CHEVROLET COLORADO 2011 1.G Owners Manual

Black plate (57,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-57
Driving with a Trailer
{WARNING
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
To maximize safety when towing
a trailer:
.Have the exhaust system
inspected for leaks and make
necessary repairs before
starting a trip.
.Never drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
For more information about
Carbon Monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑33.
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Get to know
the rig before setting out for the
open road. Get acquainted with the
feel of handling and braking with the
added weight of the trailer. And
always keep in mind that the vehicle
you are driving is now longer and
not as responsive as the vehicle is
by itself. Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the
trailer has electric brakes, start the
vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure,
and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
While towing a trailer or when
exposed to long periods of
sunshine, the floor of the truck bed
may become very warm. Avoid
putting items in the truck bed that
might be affected by high ambient
temperatures.

Black plate (58,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-58 Driving and Operating
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations
that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
much farther beyond the passed
vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. Then, to move
the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause the
trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel
flash whenever signaling a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also flash, telling
other drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument panel flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other drivers are seeing the
signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear
before starting down a long
or steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
Vehicles with automatic
transmissions can tow in D (Drive),
but you may want to shift to a lower
gear selection if the transmission
shifts too often (e.g., under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions). If the
vehicle has a manual transmission it
is better not to use the highest gear.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high

Black plate (59,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-59
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with an
automatic transmission in P (Park)
or a manual transmission in
N (Neutral) with the parking brake
applied, for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 10‑23.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet for
vehicles with an automatic
transmission, or into gear for
vehicles with a manual
transmission. Turn the wheels
into the curb if facing downhill or
into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park) for vehicles with an
automatic transmission or into
gear for vehicles with a manual
transmission. 5. If the vehicle has
four-wheel-drive, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear
and not in N (Neutral). See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 10‑30
for more information.
6. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
.Start the engine
.Shift into a gear
.Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Black plate (60,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-60 Driving and Operating
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑2or the Index for more
information. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
{WARNING
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well—or even at all. The driver
and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may
also be damaged; the resulting
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer
only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the
vehicle.
Notice: Pulling a trailer
improperly can damage the
vehicle and result in costly
repairs not covered by the vehicle
warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle. To identify the trailering capacity of
the vehicle, read the information in
“Weight of the Trailer”
that appears
later in this section.
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read
this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.

Black plate (61,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-61
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature and
how much the vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It can
depend on any special equipmenton the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section for more
information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.

Black plate (62,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-62 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
2WD Regular Cab 2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 542 kg (3,400 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.731 089 kg (2,400 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.731 814 kg (4,000 lbs) 3 856 kg (8,500 lbs)
2WD Extended Cab
2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 452 kg (3,200 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73998 kg (2,200 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.732 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 309 kg (9,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission 3.42
3.732 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 717 kg (10,400 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission,
ZQ8 Sport Suspension 3.42
1 814 kg (4,000 lbs) 3 856 kg (8,500 lbs)
2WD Crew Cab 2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 361 kg (3,000 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73953 kg (2,100 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.732 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 309 kg (9,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission 3.42
3.732 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 717 kg (10,400 lbs)

Black plate (63,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-63
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission,
ZQ8 Sport Suspension 3.42
1 724 kg (3,800 lbs) 3 856 kg (8,500 lbs)
4WD Regular Cab 2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 406 kg (3,100 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73953 kg (2,100 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.731 814 kg (4,000 lbs) 4 082 kg (9,000 lbs)
4WD Extended Cab 2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 315 kg (2,900 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73861 kg (1,900 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.732 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 445 kg (9,800 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission 3.42
4.102 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 717 kg (10,400 lbs)
4WD Crew Cab 3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.732 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 445 kg (9,800 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission 3.42
4.10
2 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 717 kg (10,400 lbs)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.

Black plate (64,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-64 Driving and Operating
Ask your dealer for our trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑4 or
Customer Assistance Offices
(Mexico) on page 13‑5 for more
information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
the tongue load must be added to
the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑20
for more information about the
vehicle's maximum load capacity.
The trailer tongue weight (A) should
be 10 percent to 15 percent of the
total loaded trailer weight, up to a
maximum of 226 kg (500 lbs) with a
weight carrying hitch.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch
extension that will position the hitch
ball closest to the vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of trailer
tongue weight on the rear axle.After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Trailering may be limited by the
vehicle's ability to carry tongue
weight. Tongue weight cannot cause
the vehicle to exceed the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or
the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating). The effect of
additional weight may reduce the
trailering capacity more than the
total of the additional weight.
It is important that the vehicle
does not exceed any of its
ratings
—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Maximum Trailer Rating or Tongue
Weight. The only way to be sure it is
not exceeding any of these ratings
is to weigh the vehicle and trailer.

Black plate (65,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-65
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found
on the Certification/Tire label
located at the bottom of the center
pillar on the driver's side of the
vehicle, or seeVehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑20. Make sure not to go
over the GVW limit for the vehicle,
or the GAWR, including the weight
of the trailer tongue. If using a
weight distributing hitch, make sure
not to go over the rear axle limit
before applying the weight
distribution spring bars.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is
needed.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
and Weight Carrying Hitches
A step bumper hitch can be used for
trailers up to 907 kg (2,000 lbs) total
weight, and 90 kg (200 lbs) tongue
weight.
Notice: If a step-bumper hitch is
used, the bumper could be
damaged in sharp turns. Make
sure there is ample room when
turning to avoid contact between
the trailer and the bumper.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. For trailers up to
907 kg (2,000 lbs) safety chains may
be attached to the attaching points
on the bumper. For heavier trailers,
follow the trailer or hitch
manufacturer's recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always
leave just enough slack so the rig
can turn. Never allow safety chains
to drag on the ground.

Black plate (66,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-66 Driving and Operating
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 450 kg (1,000 lbs) needs to
have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted and
maintained properly.
Since the vehicle is equipped with
StabiliTrak
®, the trailer cannot tap
into the vehicle's hydraulic brake
system.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The vehicle may be equipped with a
four‐pin trailer towing harness. This
harness has a four‐pin trailer
connector that is attached to a
bracket on the hitch platform. The
four‐wire harness contains the
following trailer circuits:
.Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
.Brown: Taillamps/Park lamps
.White: Ground
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
Notice: Do not add anything
electrical to the vehicle unless
you check with your dealer first.
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle and the
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Some
add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from
working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12‐volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑36 andAdding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑37.
Pickup Conversion to
Chassis Cab
We are aware that some vehicle
owners might consider having the
pickup box removed and a
commercial or recreational body
installed. However, we recommend
that conversions of this type not be
done to pickups. Owners should be
aware that, as manufactured, there
are differences between a chassis
cab and a pickup with the box
removed which could affect vehicle
safety.