GMC Terrain Quiz
Driving and Operation

Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips

In this manual: Driving and Operation
Introduction — 1In Brief — 46Keys, Doors and Windows — 37Seats and Restraints — 60Storage — 6Instruments and Controls — 58Lighting — 16Infotainment System — 1Climate Control — 8Driving and Operation — 128Vehicle Care — 75Service and Maintenance — 8Technical Data — 5Customer Information — 18OnStar — 6Connected Services — 4
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~54min
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Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer is different from simply driving the vehicle by itself. Towing affects handling, acceleration, braking, durability, and fuel economy. Successful and safe trailer towing requires the proper equipment, and it must be used correctly.

The following information contains proven, important trailer towing tips and safety rules. Many of them are important for your safety and the safety of your passengers. Read this section carefully before towing a trailer.

When towing a trailer:

  • Be aware of and obey all state and local laws that apply to towing a trailer. These requirements vary from state to state.
  • State laws may require the use of extended-view side mirrors. Even if not required, you should install extended-view side mirrors if your rear visibility is limited or obstructed while towing.
  • Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles) the vehicle is used to prevent damage to the engine, axle, or other components.
  • During the first 800 km (500 miles) of towing a trailer, do not drive faster than 80 km/h and do not accelerate at full throttle.
  • Vehicles can be towed in D (Drive). If the transmission shifts down too often, a lower gear may be selected manually. Refer to Manual Mode.

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

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • Super Cruise
  • Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
  • Park Aid
  • Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
  • Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)

If equipped, the following driver assistance features must be set to warning mode or turned off when towing a trailer:

  • Forward Automatic Braking System (FAB)
  • Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
  • Forward Pedestrian Braking (FPB)

If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA), the LCA detection zones that extend rearward from the sides of the vehicle do not move farther back when towing a trailer. Be careful when changing lanes while towing a trailer.

If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), use caution when backing up while towing a trailer, because the RCTA detection zones that extend from the rear of the vehicle do not move farther back when towing a trailer.

  • Do not drive with the rear door, liftgate, or rearmost window open.
  • Fully open the ventilation outlets on or under the instrument panel.
  • Adjust the climate control system to a setting that draws in outside air only. Refer to "Climate Control Systems" in the Index.

For more information about carbon monoxide, refer to Engine Exhaust.

Towing a trailer requires experience. The combination of vehicle and trailer is longer and less responsive than the vehicle alone. Become familiar with handling and braking the combination by driving on a level road surface before driving on public roads.

The trailer design, tires, and brakes must be suitable for the intended load. Improper trailer equipment can cause the combination to behave in an unexpected or unsafe manner. Before driving, inspect all trailer parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. Refer to Towing Equipment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the combination moving, then manually apply the trailer brake controller to check that the trailer brakes work. During the trip, periodically check that the load and trailer are secure and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are working.

Towing with Electronic Stability Control

When towing, the Electronic Stability Control system may be heard. The system responds to vehicle movement caused by the trailer, which mainly occurs when going through turns. This is normal when towing heavy trailers.

Following Distance

Keep at least twice as far from the vehicle ahead as you would when driving without a trailer. This can help you avoid sudden braking and sudden turns.

Passing

More passing distance is required when towing a trailer. The combination of vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as quickly and is much longer than the vehicle alone. You must drive much farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to the lane. Pass on level roads. Avoid passing on hills if possible.

Backing Up

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. To move the trailer left, move this hand to the left. To move the trailer right, move this hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.

Making Turns

Make wider turns than usual when towing so the trailer does not run over soft shoulders, curbs, or strike road signs, trees, or other objects. Always signal turns in advance. Do not turn or brake abruptly.

Driving on Grades

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting down a long or steep grade. If the transmission is not shifted down, the brakes may overheat and cause a reduction in braking effectiveness.

The vehicle can be towed in D (Drive). Shift to a lower gear if the transmission shifts frequently under heavy loads and/or on hilly terrain.

When towing at high altitudes, the engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at lower altitudes. If the engine is turned off immediately after towing up a steep grade at high altitude, the vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run, preferably on level ground with the transmission in P (Park), for several minutes before turning off the engine. If an overheating warning appears, refer to Engine Overheating.

Parking on Hills

When parking your vehicle and 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 away from the curb if facing uphill.
  2. Ask someone to place wheel chocks under the trailer wheels.
  3. Once the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal so the chocks take 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 a Hill After Parking

  1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
    • Start the engine.
    • Shift into gear.
    • Release the parking brake.
  2. Release the brake pedal.
  3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the wheel chocks.
  4. Stop and ask someone to pick up and store the wheel chocks.

Trailer Towing Maintenance

A vehicle used for towing trailers requires maintenance more often. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule. 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.

Periodically check that all nuts and bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.

Engine Cooling When Towing a Trailer

The cooling system may temporarily overheat under severe operating conditions. Refer to Engine Overheating.

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