GMC Terrain: Towing the Vehicle / Recreational Vehicle Towing

Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a motor home. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a dolly.

Here are some important things to consider before recreational vehicle towing:

• Before towing the vehicle, become familiar with the local laws that apply to recreational vehicle towing. These laws may vary by region.
• The towing capacity of the towing vehicle. Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
• How far the vehicle will be towed. Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
• The proper towing equipment. See your dealer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations.
• If the vehicle is ready to be towed. Just as preparing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to be towed.

Dinghy Towing

Caution

If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the drivetrain components could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.

The vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four wheels on the ground. The vehicle may be towed

using a platform trailer with all four wheels off the ground. Some vehicles may be dolly towed. See the following information on dolly towing.

Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)

All-wheel-drive vehicles cannot be towed with two wheels on the ground. To properly tow these vehicles, they should be placed on a platform trailer with all four wheels off of the ground.

Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)

Tow the vehicle with the two rear wheels on the ground and the front wheels on a dolly.

To tow the vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground:

1. Put the front wheels on the dolly.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
5. Follow the dolly manufacturer's instructions for preparing the vehicle and dolly for towing.
6. Open the driver door and leave it open.
7. Shift to N (Neutral).
8. Ensure the parking brake is released.
9. Turn off the vehicle and release the brake pedal.
10. The vehicle should continue to be in N (Neutral). If it is not, restart the engine and repeat Steps 6-8.
11. Release the hood.
12. Lock the vehicle doors, with the driver door still open.
13. Exit the vehicle with the RKE transmitter.
14. Open the hood.
15. Disconnect the negative (–) terminal connector from the 12-volt battery.
16. Close and latch the hood.
17. Close the driver door.

Caution

If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded while towing the vehicle, it could be damaged. Never exceed 105 km/h (65 mph) while towing the vehicle.

Towing the Vehicle from the Rear

Caution

Towing the vehicle from the rear could damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Never have the vehicle towed from the rear.