trailer CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 2015 Owner's Guide

Black plate (74,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-74 Driving and Operating
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
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 heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so 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. 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
{Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. 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 get hot and no longer
work well.

Black plate (75,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-75
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 9-39.
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
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 the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, see Engine Overheating on
page 10-25.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. 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 regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle

Black plate (76,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-76 Driving and Operating
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
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
If the vehicle is bi-fuel, see the
bi-fuel supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeNew Vehicle Break-In on
page 9-23.
{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
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.
{Caution
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.
See Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9-15 for more information
about the vehicle's maximum load
capacity.
To identify the trailering capacity of
the vehicle, read the information in
“Weight of the Trailer” 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.

Black plate (77,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-77
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. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used.
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 equipment on 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. Trailer weight rating (TWR) for 1500
series trucks is calculated assuming
the tow vehicle has the driver, a
front seat passenger, and all
required trailering equipment.
Weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the trailer weight
rating.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) for
2500 and 3500 series trucks is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has only the driver but all required
trailering equipment. Weight of
additional optional equipment,
passengers, and cargo in the tow
vehicle must be subtracted from the
trailer weight rating.
For kingpin weight and trailer
tongue weight information, see
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later
in this section.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.
Weights listed apply for
conventional trailers and fifth-wheel
trailers unless otherwise noted.

Black plate (78,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-78 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle RatioMaximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Standard Box
4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 767 kg (6,100 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
4.3L V6 (b) 4.102 087 kg (4,600 lb) 4 309 kg (9,500 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 082 kg (9,000 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 540 kg (5,600 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 948 kg (6,500 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 080 kg (11,200 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.425 443 kg (12,000 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 495 kg (5,500 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 903 kg (6,400 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)

Black plate (79,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-79
VehicleAxle RatioMaximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.734 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 219 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.425 398 kg (11,900 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Short Box (b)
4.3L V6 3.232 540 kg (5,600 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 903 kg (6,400 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 035 kg (11,100 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.425 443 kg (12,000 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 676 kg (5,900 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 085 kg (6,800 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 445 kg (9,800 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Standard Box
4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 447 kg (7,600 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)

Black plate (80,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-80 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle RatioMaximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.083 039 kg (6,700 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.423 946 kg (8,700 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 266 kg (7,200 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 812 kg (6,200 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 173 kg (9,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.734 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 173 kg (9,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.425 398 kg (11,900 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 767 kg (6,100 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.734 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.425 307 kg (11,700 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)

Black plate (81,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-81
VehicleAxle RatioMaximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (b)
4.3L V6 3.423 221 kg (7,100 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 812 kg (6,200 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 173 kg (9,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.734 944 kg (10,900 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 173 kg (9,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.425 353 kg (11,800 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box
4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 357 kg (7,400 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 948 kg (6,500 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Double Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.734 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)

Black plate (82,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-82 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle RatioMaximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.734 445 kg (9,800 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 672 kg (10,300 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 713 kg (14,800 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Double Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 491 kg (9,900 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 532 kg (14,400 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)

Black plate (83,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-83
VehicleAxle RatioMaximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
2500 Series 4WD Double Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 309 kg (9,500 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 350 kg (14,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Double Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 355 kg (9,600 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 396 kg (14,100 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)