weight CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 2015 Owner's Guide

Black plate (86,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-86 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle RatioMaximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
3500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 445 kg (9,800 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
5 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 264 kg (9,400 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 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Double Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
5 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)

Black plate (87,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-87
VehicleAxle RatioMaximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 082 kg (9,000 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 124 kg (13,500 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
5 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10
6 214 kg (13,700 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.733 992 kg (8,800 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 033 kg (13,300 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
3500 Series Chassis Cab 2WD/4WD 6.0L V8 3.73(d)7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 4.10(d)9 299 kg (20,500 lb)

Black plate (88,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-88 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle RatioMaximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
(a) 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.
(b) This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
(c) For chassis cab and pickup box delete vehicles, choose an appropriate hitch and load the truck and trailer
within the limits of GCWR, GVWR, and RGAWR.
(d) Maximum Trailer Weight cannot be provided because total vehicle weight is unknown.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is
very important because it is also
part of the vehicle weight. 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 as well as trailer tongue
weight. Vehicle options, equipment,
passengers and cargo in the vehicle
reduce the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight the vehicle
can tow.
Trailer tongue weight (1) should be
10–15% and fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15–25% of the loaded trailer
weight (2) up to the maximums for
vehicle series and hitch type.

Black plate (89,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-89
Vehicle Series Hitch TypeMaximum Tongue
Weight
1500 Weight-Carrying 363 kg (800 lb)
1500 Weight-Distributing 544 kg (1,200 lb)
2500/3500
Standard Box Weight-Carrying or
Weight-Distributing 680 kg (1,500 lb)
2500/
3500 Long Box Weight-Carrying or
Weight-Distributing 907 kg (2,000 lb)
2500 Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 1 361 kg (3,000 lb)
3500 Single Rear
Wheels Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 1 814 kg (4,000 lb)
3500 Dual Rear
Wheels Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 2 495 kg (5,500 lb)
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. Trailer rating may be limited by the
vehicle's ability to carry tongue
weight. Tongue or kingpin weight
cannot cause the vehicle to exceed
the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear GrossAxle Weight Rating). See
“Total
Weight on the Vehicle's Tires” later
in this section.
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.
If a cargo carrier is used in the
trailer hitch receiver, choose a
carrier that positions the load as
close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight,
including the carrier, is no more than
half of the maximum allowable
tongue weight for the vehicle or
227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.

Black plate (90,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-90 Driving and Operating
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the inflation pressures
found on the Certification/Tire label
on the center pillar or seeVehicle
Load Limits on page 9-15. Make
sure not to exceed the GVWR limit
for the vehicle, or the RGAWR, with
the tow vehicle and trailer fully
loaded for the trip including the
weight of the trailer tongue. If using
a weight-distributing hitch, make
sure not to exceed the RGAWR
before applying the weight
distribution spring bars.
Weight of the Trailering
Combination
It is important that the combination
of the tow vehicle and trailer
does not exceed any of its weight
ratings —GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Trailer Weight Rating, or Tongue
Weight. The only way to be sure it is not exceeding any of these ratings
is to weigh the tow vehicle and
trailer combination, fully loaded for
the trip, getting individual weights
for each of these items.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helps
maintain combination control. Many
trailers can be towed with a
weight-carrying hitch which simply
features a coupler latched to the
hitch ball, or a tow eye latched to a
pintle hook. Other trailers may
require a weight-distributing hitch
that uses spring bars to distribute
the trailer tongue weight among the
two vehicle and trailer axles.
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches
may also be used. See
“Weight of
the Trailer Tongue” underTrailer
Towing on page 9-76 for rating limits
with various hitch types. If a step-bumper hitch will be 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.
Consider using sway controls with
any trailer. Ask a trailering
professional about sway controls or
refer to the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch and
Adjustment
A weight distributing hitch may be
useful with some trailers. Use the
following guidelines to determine if a
weight distributing hitch should
be used.

Black plate (91,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-91
Vehicle SeriesTrailer WeightWeight Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 3175 kg (7,000 lb) OptionalRefer to trailer
manufacturer ’s
recommendation
1500 Over 3175 kg (7,000 lb) Required50%
2500/3500 Up to 8165 kg (18,000 lb) OptionalRefer to trailer
manufacturer ’s
recommendation
1. Body to Ground Distance
2. Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure distance (1) before
coupling the trailer to the hitch ball.
Measure the height again after the
trailer is coupled and adjust the
spring bars so the distance (1) is as
close as possible to halfway
between the two measurements.
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck
Trailering
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers
can be used with many pickup
models. These trailers place a
larger percentage of the weight (kingpin weight) on the tow vehicle
than conventional trailers. Make
sure this weight does not cause the
vehicle to exceed GAWR or GVWR.
Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin
weight should be 15 to 25% of the
trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specified in the trailering
chart for the vehicle. See
“Weight of
the Trailer” underTrailer Towing on
page 9-76.
The hitch should be located in the
pickup bed so that its centerline is
over or slightly in front of the rear
axle. Take care that it is not so far

Black plate (92,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-92 Driving and Operating
forward that it will contact the back
of the cab in sharp turns. This is
especially important for short box
pickups. Trailer pin box extensions
and sliding fifth-wheel hitch
assemblies can help this condition.
There should be at least 15 cm (6 in)
of clearance between the top of the
pickup box and the bottom of the
trailer shelf that extends over
the box.
Make sure the hitch is attached to
the tow vehicle frame rails. Do not
use the pickup box for support.
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 hitchmanufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. If the trailer being
towed weighs up to 2 271 kg
(5,000 lb) with a factory-installed
step bumper, safety chains may be
attached to the attaching points on
the bumper; otherwise, safety
chains should be attached to holes
on the trailer hitch platform. Always
leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 900 kg (2,000 lb) 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.
Do not tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system.
Auxiliary Battery
The auxiliary battery provision can
be used to supply electrical power
to additional equipment that may be
added, such as a slide-in camper.
If equipped, this relay will be on the
driver side of the vehicle, next to the
underhood electrical center.
Be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
any electrical equipment that is
installed.
{Caution
Leaving electrical equipment on
for extended periods will drain the
battery. Always turn off electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not use equipment that
exceeds the maximum amperage
rating of 30 amps for the auxiliary
battery provision.

Black plate (95,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-95
This indicator light on the instrument
cluster comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode is on.
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load. SeeTow/Haul
Mode on page 9-39.
Tow/Haul is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle's Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing on page 9-76. Tow/
Haul is most useful under the
following driving conditions:
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load through
rolling terrain.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in
stop-and-go traffic.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in busy
parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is
desired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
when lightly loaded or with no trailer
at all will not cause damage.
However, there is no benefit to the
selection of Tow/Haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result
in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy. Tow/
Haul is recommended only when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load.
Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system
for use with electric trailer brakes or
most electric over hydraulic trailer
brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake
Control Panel on vehicles with an
ITBC system. The power output to
the trailer brakes is based on the
amount of brake pressure being
applied by the vehicle’s brake
system, and on the type of trailer
brakes detected. This available
power output to the trailer brakes
can be adjusted to a wide range of
trailering situations.

Black plate (101,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-101
For information on wiring auxiliary
switches, see www.gmupfitter.com
or contact your dealer.
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment
{Caution
Do not exceed 64 km/h (40 mph)
with a snow plow mounted to the
vehicle. The vehicle could
overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on the
vehicle, here are some things you
need to know:
{Caution
If the vehicle does not have the
snow plow prep package, adding
a plow can damage the vehicle,
and the repairs would not be
covered by warranty. Unless the (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
vehicle was built to carry a snow
plow, do not add one to the
vehicle. If the vehicle has the
snow plow prep package, called
RPO VYU, then the payload the
vehicle can carry will be reduced
when a snow plow is installed.
The vehicle can be damaged if
either the front or rear axle ratings
or the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) are exceeded.
Some vehicles are built with a
special snow plow prep package,
called RPO VYU. If the vehicle has
this option, you can add a plow to it,
provided certain weights, such as
the weights on the vehicle's axles
and the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR), are not exceeded. The plow the vehicle can carry
depends on many things, such as:.The options the vehicle came
with, and the weight of those
options.
.The weight and number of
passengers intended to be
carried.
.The weight of items added to the
vehicle, like a tool box or
truck cap.
.The total weight of any
additional cargo intended to be
carried.
Say, for example, you have a 318 kg
(700 lb) snow plow. The total weight
of all occupants and cargo inside
the cab should not exceed 135 kg
(300 lb). This means that you may
only be able to carry one passenger.
But, even this may be too much if
there is other equipment already
adding to the weight of the vehicle.

Black plate (102,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-102 Driving and Operating
Here are some guidelines for safely
carrying a snow plow on the vehicle:
.Make sure the weight on the
front and rear axles does not
exceed the axle rating for each.
.For the front axle, if more cargo
or passengers must be carried,
appropriate counter ballast must
be installed rear of the rear axle.
Counter ballast must be properly
secured so it will not move
during driving.
.Follow the snow plow
manufacturer's
recommendations regarding rear
ballast. Rear ballast may be
required to ensure a proper front
and rear weight distribution ratio,
even though the actual weight at
the front axle may be less than
the front axle rating.
.The snow plow manufacturer or
installer can assist you in
determining the amount of rear
ballast required, to help make
sure the snow plow/vehicle
combination does not exceedthe GVW rating, the front and
rear axle ratings, and the front
and rear weight distribution ratio.
.The total vehicle must not
exceed the GVW rating.
Front axle reserve capacity is the
difference between the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) and the front
axle weight of the vehicle with full
fuel and passengers. Basically, it is
the amount of weight that can be
added to the front axle before
reaching the front GAWR.
United States
Canada
The front axle reserve capacity for
the vehicle can be found in the
lower right corner of the
Certification/Tire label, as shown.