2009 Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual - Page 284
2009 Chevrolet Equinox Manual
Page 284 highlights
Driving with a Trailer { CAUTION: When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. To maximize safety when towing a trailer: • Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks and make necessary repairs before starting a trip. • Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window open. • Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel. • Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index. For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 2-35. Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Get to know the rig before setting out for the open road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself. Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This checks the electrical connection at the same time. During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. Electronic Trailer Sway Control Electronic Trailer Sway Control is integrated into the StabiliTrak system of the vehicle. This feature detects the occurrence of trailer sway that may be caused by improper trailer weight balance, or excessive vehicle speed. When the system detects trailer sway, the StabiliTrak system may begin to apply the front brakes, without you pressing the brake pedal, to help in stabilizing the vehicle. The StabiliTrak warning light will flash to indicate that vehicle speed should be reduced. 4-38