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Towing and Trailer Advice from GMC Trailering Expert

Sri Narra — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:06:28 +0000

As summer comes to a close, drivers across the U.S. are packing up their trailers, RVs, campers and boats for one last weekend in the sun.Yet, there are several mistakes that they often make when trailering. These mistakes can not only damage their trailer, but also their tow vehicle.

GMC’s lead trailering engineer and expert in all things-towing, Robert Krouse, has witnessed the good, bad and ugly when it comes to towing. In fact, the new 2011 GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickup is designed for towing, and provides drivers with the ability to tow 21,700 pounds and carry 6,635 pounds. Heading into Labor Day weekend, Krouse offers the top five mistakes people make while trailering.

Mistake 1: Not knowing the actual weight of the trailer.

The first priority is knowing the job that needs to be done and the weight of the trailer and items that are going to be towed. “I often see that customers have incorrect trailer weights and they will then underestimate the weight of the items they are putting on the trailer,” said Krouse.

For example, many people will misjudge the weight of the gear or supplies, such as building and landscaping materials that are much heavier than people think they are.

The Solution: Before a consumer loads up any trailer, it is essential to know exactly what the trailer and gear weighs. Many truck stops, sand and gravel yards, grain storage sites, moving companies and salvage yards often have scales open to the public.

Krouse stresses that consumers need to “always check the total trailer weight and the trailer tongue weight before you tow anything.”

Mistake 2: Not knowing the actual capacity of the tow vehicle as equipped.

Far too often, an individual will mismatch the vehicle to the trailer load, which must always be properly matched. Many websites provide only maximum trailer weight ratings (TWR), which means consumers need additional equipment to achieve the greatest performance for a vehicle that is not equipped with the maximum TWR.

The Solution: For a new vehicle, a dealer can provide the vehicle weight information based on how the vehicle is equipped. For people with an existing vehicle, be sure to know exactly what the trailer weighs. After you know the trailer weight, Krouse recommends adding the trailer and tow vehicle to ensure the combination does not exceed the gross combination weight rating (GCWR). The owner’s manual also will provide vehicle ratings and capabilities.

“It is also important to consider the amount of people and gear that will be inside the vehicle and add that to the weight that is being towed,” Krouse said.

Mistake 3: Overloading the trailer or tow vehicle.

Consumers often make the mistake of overloading and exceeding the TWR and GCWR as discussed in mistakes one and two, but it is also vital not to overload the trailer tongue weight, tow vehicle and trailer gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs), individual tow vehicle and trailer gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) and individual tire ratings.

“By putting too much weight on a trailer it can not only damage the trailer, but also the tow vehicle. Results can range from broken axles to bearing damage and excessive tire wear,” Krouse said.

The Solution: TWR and GCWR should never be exceeded. If consumers follow the tips outlined in mistake one and two, it will ensure that they will be armed with the necessary information to avoid overloading and damage to the trailer and vehicle. “At GMC we are constantly challenging ourselves to safely maximize and increase payload and towing ratings to meet our customer’s demands,” said Krouse. “Though, it is important that consumers do not overload their vehicles as these figures are set to keep the driver and vehicle safe.”

Mistake 4: Improper combination setup – including weight distribution hitch.

After you have confirmed TWR and GCWR, it is important to make sure that the hitch ball, brake controller, sway controls and weight-distributing spring bars (if used) are properly installed and adjusted. “Too often I see that the hitch ball is too high or too low, the sway controls or weight-distributing spring bars are improperly adjusted and the brake controller may not be properly set up,” said Krouse. “It is common to see trailers with spring bars that are visibly curved upward and applying large amounts of torque to the hitch. “

The Solution: The hitch ball height will depend on the tow vehicle’s rear Gross Axle Weight Rating. To manage the hitch ball height, on a level surface, use the trailer tongue jack with a level to determine the level trailer coupler height. If the trailer weight is at or near the tow vehicle’s maximum Trailer Weight Rating, the rear end may drop several inches when the trailer is coupled, Krouse said. If the trailer is lighter, consumers can assume about an inch drop when selecting the proper ball mount or drawbar. Balancing the load over the length of the trailer is important. To make sure you have proper weight distribution, measure the height of the front fender, just above the center of one of the front wheels before the trailer is connected to the tow vehicle. After it is connected, the front end of the tow vehicle should rise slightly. It is important to apply only enough tension on the spring bars to restore the initial front end height but avoid bringing the front end to a lower position than where it started.

“If in doubt, I recommend always checking the owner’s manual to check vehicle ratings and capabilities and to follow the manufactures instructions to install and adjust any trailering feature,” Krouse said.

Mistake 5: General driving practices.

One of the easiest ways to avoid mistakes while towing is to always practice safe driving techniques. The tow vehicle and trailer combination is often considerably heavier, longer and higher than the vehicle that is doing the towing. This combination makes it more difficult to maneuver, drive and stop the vehicle doing the towing.

The Solution: When trailering, individuals need to always be aware of their surroundings.

Krouse says that “people need to realize that accelerating – and therefore passing and merging – are more difficult with a trailer, and to pay extra attention to make sure there is adequate spacing between other vehicles before attempting to change lanes.” He advises to make wider turns than usual because the trailer will track inside of the tow vehicle and possibly strike curbs, signs, trees or other vehicles on the inside of a turn, and to avoid low overhangs if the trailer is taller than the tow vehicle.

In addition, Krouse suggest “avoiding quick or sudden maneuvers whenever possible.”

Finally, Krouse notes that consumers need to pay close attention to vehicle and trailer maintenance. When trailering, it is important to remember that the tow vehicle is working harder than it does alone, generally operating under higher loads and higher temperatures that require additional attention.

Also, trailers often sit for long periods of time and require maintenance due to long periods of inactivity. “Either way, stay on top of maintenance, particularly paying attention to fluids, tires and brakes in the tow vehicle and brakes, bearings, tires and electrical systems in the trailer,” said Krouse.

Acknowledgement: GM

New 2012 Mercedes Benz CLS Class

Sri Narra — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:22:24 +0000

The CLS-Class created a new vehicle category in 2003 by combining the elegance and expressiveness of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan.

Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show on September 30th, the 2012 CLS-Class builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor with a fresh new interpretation.

The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long hood, tightly-styled frameless side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear.

Enjoy the photos.

Acknowledgement: Mercedes-Benz

First images of new 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Sri Narra — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:27:59 +0000

- New 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Feature All-new Interior and Premium, Body-color, Removable Hard Top

August 19, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. Chrysler Group LLC released images today of the new 2011 Jeep® Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited.

Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining its legendary, benchmark capability with an all-new interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of an all-new body-color hard top for the popular Sahara model.

New 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are now available, and drivers and passengers will enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear windows.

All-new steering-wheel controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel.

A new USB device interface connects to storage devices (thumb drives and most MP3 players) for use with the vehicle’s Media Center, which now includes streaming Bluetooth audio. Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new 110-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to AC outlets in the home.

In line with traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilized throughout the interior, and are used to mount a “Jeep, Since 1941” inlay onto the new passenger grab handle. Jeep engineers increased acoustical treatment in the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, resulting in significantly reduced interior noise.

To provide a more premium appearance, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models boast an all-new, premium, body-color hard top.

Several new Jeep Wrangler colors are available for 2011, including Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright White. Production of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited began earlier this week at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio.

Acknowledgement: Chrysler

Electric POP concept from Kia

Sri Narra — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:18:50 +0000

- Concept vehicle with innovative design and eco-friendly appeal

(SEOUL) August 18, 2010 — Kia Motors will continue its tradition of unveiling convention-challenging, design-led concept vehicles at motor shows when it reveals an all-new electric concept car at the Paris Show on September 30th.

Called the ‘POP’, Kia’s three-metre three-seater boasts zero-emissions and brings innovative design chic to the city car segment with its dramatic styling.

Here are the photos.

Acknowledgement: Kia Motors.

Cars from 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Sri Narra — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:46:07 +0000

Some background (Courtesy of Wikipedia).

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is an automotive charitable event held each year on the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California, considered the most prestigious event of its kind. It is the finale of a week long festival of classic cars events in the Monterey area every year.

A Concours d’Elegance (French, literally “a competition of elegance”) is an event open to both prewar and postwar collector cars in which they are judged for authenticity, function, history, and style. Classes are commonly arranged by type, marque (manufacturer), coachbuilder, country of origin, or time period. Judges select first-, second-, and third-place finishers for each class in the event, and the judges confer the “Best of Show” award on one car from the group of first-place winners.

In addition, a group of honorary judges—individuals who have made significant contributions to the automotive industry or motorsports—award a number of subjective awards to recognize standout vehicles regardless of class ribbons, as well as memorial awards created to honor specific automotive industry personages.

Now to the photos of cars from this years event.

A striking 1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster from The Patterson Collection in Louisville, Kentucky, was named Best of Show.

With a stunning backdrop of Carmel Bay, cars pass over the awards ramp of the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The unveiling of the Lotus that Jim Clark drove to victory in the 1965 Indianapolis 500, held along the eighteenth fairway at Pebble Beach Golf Links. From left to right; Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser, racing legends Dan Gurney and Edsel B. Ford II.

Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum/Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The North American debut of the McLaren MP4-12C at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Marmon “Wasp” that won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 pictured here at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

Photo Courtesy of IMS Photo/Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

In tandem with the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, Jaguar XKSS owners were invited to participate in a special Pebble Beach Rally that began and ended at Casa Palmero, lapping Laguna Seca and pausing for photos at the historic Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo.

A 28-horsepower 1902 Mercedes Simplex—the oldest car still on the road today to bear the Mercedes name—arrives at The Lodge at Pebble Beach having just completed the 2010 Pebble Beach Motoring Classic.

Photo courtesy of the Keller Collection in California/Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The 1938 8C 2900 B Lungo was one of the most prestigious sports cars manufactured by Alfa Romeo before World War II.

Photo courtesy of the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo (the Alfa Romeo Museum) Arese, Italy/Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Mermie Karger’s 1939 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Gurney Nutting sports saloon begins the cross-country drive to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Joseph M. Barone and Vanessa Wong’s 1961 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competition Car.

Alfa Romeo – a returning Marque at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Photo courtesy of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Pierce-Arrow another returning feature at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Photo courtesy of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Restyled CL63 AMG

Sri Narra — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 05:24:51 +0000

Mercedes Benz released the photos of the restyled CL63 AMG.

The car features the new AMG 5.5-liter biturbo engine generating a maximum output (with the optional AMG Performance Package) of 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.

Other highlights include sophisticated direct gasoline injection, twin turbochargers, fuel efficient stop/start technology and the award-winning AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

The 2011 CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG go on-sale in November. Enjoy the pictures.

Acknowledgement: Mercedes-Benz Media

New BMW X3

Sri Narra — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:15:09 +0000

Characteristics.

• Second generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle with significantly increased space, optimised functionality and enhanced driving comfort.

• Strengthening of leading position in terms of agility and efficiency through new engines, eight-speed automatic transmission, innovative suspension technology and BMW EfficientDynamics.

• Two engine variants at time of market launch: BMW X3 xDrive20d
with four-cylinder diesel engine (135 kW/184 bhp) and BMW X3 xDrive35i
with straight six-cylinder petrol engine (225 kW/306 bhp).

• Auto Start Stop function featured for the first time in conjunction with
six-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

• Four-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive harmonised for optimised driving dynamics featured as standard, Performance Control optional.

• Newly conceived suspension technology, electric power steering featured for the first time in a BMW X model, variable sports steering optional.

• First BMW X model with optional Damper Control and Dynamic Drive Control.

• Highest degree of interior variability thanks to folding and 40 : 20 : 40-split rear seat backrests, maximum luggage compartment volume: 1,600 litres.

• Range of BMW ConnectedDrive options unique in the segment:
Head-up Display, Internet access, reversing camera with Top View.

Here is a video of the beast.

Acknowledgement: BMW Media

McLaren debuts at Goodwood Festival of speed.

Sri Narra — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:11:20 +0000

The new McLaren MP4-12C was given its public world debut at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed, held from 01-04 July.

Current Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and 2008 Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton delighted the crowds by driving a McLaren Orange Validation Prototype (VP) 12C up the famous Goodwood Hill on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Visitors at the event were also able to discover another 12C VP car finished in Volcano Orange and fitted with lightweight forged alloy wheels as well as a 12C rolling chassis which were displayed on the McLaren stand.

Here is an edited package containing racing footage with Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel of the MP4-12C.

Passenger cells made of Carbon by BMW.

Sri Narra — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 03:34:12 +0000

With electric cars gaining stream into mainstream – the weight of batteries is a big issue. To offset the weight BMW Group is breaking new ground with the Megacity Vehicle (MCV), due to come onto the market in 2013.

It will be the world’s first volume-produced vehicle with a passenger cell made from carbon. This offsets the extra 250 to 350 kilograms of weight typically found in electrically powered vehicles- according to Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management for Development.

“The drive system remains the heartbeat of a car, and that also applies to electric vehicles,” said Draeger. “Powertrains also remain a core area of expertise of Bayerische Motoren Werke. Electromobility and the hallmark BMW driving pleasure make an excellent match, if you go about things the right way. For this reason we are developing the powertrain for the Megacity Vehicle in-house – that includes the electric motor, the power electronics and the battery system.”

The electrification of a vehicle requires new concepts in vehicle architecture and body construction in order to exploit the potential of the new emission-free drive system to optimum effect. With the revolutionary LifeDrive concept, the BMW Group engineers are developing the car’s architecture from scratch and adapting it to the demands and conditions of future mobility. The goal: to offset the additional weight of an electric vehicle – typically 250 to 350 kilograms. To this end, the BMW Group is focusing on the innovative high-tech material carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).

The LifeDrive concept consists of two horizontally separated, independent modules. The Drive module integrates the battery, drive system and structural and crash functions into a single construction within the chassis. Its partner, the Life module, consists primarily of a high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from CFRP. Furthermore, the new vehicle architecture opens the door to totally new production processes which are both simpler and more flexible, and use less energy.

The new architecture of the MCV also gives the vehicle designers additional freedom when it comes to creating a new aesthetic for sustainable urban mobility solutions. Here is an early design sketch.

Acknowledgement: BMW

Bentley Supersports Convertible debuts!

Sri Narra — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:06:11 +0000

Bentley’s Continental Supersports Convertible, the world’s fastest production drophead, made its official public driving debut at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The Supersports Convertible, which is capable of a potential top speed of 202mph and a 0-60mph sprint time of 3.9 seconds, was piloted by the racing legend and honorary ‘Bentley Boy’ Derek Bell.

The Supersports Convertible was joined in the supercar paddock by its equally powerful and capable coupe stablemate – the 621bhp Bentley Continental Supersports. Both Continental Supersports models are now on sale with first deliveries of the convertible due later this summer.