GMC 2012 Acadia - Manual (Page 297)

Black plate (43,1) GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-43
vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing on
page 10‑78.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
{
WARNING
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well — or even at all. The driver
and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may
also be damaged; the resulting
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer
only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the
vehicle.
The vehicle can tow a trailer when
equipped with the proper trailer
towing equipment. For trailering
capacity, see Trailer Towing on
page 9‑47. Trailering changes
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability and fuel economy. With
the added weight, the engine,
transmission, wheel assemblies and
tires are forced to work harder and
under greater loads. The trailer also
adds wind resistance, increasing the
pulling requirements. For safe
trailering, correctly use the proper
trailering equipment.
The following information has
important trailering tips and rules for
your safety and that of your
passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
Pulling a Trailer
Here are some important points:
. There are many laws, including
speed limit restrictions that apply
to trailering. Check for legal
requirements.
. Consider using sway control.
See Towing Equipment on
page 9‑49.
. Do not tow a trailer at all during
the first 800 km (500 miles) the
new vehicle is driven. The
engine, axle, or other parts could
be damaged.
. During the first 800 km
(500 miles) that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts
at full throttle. This reduces wear
on the vehicle.
. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often.
See “Tow/Haul Mode” later in
this section.
. Obey speed limit restrictions
when towing a trailer.
. The vehicle is designed primarily
as a passenger and load
carrying vehicle. If a trailer is
towed, the vehicle will require
more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load.