The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse requires users to follow different procedures when towing the vehicle. These differences depend on how the Traverse is being towed as well as the Traverse’s drivetrain configuration.
Chevrolet states that incorrectly towing a disabled vehicle may cause damage, and that this damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. The automaker also encourages its customers to adhere to the following guidelines when attempting to safely tow the Traverse:
- Do not lash or hook to suspension components
- Use the proper straps around the tires to secure the vehicle
- Use only a flatbed tow truck for towing a disabled vehicle
- Never use a sling type lift or damage will occur
- Use ramps to help reduce approach angles if necessary
- A towed vehicle should have its drive wheels off the ground
- Consult a professional towing service if the disabled vehicle must be towed
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing would be towing the Traverse behind another vehicle, such as a motor home. The three most common types of recreational vehicle towing are dinghy towing, dolly towing, and flat 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 dolly
- Flat towing is towing the vehicle on a platform with all four wheels off the ground
Here are some important things to consider before recreational vehicle towing:
- Towing capacity of the towing vehicle
- Tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations
- How far the vehicle will be towed
- Potential vehicle restrictions on how far and how long they can be towed
- The proper towing equipment (see your dealer for additional advice and equipment recommendations)
Chevrolet cautions users who intend to use a shield. Mounting a shield in front of the vehicle’s grille could restrict airflow and may cause damage to the transmission. Note that the repairs stemming from this condition would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only use one that attaches to the towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
If the vehicle is front-wheel-drive, it can be dinghy towed from the front. These vehicles may also be towed by putting the front wheels on a dolly.
If the vehicle is all-wheel-drive, it can be dinghy towed from the front. These vehicles can also be towed by placing them on a platform trailer with all four wheels off of the ground. It is important to note that all-wheel-drive vehicles cannot be towed using a dolly.
How to tow the vehicle from the front with all four wheels on the ground:
- Position the vehicle to be towed, shift the transmission to P (Park), and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
- Secure the vehicle to the towing vehicle.
- Set the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
- Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
- To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the 15 amp ECM fuse and the 15 amp OnStar fuse. These are in the battery compartment behind the passenger seat on the floor. Also, remove the 50 amp BATT1 fuse from the engine compartment fuse block and store all fuses in a safe location.
- Release the parking brake.
For vehicles being dinghy towed, the vehicle should be run at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop for about five minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication of transmission components. Chevrolet also states that exceeding 105 km/h (65 mph) while towing the vehicle may cause damage. In addition, the user should avoid towing a vehicle with the front-drive wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to the transmission.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles must not 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 or dinghy towed from the front.
Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Only)
To tow a front-wheel-drive vehicle from the front with the two rear wheels on the ground:
- Put the front wheels on a dolly.
- Move the shift lever to P (Park).
- Set the parking brake.
- Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing.
- Remove the key from the ignition.
- Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
- Release the parking brake.
Towing The Vehicle From The Rear
Towing the vehicle from the rear could damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Thus, owners should never have the vehicle towed from the rear.
