What is the trailer button on the Chevy Traverse?
The Chevy Traverse is a popular midsize SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and towing capabilities. One feature that often raises questions among owners is the "trailer button." This button plays a crucial role in enhancing the vehicle's towing performance and safety. In this article, we’ll explore what the trailer button does, how it works, and why it’s important for Chevy Traverse owners who tow trailers or other heavy loads.
What Does the Trailer Button Do?
The trailer button on the Chevy Traverse is part of the vehicle's towing package and is designed to activate the Tow/Haul mode. When pressed, this button adjusts the transmission and other vehicle systems to optimize performance while towing. Specifically, it:
- Adjusts Transmission Shifting: The Tow/Haul mode modifies the transmission shift points to provide more power and reduce strain on the engine when towing heavy loads.
- Enhances Engine Braking: It increases engine braking, especially on downhill slopes, to help maintain better control of the vehicle and trailer.
- Improves Stability: The system works in conjunction with the Traverse's trailer sway control to enhance stability and reduce the risk of trailer sway.
By activating the trailer button, drivers can ensure a smoother and safer towing experience, particularly when navigating challenging terrains or hauling heavy loads.
When Should You Use the Trailer Button?
Knowing when to use the trailer button is essential for maximizing its benefits. Here are some scenarios where activating the Tow/Haul mode is recommended:
- When towing a trailer, boat, or camper that exceeds 1,000 pounds.
- While driving on steep inclines or declines to improve control and reduce wear on the brakes.
- During long-distance towing to optimize fuel efficiency and engine performance.
- In situations where trailer sway is a concern, such as during high winds or uneven road conditions.
Using the trailer button in these situations can help protect your vehicle's components and ensure a safer driving experience.
How to Use the Trailer Button
Activating the trailer button on the Chevy Traverse is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Locate the trailer button on the dashboard or near the gear shifter. It is typically marked with a trailer icon.
- Press the button to activate Tow/Haul mode. You should see an indicator light on the dashboard confirming that the mode is engaged.
- Begin driving with the Tow/Haul mode active. The vehicle will automatically adjust its systems to accommodate the towing load.
- Press the button again to deactivate Tow/Haul mode when you are no longer towing.
By following these steps, you can easily take advantage of the trailer button's features and ensure your Chevy Traverse is ready for towing.
Conclusion
The trailer button on the Chevy Traverse is a valuable feature for anyone who frequently tows trailers or heavy loads. By activating Tow/Haul mode, this button enhances transmission performance, engine braking, and vehicle stability, making towing safer and more efficient. Whether you’re hauling a camper for a weekend getaway or towing a boat to the lake, understanding how and when to use the trailer button can make all the difference in your driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trailering equipment on a Chevy Traverse?
Optional Trailering Package: The trailering package equips the Traverse with a trailering hitch so you're ready to start towing immediately, as well as a heavy-duty cooling system that regulates the engine temperature for safe towing.
What is the trailer symbol on the dash?
When you spot a “Trailer Light” on your dashboard, act quickly! Not doing this can cause safety issues with towing your trailer. Immediately check your trailer, change faulty bulbs or check the wiring connection. Don't forget a blown fuse might be the issue too.
What is the tow haul button on a Chevy Traverse?
The tow haul option changes your shift points in acceleration and also when you release the gas it will downshift. So you are working the transmission. That's where the HD radiator or transmission cooler offer its benifit.
What is the trailer brake button?
Most trailer brake controllers come with a manual activation button. This allows you to activate the trailer brakes whenever desired, without applying the vehicle brakes.
What does the trailer button do?
When you're in Tow/Haul Mode, you'll notice the system holds lower gears longer when you accelerate or decelerate. You'll notice it even more on long grades and mountain roads. Tow/Haul mode also gives you better engine response and adds engine braking to help in slowing the vehicle down.
What does Chevy tow mode do?
If your vehicle has Tow/Haul mode, switching to it keeps the vehicle in a lower gear for more torque, improving the drive when pulling a trailer or heavy load. Use the Traction Select System bank of buttons to the left of the steering wheel to select Tow/Haul mode.
Is it OK to drive in tow haul mode?
In general, you should engage Tow/Haul mode whenever you're towing a large trailer or hauling a heavy load. It's not strictly necessary for transporting cargo such as mountain bikes or a small utility trailer, but you may wish to use it in those light-load situations when you're dealing with hilly terrain.
What does the trailer light do?
Trailer lights provide a signal for other drivers to let them know that you are there.
Should you always use tow haul mode?
In general, you should engage Tow/Haul mode whenever you're towing a large trailer or hauling a heavy load. It's not strictly necessary for transporting cargo such as mountain bikes or a small utility trailer, but you may wish to use it in those light-load situations when you're dealing with hilly terrain.
Should you use trailer mode on the highway?
In general, you should engage Tow/Haul mode whenever you're towing a large trailer or hauling a heavy load. It's not strictly necessary for transporting cargo such as mountain bikes or a small utility trailer, but you may wish to use it in those light-load situations when you're dealing with hilly terrain.
