trailer CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2021 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: CHEVROLET, Model Year: 2021, Model line: TRAVERSE, Model: CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2021Pages: 369, PDF Size: 8.12 MB
Page 248 of 369
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Driving and Operating 247
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:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0250 to
determine if equalizer bars are required to
obtain the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0250 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.
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248 Driving and Operating
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.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in the vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch hardware such as a draw bar, ball, load equalizer bars,
or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any accessories or aftermarket equipment added to the
vehicle.
The resulting weight cannot exceed the
GCWR value shown on the Trailering
Information Label.
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.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see Vehicle Load
Limits 0198. 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. 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.
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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 249
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.
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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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250 Driving and Operating
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.
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 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.
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Driving and Operating 251
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 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 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
0 284 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.
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252 Driving and Operating
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
The trailer wiring harness (if equipped), with
a 7-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 7-pin
trailer connector, the body harness has
provisions to connect a trailer harness and a
7-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:1 Stop/Turn
Signal Left Yellow/Blue
2 Tail/Parking
Lamps Gray/Brown
3 Reverse
Lamps White/Green
4 Battery Feed Red/Green
5 Stop/Turn
Signal Right Green/Brown
6 Electric
Trailer
Brake* Blue
7 Ground Black * 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:
Electric Trailer
Brakes Blue
Battery Feed Red/Green 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.
The electric trailer brake controller should be
installed by your dealer or a qualified
service center.
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Driving and Operating 253
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, seeDriver Mode Control 0215.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. See Tow/
Haul Mode 0210.
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 0247.
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
0 214.
{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,
(Continued)
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254 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment0250 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).
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) 0104
. 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 (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 064 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 064.
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Vehicle Care 279
FusesUsage
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 Daylight running lamps
F34 Horn F35 –
F36 –
F37 Right low –beam
headlamp Fuses
Usage
F38 Automatic headlamp leveling motor
F39 Transmission control module
F40 Left rear bus electrical center/Ignition
F41 Instrument cluster
F42 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
F43 Head-up display/ Reflective light auxiliary
display
F44 Communication gateway module/Run/
Crank
F45 –
F46 –
F47 –
F48 –
F49 Interior rearview mirror F50 Fuel system control module/Shifter interface
board/Run/Crank Fuses
Usage
F51 Heated steering wheel
F52 Folding seats switch
F53 Coolant pump
F54 –
F55 Air conditioning clutch
F56 –
F57 Engine control module/ Ignition
F58 Transmission control module/Ignition
F59 Engine control module battery
F60 Engine control module–even
F61 O2 sensor 1/Air flow
F62 –
F63 O2 sensor 2/Canister/ Engine oil/Turbo
F64 Aeroshutter F65 Engine control module powertrain 1
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282 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, or see your dealer.
To remove a fuse, use the fuse puller in the
engine compartment fuse block.
The fuse block label is on the back of the
access door in the driver side rear trim
panel.
FusesUsage
F1 –
F2 Trailer Fuses
Usage
F3 Folding seats
F4 Rear blower