Forum Discussion

lloydwells's avatar
lloydwells
Explorer
Jan 19, 2015

Towing Newbie in need of "Getting Started" info

Hello All,

I am in the process of purchasing a 2015 GMC Canyon All Terrain to pull behind my 2014 Fleetwood Bounder 35E, and am trying to see if there is a good resource for "getting started".

I see lots of equipment out there, and it makes me dizzy trying to figure out what is "needed" and what is "extra". My dealer is installing a blue ox base plate on the truck (as part of my deal), so my next purchase will be a tow bar... I pretty much have that figured out... It's the "where do I go from here", on braking systems, breakway systems, lights, etc... that I need some direction on. I do have the option of just having the dealer make the truck ready to tow, BUT I do feel like I could do some of this myself, and save some $$$.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2015
    lloydwells wrote:
    Yes, have checked with GMC, and have gone over the instructions in the OM. The Canyon 4x4 can be flat towed.


    ok, good. next is to make sure it's not too heavy to be towed. to determine that you need to know what your MH weighs as it is loaded and configured for travel...on each axle. that includes fuel, water, clothing, food, pets, people and 'stuff'.

    in general, the maximum amount of weight you can safely tow will be the lesser of the following:

    • the GCWR (gross combination weight rating) of the MH minus the actual weight of the MH as it is loaded for travel (includes fuel, fresh water, food, clothing, people, pets, supplies, etc)

    • the weight rating of your tow bar

    • the weight rating of your hitch

    this is why it's vital to know what your MH weighs as it is loaded and configure for travel before choosing a toad. Your MH will not collapse if it is overloaded but you will experience handling issues as well as longer braking distances and accelerated wear on suspension, brakes, steering, etc.
  • lloydwells's avatar
    lloydwells
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2015
    Yes, have checked with GMC, and have gone over the instructions in the OM. The Canyon 4x4 can be flat towed.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2015
    sounds like you intend to tow flat...all 4-tires on the ground. do you know/have you checked to be sure your GMC CAN be towed in this manner?

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