Towing Equipment - GMC Yukon XL 2015 Owner's Manual

9-82 Driving and Operating

Towing Equipment

Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helps
maintain combination control. Most
small-to-medium trailers can be
towed with a weight-carrying hitch
which simply features a coupler
latched to the hitch ball. Larger
trailers may require a
weight-distributing hitch that uses
spring bars to distribute the trailer
tongue weight among the two
vehicle and trailer axles. See
Weight of the Trailer Tongue in
Trailer Towing on page 9-77 for
rating limits with various hitch types.
Consider using sway controls with
any trailer. Ask a trailering
professional about sway controls or
refer to the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment
1. Body to Ground Distance
2. Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, the spring bars should be
adjusted so the distance (1) is the
same after coupling the trailer to the
tow vehicle and adjusting the hitch.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. If the trailer being
towed weighs up to 2 271 kg
(5,000 lb) with a factory-installed
step bumper, safety chains may be
attached to the attaching points on
the bumper, otherwise, safety
chains should be attached to holes
on the trailer hitch platform. Always
leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 900 kg (2,000 lb) needs to have
its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.