TRAILERING ON THE ROAD
FLAT (DINGHY)
TOWING CAPABILITY
ACADIA/
ACADIA
DENALI
TERRAIN/
TERR AIN
DENALI
SAVANA CANYON SIERRA 1500 SIERRA HD YUKON YUKON XL
YUKON
DENALI/
XL DENALI
2WD YES YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
4WD — — — YES YES YES YES
1
YES
1
YES
AWD YES YES — — — — — — —
1
Requires 2-speed transfer case.
DINGHY TOWING CAPABILITY
CORNERING The turning radius of a trailer is typically
much smaller than that of your vehicle; therefore, a trailer
may hit soft shoulders, curbs, trees or other objects when
making tight turns. Taking turns sharply can also cause the
trailer to strike against and damage the tow vehicle. When
approaching a sharp corner, brake sooner than normal to
reduce vehicle speed before entering the turn. Drive the
vehicle slightly past the normal turning point and then firmly
turn the steering wheel. By cornering at a wider angle, both
vehicle and trailer should safely clear the inside of the turn.
PASSING When passing, allow additional time and distance
to safely pass the other vehicle. Signal your intention to
pass well in advance and, when reentering the lane, make
certain your trailer is clear of the vehicle you have passed.
Never pass on hills or around curves.
BACKING UP To back up a trailer, place one hand at the 6
o’clock position on the steering wheel. 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. Back up slowly, and
move the steering wheel in small increments to help
maintain control. To assist in backing up, it is helpful to have
someone outside the vehicle to guide you. Make certain you
can see your spotter at all times.
DRIVING ON GRADES Before going down a steep incline,
reduce your speed and shift the transmission into a lower
gear. This provides “engine braking” and reduces the need
to brake for long periods. When driving up a steep grade,
shift to a lower gear for more torque to maintain speed and
avoid lugging. Lugging occurs when the vehicle’s engine
stutters because it needs to be in a lower gear. Crest the hill
no faster than the speed at which you want to descend and
in the gear you expect will require little braking. Pay
attention to your temperature gauges for any signs of
overheating.
PARKING ON GRADES Parking on steep grades with a
trailer is not recommended. If you must, follow this
procedure:
• Apply the brakes and shift into neutral.
• Have someone block the trailer’s wheels on the downgrade side.
• Release the brakes until the blocks absorb the load.
• Apply the parking brake and shift into park.
LEAVING YOUR PARKING SPOT ON GRADES
• Hold the brake pedal down and start the engine.
• Shift into gear and release the parking brake.
• Release brake and drive uphill slightly until free from the blocks.
• Apply brakes and have someone retrieve the blocks.
OVERHEATING Prolonged driving with overheated fluids
can cause damage to your vehicle. If temperature gauges
register abnormally high, if there is a marked decrease in
power or if you hear unusual engine noises, immediately
take the following steps:
• Pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Once stopped,
shift into park (automatic transmissions) or neutral
(manual transmissions) and apply the parking brakes.
Leave the engine running.
• Turn off air conditioning and other accessories to reduce
load on the engine. Roll down the windows and turn the
heater on to maximum and the fan to its highest setting.
The heater core provides a second cooling surface that
can help reduce engine temperatures.
• If you suspect that the overheating is the result of
climbing a long, steep grade, run the engine at fast idle
(around 1500 rpm) until the temperature gauge registers a
normal reading.
• With the vehicle in park or neutral and the parking brake
engaged and being mindful of traffic, exit your vehicle and
look for steam or leaking coolant underneath the engine. If
you see either of these, shut the engine off and allow the
engine to cool. To avoid being burned, do not attempt to
remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled.
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