Towing Capacity of a 2012 GMC Terrain
Question:
can i tow a dual axle trailer with electric brakes with my 2012 slt terrain
asked by: Kellrer
Expert Reply:
According to the owner's manual for your 2012 GMC Terrain you are limited to a maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) of 1,500 lbs if you have the 2.4L I4 engine and 3,500 lbs if you have the 3.0L V6 engine. Therefore, as long as the trailer does not exceed the vehicle's GTW then you can tow it.
In order to tow a trailer with your Terrain you will need a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and ball mount/hitch ball if you do not already have them. For a trailer hitch I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e98865 which is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver tube opening. I have attached an install video of the above hitch on a similar 2015 GMC Terrain for you.
For a trailer wiring harness I recommend using the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118264 if you have the factory tow package or part # 118494 if you do not have the factory tow package. I have also attached an install video on each harness for you as well. If you are unsure of whether or not you have the factory tow package you can switch to 1:10 in the attached video on the white 2017 GMC Terrain. If you have the connector that is shown at this point then you do have the factory tow package but if you do not have this connector then you do not have the factory tow package.
For a ball mount/hitch ball I recommend the Ball Mount Kit part # 989900 which comes with two ball mounts and two hitch balls. You will want to use the attached help article to ensure that the above kit contains the proper rise/drop you need in a ball mount.
Ron
4/21/2020
The 2900lbs trailer weight I listedIs not fully loaded. Full loaded would be about 3200 lbs with passages included.
Chris R.
4/22/2020
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- No Converter
- Factory Tow Package
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Hidden
- Tekonsha
more information >
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- Powered Converter
- No Tow Package
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Visible
- Tekonsha
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- Two Balls
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 400 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
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Ron
4/19/2020
Can I use a WD hitch&sway control on my GMC Terrain rear axle is rated for 6000LBS. the trailer weight is 2900LBSI It came a towing package on it from the factory.