Chevrolet Equinox Owners 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 mi), to prevent damage to the engine, axle or other parts.
•  Then, during the first 800 km (500 mi) 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 too often.

•  Turn off Parking Assist when towing.
•  Do not use the compact spare while towing.

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

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

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

Towing with a Stability Control System

When towing, the sound of the stability control system might be heard. The system is reacting to the 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 the vehicle without a trailer.

This can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking and 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 the right.

Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.

Making Turns

When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal so the trailer will not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Use the turn signal well 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 turn or lane change.

Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicle is turning, changing lanes or stopping.

When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument panel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs 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 much that they would get hot and no longer work well.

The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).

Use a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often.

When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, engine coolant boils at a lower temperature than at normal 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 while parked, 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.

Parking on Hills

If parking the rig 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, release the brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
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 while you:

•  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 pulling a trailer. See Maintenance Schedule.

Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and brake system. Inspect these 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. See Engine Overheating.