With available GM trailering technology and smart towing habits, summer travel is a breeze
2026-05-21
Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial start of summer travel, with many families taking advantage of the warmer weather to escape to the woods, lake or other favorite locations. When it’s time to hitch up a trailer, towing safety starts before you leave the driveway.
Whether pulling an RV to a family campground or towing a boat for a day on the water, GM’s cross-brand lineup of EV, gas and diesel-powered trucks and SUVs offer a smart approach to the hitching and towing process with available tools like:
GM’s available In-Vehicle Trailering App1 for properly equipped vehicles which supports custom trailer profiles, pre-departure checklists, trailer light tests, and other helpful monitoring functions.
Available Super Cruise, the industry’s first (and only) truly hands-free driver assistance technology with trailering capability2, which will adjust for certain towing conditions, including automatically lengthening the following gap to provide additional stopping distance, when a compatible trailer is connected.
Before heading out for a summer adventure, here are some quick tips to help you tow like a pro.
1. Stay within your limits
Towing capacities vary by vehicle setup, so drivers should always review their vehicle’s specific limits. The vehicle, trailer and hitch all need to be able to handle the total weight of the load. Exceeding capacity can affect handling, braking and overall vehicle performance and safety, and drivers should also account for passengers and added cargo. On some vehicles, you can find vehicle-specific weight information, including curb weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)3, Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)3, maximum payload3, maximum tongue weight and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)3 on the Trailering Information Label on your driver-side doorjamb. Always check the Owner’s Manual for more information about a specific vehicle’s limitations.
2. Pack your trailer properly
Balancing your trailer is important because it helps increase stability and reduces sway. Overloading or improper balance can affect handling, braking, and overall vehicle performance and safety. Ensuring that your trailer or load is properly balanced helps prevent shifting during travel and supports a smoother, safer towing experience.
3. Check your tires
Drivers should ensure both vehicle and trailer tires are properly inflated before hitting the road. Check trailer tires for wear and sidewall cracking or tire dry rot. Underinflated or aged tires can affect handling, increase fuel consumption, or raise tire temperature, which can increase risk. GM’s available In-Vehicle Trailering App can help drivers stay on top of trailering tire pressure and temperature when properly equipped4, and can also provide reminders related to tire age and speed rating to support safe towing.
4. Check your lights
Trailer lights are essential, especially if the load blocks the vehicle’s taillights. Drivers should confirm all connections are working properly to avoid visibility issues and reduce collision risk. GM’s available Trailering App allows customers to run a convenient trailer lighting sequence without needing a second person, enabling them to stand behind and walk around the trailer to verify that the brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and running lights are all working properly.
5. Check your brakes
Heavier trailers often require their own brake system. Whether hydraulic or electric, drivers should confirm that equipment is functioning properly and that the breakaway cable and safety chains are securely attached in case the trailer disconnects.
6. Know your surroundings
Towing creates larger blind spots and can limit visibility, especially when changing lanes, merging or maneuvering in tighter spaces. Certain GM trucks and SUVs offer certain camera views 5 and Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert5, specifically designed to help keep drivers aware of their surroundings and helping to make towing feel more manageable on the road. Increase your following distance, as the combined length and weight of your vehicle can increase stopping distances.
Across its portfolio, GM continues to advance trailering technology with features designed to help make towing more intuitive, more informed and more confidence-inspiring for customers.
By combining smart towing habits with GM’s available trailering technologies, drivers can approach every summer trip with more confidence from hitch-up to highway.
1 App functionality and features vary with vehicle equipment and trim level. Data connection may be required. Some features require active service plan and working electrical system. Terms and limitations apply.
2Turn Signal Activated Lane Change and Automatic Lane Change not available while trailering. Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a hand-held device. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Requires an active service plan. Terms apply. Visit the Super Cruise page for compatible roads and full details.
3 Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
4 Requires available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System and installation of trailer tire pressure monitor sensors. Does not monitor spare tire.
5 Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information. Some camera views require available accessory camera and installation. Not compatible with all trailers. See your dealer for details.
2026 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate 1500 Crew Cab Short Box 4WD in Titanium Rush Metallic.
Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial start of summer travel, with many families taking advantage of the warmer weather to escape to the woods, lake or other favorite locations. When it’s time to hitch up a trailer, towing safety starts before you leave the driveway.
Whether pulling an RV to a family campground or towing a boat for a day on the water, GM’s cross-brand lineup of EV, gas and diesel-powered trucks and SUVs offer a smart approach to the hitching and towing process with available tools like:
- Available Trailering systems which include an integrated suite of cameras and technologies designed to streamline the hitching and towing process.
- GM’s available In-Vehicle Trailering App1 for properly equipped vehicles which supports custom trailer profiles, pre-departure checklists, trailer light tests, and other helpful monitoring functions.
- Available Super Cruise, the industry’s first (and only) truly hands-free driver assistance technology with trailering capability2, which will adjust for certain towing conditions, including automatically lengthening the following gap to provide additional stopping distance, when a compatible trailer is connected.
Before heading out for a summer adventure, here are some quick tips to help you tow like a pro.
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab High Country Midnight Black Edition towing an RV.
- Stay within your limits
Towing capacities vary by vehicle setup, so drivers should always review their vehicle’s specific limits. The vehicle, trailer and hitch all need to be able to handle the total weight of the load. Exceeding capacity can affect handling, braking and overall vehicle performance and safety, and drivers should also account for passengers and added cargo. On some vehicles, you can find vehicle-specific weight information, including curb weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)3, Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)3, maximum payload3, maximum tongue weight and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)3 on the Trailering Information Label on your driver-side doorjamb. Always check the Owner’s Manual for more information about a specific vehicle’s limitations.
- Pack your trailer properly
Balancing your trailer is important because it helps increase stability and reduces sway. Overloading or improper balance can affect handling, braking, and overall vehicle performance and safety. Ensuring that your trailer or load is properly balanced helps prevent shifting during travel and supports a smoother, safer towing experience.
- Check your tires
Drivers should ensure both vehicle and trailer tires are properly inflated before hitting the road. Check trailer tires for wear and sidewall cracking or tire dry rot. Underinflated or aged tires can affect handling, increase fuel consumption, or raise tire temperature, which can increase risk. GM’s available In-Vehicle Trailering App can help drivers stay on top of trailering tire pressure and temperature when properly equipped4, and can also provide reminders related to tire age and speed rating to support safe towing.
- Check your lights
Trailer lights are essential, especially if the load blocks the vehicle’s taillights. Drivers should confirm all connections are working properly to avoid visibility issues and reduce collision risk. GM’s available Trailering App allows customers to run a convenient trailer lighting sequence without needing a second person, enabling them to stand behind and walk around the trailer to verify that the brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and running lights are all working properly.
- Check your brakes
Heavier trailers often require their own brake system. Whether hydraulic or electric, drivers should confirm that equipment is functioning properly and that the breakaway cable and safety chains are securely attached in case the trailer disconnects.
- Know your surroundings
Towing creates larger blind spots and can limit visibility, especially when changing lanes, merging or maneuvering in tighter spaces. Certain GM trucks and SUVs offer certain camera views 5 and Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert5, specifically designed to help keep drivers aware of their surroundings and helping to make towing feel more manageable on the road. Increase your following distance, as the combined length and weight of your vehicle can increase stopping distances.
2026 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 with 13.4-inch Diagonal Infotainment System Showing Rear Side Camera View with Trailer Length Indicator.
Across its portfolio, GM continues to advance trailering technology with features designed to help make towing more intuitive, more informed and more confidence-inspiring for customers.
By combining smart towing habits with GM’s available trailering technologies, drivers can approach every summer trip with more confidence from hitch-up to highway.
1App functionality and features vary with vehicle equipment and trim level. Data connection may be required. Some features require active service plan and working electrical system. Terms and limitations apply.
2Turn Signal Activated Lane Change and Automatic Lane Change not available while trailering. Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a hand-held device. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Requires an active service plan. Terms apply. Visit the Super Cruise page for compatible roads and full details.
3Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
4Requires available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System and installation of trailer tire pressure monitor sensors. Does not monitor spare tire.
5Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information. Some camera views require available accessory camera and installation. Not compatible with all trailers. See your dealer for details.
