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with cargo and ready
for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
282 Driving and Operating
VehicleMaximum Trailer Weight *GCWR
Front-Wheel Drive 680 kg (1,500 lb)3 050 kg (6,725 lb)
Front-Wheel Drive, V92 Trailer Towing Package 2 268 kg (5,000 lb)4 650 kg (10,250 lb)
All-Wheel Drive 680 kg (1,500 lb)3 200 kg (7,055 lb)
All-Wheel Drive, V92 Trailer Towing Package 2 268 kg (5,000 lb)4 750 kg (10,470 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 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 226 kg (500 lb) for
a conventional trailer hitch. 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.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
Driving and Operating 283
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 trasfer 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.
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

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
284 Driving and Operating
To remove hitch cover, if equipped:1. Remove the two 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 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.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners
forward.
4. Reinstall the two 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 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 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 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 Tires0326 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