CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2002 1.G Owners Manual

4-63
Towing a Trailer
CAUTION:
If you don't use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy,
the brakes may not work well
-- or even at all.
You and your passengers could be seriously
injured. Pull a trailer only if you have followed
all the steps in this section. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by
your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Additional rear axle maintenance is
required for a vehicle used to tow a trailer. See
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for
your vehicle, you should read the information in
ªWeight of the Trailerº that appears later in this section.
If yours was built with trailering options, as many are,
it's ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That's the reason for this part. In it are 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 you pull a trailer.

4-64 If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:

There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you'll be driving. A good source for this
information can be state or provincial police.

Consider using a sway control if your trailer will
weigh less than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) for light duty
vehicles, or less than 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg) for heavy
duty vehicles. You should always use a sway control
if your trailer will weigh more than these limits.
You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.

Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and
don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.

If you have an automatic transmission, you can
tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
If you have a manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it's better not to use the highest gear.
See ªTow/Haul Modeº in the Index.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:

the weight of the trailer,

the weight of the trailer tongue

and the weight on your vehicle's tires.

4-65
Tow/Haul Mode (If Equipped)
Tow/haul is a feature on automatic transmission
equipped vehicles that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. The purpose of the
tow/haul mode is to:

Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability
of transmission shifts when pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load.

Provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when the
vehicle is unloaded.

Improve control of vehicle speed while requiring less
throttle pedal activity when pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load.
Automatic transmission equipped vehicles are provided
with a button at the end of the shift lever which when
pressed enables tow/haul. When the button is pressed,
a light on the instrument panel will illuminate to indicate
that tow/haul has been selected. Tow/haul may be turned
off by pressing the button again, at which time the
indicator light on the instrument panel will turn off.
The vehicle will automatically turn off tow/haul every
time it is started.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 ªWeight of the Trailerº later in the section.
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.

4-66 Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
Use one of the following charts to determine how much
your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle model
and options.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are 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.Above the 5,000 lbs. (2 268 kg) trailer rating, the
handling/trailering suspension is required on
C-1500 models and the handling/trailering or off-road
suspension is required on K
-1500 models. The engine
oil cooler is required on C/K
-2500 models with the
VORTEC 6000 engine. Refer to the Trailering Guide for
oil cooler recommendations.
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 your vehicle should
not be exceeded.

4-67
C-1500 Regular Cab Short Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.08 4,600 lbs. (2 088 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
3.42 5,100 lbs. (2 315 kg) 9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.08 3,600 lbs. (1 634 kg) 8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
3.42 4,100 lbs. (1 861 kg) 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.42 6,500 lbs. (2 951 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
3.73 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.42 4,500 lbs. (2 043 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
3.73 5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
3.73 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15 percent to 25 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,500 lb (680 kg) maximum.

4-68
C-1500 Extended Cab Short Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.42 4,700 lbs. (2 133 kg) 9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
3.73 5,200 lbs. (2 360 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.42 3,700 lbs. (1 679 kg) 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.42 6,100 lbs. (2 858 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
3.73 7,100 lbs. (3 223 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.42 4,200 lbs. (1 906 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
3.73 5,200 lbs. (2 360 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,100 lbs. (3 223 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
3.73 8,100 lbs. (3 677 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15 percent to 25 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,500 lb (680 kg) maximum.

4-69
C-1500 Crew Cab Short Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
6000 V8 3.73 8,300 lbs. (3 765 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
4.10 10,300 lbs. (4 672 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
C
-1500 Regular Cab Long Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.08 4,500 lbs. (2 043 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
3.42 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) 9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.08 3,500 lbs. (1 589 kg) 8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
3.42 4,000 lbs. (1 816 kg) 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.42 6,400 lbs. (2 905 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
3.73 7,400 lbs. (3 359 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.42 4,400 lbs. (1 997 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
3.73 5,400 lbs. (2 451 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,400 lbs. (3 359 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448kg)
3.73 8,400 lbs. (3 813 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15 percent to 25 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,500 lb (680 kg) maximum.

4-70
C-1500 Extended Cab Long Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.42 6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
3.73 7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.42 4,000 lbs. (1 816 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
3.73 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
3.73 8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15 percent to 25 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,500 lb (680 kg) maximum.

4-71
K-1500 Regular Cab Short Box (4WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.42 4,800 lbs. (2 179 kg) 9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
3.73 5,300 lbs. (2 406 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.42 3,800 lbs. (1 725 kg) 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
3.73 4,300 lbs. (1 952 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.73 7,200 lbs. (3 268 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
4.10 8,200 lbs. (3 722 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.73 5,200 lbs. (2 360 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
4.10 6,200 lbs. (2 814 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
5300 V8 3.73 8,200 lbs. (3 722 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
4.10 9,200 lbs. (4 176 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15 percent to 25 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,500 lb (680 kg) maximum.

4-72
K-1500 Extended Cab Short Box (4WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.73 6,800 lbs. (3 087 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
4.10 7,800 lbs. (3 541 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.73 4,800 lbs. (2 268 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
4.10 5,800 lbs. (2 994 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
5300 V8 3.73 7,800 lbs. (3 629 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
4.10 8,800 lbs. (4 082 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
K
-1500 Crew Cab Short Box (4WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
6000 V8 3.73 8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
4.10 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to15 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15 percent to 25 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,500 lb (680 kg) maximum.