Towing with Confidence: Your Guide to Safe Trailering

Towing a camper, boat, or equipment requires confidence and the right tools. GMC trucks and SUVs are built for this, offering a smarter and safer way to trailer.

The GMC ProGrade Trailering System and In-Vehicle Trailering App are available on select 2024 models, including the GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra Heavy Duty, Yukon, and Canyon. These integrated tools streamline the hitching and towing process, giving you more control on the road.

Before you start your journey, consider these six essential tips for safe trailering:

1. Knowing Your Vehicle’s Limits; The Importance of Towing Capacities

When towing a trailer, you must understand your vehicle’s specific limitations. The towing capacity isn’t the same for every vehicle, even among the same model, as it varies by body style, bed length, drivetrain, and other equipment. Exceeding your vehicle’s towing capacity can lead to dangerous handling, poor braking performance, and serious damage to the suspension, engine, and drivetrain.

The Importance of Towing Capacities

When towing a trailer, you must understand your vehicle’s specific limitations. The towing capacity isn’t the same for every vehicle, even among the same model, as it varies by body style, bed length, drivetrain, and other equipment. Exceeding your vehicle’s towing capacity can lead to dangerous handling, poor braking performance, and serious damage to the suspension, engine, and drivetrain.

Key Weight Ratings to Remember

• Towing Capacity: The maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for this figure. The combined weight of your trailer and its cargo must not exceed this rating.
• Hitch Rating: Your hitch must also be rated to handle the weight of your trailer and its cargo. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommended hitches for your vehicle and load.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum weight your vehicle can carry, including the vehicle itself, all passengers, and any cargo. Do not overload your vehicle, as this can negatively impact its handling and performance.
• Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): This is the maximum total weight of your vehicle, all passengers and cargo, and the fully loaded trailer combined. The GCWR is a critical limit that must never be exceeded.

To ensure a safe towing experience, always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s vehicle pages for the most accurate information on your specific model.

When hauling additional cargo or passengers, be sure you don’t overload the vehicle. Always check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) set by the manufacturer. These limits are crucial for safe operation. For specific towing capacities and to find the right truck for your needs, you can always check the owner’s manual for your GMC or visit the vehicle pages for models like the GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra HD, Yukon, and GMC Canyon. If you’re looking for new GMC trucks for sale, reviewing these capacities is the first step toward finding the perfect vehicle for the job.

2. Load Trailer Safely for a Smooth Ride

Ensuring your trailer is loaded correctly is just as important as knowing your vehicle’s towing capacity. For a smooth and safe towing experience, follow these guidelines:

• Proper Weight Distribution: Aim to have approximately 60% of your total cargo weight situated in the front half of the trailer. This creates the necessary tongue weight for stability, preventing dangerous trailer sway.
• Balanced Loading: Distribute the remaining weight evenly from left to right. This keeps the trailer balanced and centered behind your vehicle, improving handling and control.
• Secure All Cargo: Always use ropes, straps, or other tie-downs to secure your load. Shifting cargo can dramatically change the trailer’s balance, leading to loss of control.

Sierra EV Denali

3. The Importance of Tire Health

Properly inflated tires are critical for safe and efficient towing, both on your vehicle and your trailer. Underinflated tires can significantly compromise handling, making your vehicle harder to control. Additionally, they increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. This not only leads to higher fuel consumption but also causes a dangerous rise in tire temperature.

For enhanced safety, certain GMC models—including the Sierra 1500, Sierra Heavy Duty, and Yukon—come with an available In-Vehicle Trailering App. This app, integrated into the infotainment system, provides real-time information on your trailer’s status, including tire pressure and temperature monitoring. This feature helps you ensure your tires are in optimal condition before and during your journey.

Sierra EV Denali – Towing Data Display

4. Why Trailer Lights Matter

Properly working lights on your trailer are a non-negotiable safety feature. A large trailer or a tall load can easily block your vehicle’s taillights, making it impossible for other drivers to see your brake lights, turn signals, and running lights—especially at night. A simple connection issue can lead to a dangerous collision.

Fortunately, modern trucks are designed to simplify this process. Many new and used GMC Sierra for sale come with the available In-Vehicle Trailering App. A key feature of this app is the Trailer Light Sequence, which automatically cycles through all your trailer’s lights. This allows you to perform a quick, convenient pre-departure check and ensure everything is working correctly for a safe journey.

5. Trailer Brake Safety; Check Your Brakes

While smaller, lighter trailers may not require their own brake system, larger, heavier trailers with higher load capacities typically do. Regardless of whether your trailer uses hydraulic surge brakes or electric brakes, it is critical to ensure the emergency breakaway cable is securely attached to your vehicle.

This cable is a vital safety feature. In the event your trailer unexpectedly disconnects from the hitch, the breakaway cable will automatically activate the trailer’s brakes, bringing it to a safe and controlled stop. Verifying this connection is a simple but essential step to prevent a serious accident.

6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Towing a trailer—whether it’s a camper, a boat, or a cargo hauler—significantly changes how your vehicle handles and limits your visibility. Trailers create large blind spots on both sides and directly behind your vehicle, making it difficult to see other cars.

Luckily, many GMC vehicles, including the Sierra 1500, Sierra Heavy Duty, and Yukon, offer advanced trailering technology to help. In addition to a wide range of camera views, the ProGrade Trailering System features Trailer Blind Side Zone Alert. This system extends the vehicle’s blind-spot detection to cover the length of your trailer, providing an extra layer of safety and confidence on the road by alerting you to vehicles in your extended blind zone.

A Legacy of Trust and Service

When it comes to purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle, finding a dealership that prioritizes customer satisfaction is key. Robertson’s GMC in Wareham, MA has built a reputation on providing a stress-free, transparent experience. Their team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect vehicle, whether it’s a rugged Sierra truck, a versatile Yukon SUV, or something from their extensive inventory of pre-owned models. The staff is known for being knowledgeable, courteous, and committed to earning your business with a no-pressure approach.

Their commitment doesn’t end with the sale. Robertson’s GMC offers a top-notch service and parts center to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Their certified technicians are equipped to handle everything from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations to more complex repairs, ensuring you can trust your vehicle on the road. With a focus on building long-term relationships with customers, it’s a dealership you can count on for all your automotive needs