Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips

Driving with a Trailer

When towing a trailer:

Become familiar with the state and local laws that apply specifically to trailer towing.Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500-miles), to prevent damage to theengine, axle or other parts.Then, during the first 800-km (500-miles) trailer towing, do not drive over 80-km/h(50-mph) and do not make starts at full throttle.The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Use a lower gear if the transmission shifts toooften.Do not use the Fuel Economy Mode when towing.Turn off Park Assist when towing.

Warning:When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect at the rear of the vehicle and enterif the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open.

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.Also 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, seeEngine Exhaust.

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. The combination you aredriving is longer and not as responsive as the vehicle itself. Get acquainted withthe handling and braking of the rig before setting out for the open road.

Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electricalconnectors, lamps, tires and mirrors. If the trailer has electric brakes, start thecombination moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be surethe brakes work.

During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure and the lampsand any trailer brakes still work.

Towing with a Stability Control System

When towing, the sound of the stability control system might be heard. The systemis reacting to the vehicle movement caused by the trailer, which mainly occurs duringcornering. This is normal when towing heavier trailers.

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving thevehicle without a trailer. This can help to avoid situations that require heavy brakingand sudden turns.

Passing

More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer. Because the rig is longer,it is necessary to go farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to the lane.

Backing Up

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

Making Turns

Caution:Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contactwith the vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns whiletrailering.

When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal so the trailer will notstrike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Use the turn signalwell in advance and avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers.

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer

The turn signal indicators on the instrument panel flash whenever signaling a turnor lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps also flash, telling other driversthe vehicle is turning, changing lanes or stopping.

When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument panel flash for turns even ifthe bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Check occasionally to be sure the trailerbulbs are still working.

Driving on Grades

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting down a long or steep downgrade.If the transmission is not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so muchthat they would get hot and no longer work well.

The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Use a lower gear if the transmission shifts toooften.

When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, engine coolant boils at a lowertemperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is turned off immediately aftertowing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle could show signs similarto engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while parked, preferablyon level ground, with the transmission in P-(Park) for a few minutes before turningthe engineoff. If the overheat warning comes on, seeEngine Overheating.

Parking on Hills

Warning:Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer attached canbe dangerous. If something goes wrong, the rig could start to move.People can be injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can bedamaged. When possible, always park the rig on a flatsurface.

If parking the rig on a hill:

Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P-(Park) yet. Turn the wheels into thecurb if facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal until the chocks absorbthe load.Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P-(Park).Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a HillApply and hold the brake pedal while you:Start the engine.Shift into a gear.Release the parking brake.Let up on the brake pedal.Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.Maintenance When Trailer Towing

The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a trailer. See theMaintenance Schedule. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmissionfluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and brake system. Inspectthese before and during the trip.

Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing

The cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating.