How To Use Chevy’s Advanced Trailering System for Safe Towing

Towing doesn’t have to be a hassle, and Chevy’s Advanced Trailering System (ATS) is designed to make this process easier, smarter, and much safer. From hauling heavy equipment to taking a camper on a weekend trip, everything becomes a breeze. This setup has features such as hitch guidance, trailer tire pressure monitoring, and a handy Chevy trailering app. At Steve Austin’s Auto Group, we’re here to help you get the most out of these tools so you can hit the road feeling ready.

Key Features of the ATS

Chevy’s ATS comes with a set of handy features that help you tow anything.

Tow/Haul Mode

Tow/Haul Mode changes how your truck shifts gear when towing a heavy load. This lets you avoid shifting gears too much on hills and helps you have better control when going downhill.

Custom Trailer Profiles

You can set up and save different trailer profiles in the system. This lets you keep settings such as brake gain and mileage for each trailer. When you change trailers, just select the saved profile, and towing becomes much easier.

Trailer Light Test

With the Trailer Light Test, you can turn on the lights and check everything right from your truck’s screen.

Predeparture Checklists

Safety starts even before you start your Chevy. The built-in predeparture checklist guides you on important steps, such as hitch connections and tire pressure checks. This helps you avoid common errors, keeping yourself and other drivers safe.

Setting Up Your Chevy for Towing

It’s critical to get your Chevy set up properly for a secure and smooth towing experience. To start, check your truck’s towing capacity to ensure that it’s capable of handling your trailer’s weight. Remember, overloading strains your vehicle and can result in performance issues and safety risks. Next, check your tires and brakes since proper tire pressure and decent brakes are a necessity for your Chevy’s stability. If your Chevy has a Tow/Haul Mode, activate it to improve shift patterns and provide additional control.

Attaching the Trailer

Here’s a quick guide to attaching your trailer:

1. Align your truck and trailer: Use Chevy’s Hitch Guidance with Hitch View to back up exactly to the trailer.
2. Secure the hitch: Lower the trailer hitch onto the ball and lock it in place. Double-check that the latch is secure.
3. Connect the safety chains: Cross the chains under the hitch in an X pattern so the trailer tongue doesn’t drop if it’s disconnected.
4. Plug in the trailer wiring: Connect the trailer’s wiring harness to your Chevy’s outlet. Using the Trailer Light Test feature, inspect if brake lights and turn signals are working.

Configuring the ATS

With your trailer attached, configuring Chevy’s ATS will elevate your towing experience to the next level. To accomplish that, you’ll set up a Custom Trailer Profile by entering information such as your trailer size and weight. That enables the system to configure the performance and safety settings. Also, adjust the brake gain to match your trailer braking system so that braking is more even. Finally, Chevy’s built-in predeparture checklist ensures you haven’t overlooked anything important before you start to drive, giving you extra peace of mind.

Tech Making Towing Safer

Your Chevy is packed with useful safety features, so towing becomes a lot less demanding. Whether it’s checking for blind spots or helping you hitch up just right, these tools can really boost your confidence on the road.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts are a big help when trailering. Since a trailer extends your vehicle, the systems keep an eye out for vehicles sneaking up beside you or coming from the sides when you’re backing up. You won’t have to guess when it’s safe to change lanes or back out anymore.

Hitch Guidance with Hitch View makes connecting your trailer simple. Instead of struggling to line everything up yourself, you get a clear camera view that helps you get it just right — no extra hands needed.

When it’s time to park or drive through narrow areas, park assist has got you covered. The sensors pick up on obstacles and send real-time warnings to allow you to steer easily and avoid bumps. With these features, towing becomes a lot easier and part of the regular drive.

Troubleshooting Common Towing Issues

Even with the advanced Chevy Trailering Package, you may still run into some issues. But don’t worry — we’ll walk you through how to fix each one.

Trailer Sway

A swaying trailer can be hard to drive with. To help reduce sway, balance your load in your trailer with about 60% to the front. Also, check that the tires on both your truck and trailer are properly inflated — wrong tire pressure can mess with your stability. If sway keeps happening, a sway control hitch can help.

Brake Control Issues

These can cause problems with stopping. First, look at the trailer’s wiring and connections, as loose or corroded wires can affect the brakes. If they don’t respond well, check for blown fuses or faulty relays. Also, adjust the brake controller’s gain settings to fit your trailer’s weight for better braking.

Connectivity Problems

If you’re having issues with the lights or brakes, it could be a connector problem. Check if the trailer plug is clean, plugged in correctly, and not rusty. Poor grounding can also be a problem, so check that both your truck and trailer have solid ground connections.

FAQ

Let’s answer some of the most common questions about towing with a Chevy.

Can the System Be Installed on All Chevy Models?

No, the Chevy Trailering Package is primarily available on select Silverado and Colorado models.

Which Trailers Are Compatible With the System?

The system works with a variety of trailers, including utility, boat, and RV trailers.

When Do I Use the Tow/Haul Mode?

You can use it when towing heavy loads or driving on steep grades.

Explore Chevy’s ATS at Steve Austin’s Auto Group

Chevy’s ATS helps with safety and control, but getting ready to tow the right way is crucial. Make sure your load is balanced and you’re within weight limits, and check your system settings. With features such as sway control and hitch guidance, towing is quite straightforward. If you want to know more about Chevy’s trailering tech, contact us or visit us in Bellefontaine, Ohio. At Steve Austin’s Auto Group, we’re ready to help you tow with confidence.

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