trailer CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2005 1.G Owner's Manual

The Tire and Loading Information label also shows the
size of the original equipment tires (C) and the
recommended cold tire ination pressures (D). For more
information on tires and ination seeTires on page 5-73
andInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-80.
There is also important loading information on the
vehicle Certication/Tire label. It tells you the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles.
See “Certication/Tire Label” later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.4. The resulting gure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be
ve 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400−750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight
may not safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle. SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-69for
important information on towing a trailer, towing
safety rules and trailering tips.
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Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
General Motors is aware that some vehicle owners may
consider having the pickup box removed and a
commercial or recreational body installed. Before you do
so, rst contact GM Customer Assistance for information
on such conversions specic to this vehicle. Owners
should be aware that, as manufactured, there are
differences between a chassis cab and a pickup with
the box removed which may affect vehicle safety.
The components necessary to adapt a pickup to permit
its safe use with a specialized body should be
installed by a body builder in accordance with the
information available from GM Customer Assistance.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-4.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing, towing your vehicle
will all four wheels on the ground, and dolly towing,
towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”.
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy
Towing” and “Dolly Towing” following.
Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:
What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.
Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you’ll
want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be
towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a Long Trip on
page 4-40.
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5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-37for more
information.
6. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is rmly attached to the tow vehicle.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the CWR for
your vehicle. Weigh your vehicle with the trailer
attached, so that you won’t go over the GVWR or
GAWR. If you are using a weight-distributing hitch,
weigh the vehicle without the spring bars in place.
You’ll get the best performance if you spread out the
weight of your load the right way, and if you choose the
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-69.
Towing a Trailer
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeNew Vehicle
Break-In on page 2-21for more information.
{CAUTION:
If you do not 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.
To identify the vehicle trailering capacity of your vehicle,
you should read the information in “Weight of the
Trailer” that appears later in this section.
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If your vehicle 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 acceleration, braking, 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.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
Notice:Pulling a fth-wheel trailer with a vehicle
that is equipped with the SS trim package could
damage the vehicle. Do not pull a fth-wheel trailer
with a vehicle equipped with the SS trim package.
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. See “Hitches” later
in this section.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 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,
such as 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. SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-48.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer
The weight of the trailer tongue
The weight on your vehicle’s tires
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Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/Haul is a feature on automatic transmission
equipped vehicles that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. Tow/Haul mode adjusts
the transmission’s shift pattern to reduce shift cycling
(rapid up and downshifts/gear hunting), providing
increased performance, vehicle control, and transmission
cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads.
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 “Weight of the Trailer” 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 benet 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.
4-71

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 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.
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.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-1500 Regular Cab Short Box (2WD)*
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.23 4,900 lbs (2 223 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.23 3,800 lbs (1 724 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 855 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.236,300 lbs (2 858 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg)11,000 lbs (4 994 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.234,300 lbs (1 950 kg)
5,300 lbs (2 404 kg)9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 535 kg)
5300 V8 3.237,300 lbs (3 311 kg)
8,300 lbs (3 765 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
* Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-1500 Extended Cab Short Box (2WD)*
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.234,600 lbs (2 087 kg)
5,100 lbs (2 313 kg)9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.23 3,600 lbs (1 633 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 859 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.236,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.234,000 lbs (1 814 kg)
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)9,000 lbs (4 086 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
5300 V8 3.237,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
8,000 lbs (3 629 kg)**12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5300 V8 w/4WS3.73
4.107,600 lbs (3 447 kg)***
8,600 lbs (3 901 kg)***13 000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14 000 lbs (6 350 kg)
* Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
**Maximum 8,000 lbs (3 628 kg) for fth-wheel or gooseneck.
***Maximum 7,500 lbs (3 401 kg) for fth-wheel or gooseneck.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-1500 HD (2WD)*
6000 V83.73
4.108,200 lbs (3 719 kg)
10,200 lbs (4 627 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 w/4WS3.73
4.107,900 lbs (3 583 kg)
9,900 lbs (4 491 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
* Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 2,500 lbs (1 133 kg)
maximum.
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-1500 Crew Cab (2WD)*
5300 V8 3.236,700 lbs (3 039 kg)
7,700 lbs (3 493 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
Fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailering is neither designed nor intended for this vehicle.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-1500 Regular Cab Long Box (2WD)*
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.23 4,800 lbs (2 177 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 313 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.23 3,800 lbs (1 724 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 859 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto)3.23
3.736,200 lbs (2 812 kg)
7,200 lbs (3 266 kg)11,000 lbs (4 994 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual)3.23
3.734,200 lbs (1 905 kg)
5,200 lbs (2 359 kg)9,000 lbs (4 086 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
5300 V83.23
3.737,200 lbs (3 266 kg)
8,200 lbs (3 719 kg)12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
* Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
4-74

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-1500 Extended Cab Long Box (2WD)*
4800 V8 (Auto)3.23
3.735,800 lbs (2 631 kg)
6,800 lbs (3 084 kg)11,000 lbs (4 994 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual)3.23
3.733,800 lbs (1 724 kg)
4,800 lbs (2 177 kg)9,000 lbs (4 086 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
5300 V83.42
3.736,800 lbs (3 084 kg)
7,800 lbs (3 538 kg)12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
* Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 Regular Cab Short Box (4WD)
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.73 5,100 lbs (2 313 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.73 4,100 lbs (1 860 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 086 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto)3.42
3.73
4.107,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
8,000 lbs (3 629 kg)12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual)3.42
3.73
4.105,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
11,000 lbs (4 994 kg)
5300 V83.42
3.73
4.108,000 lbs (3 629 kg)
8,000 lbs (3 629 kg)
9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 356 kg)
* Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
4-75

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 Extended Cab Short Box (4WD)*
4800 V8 (Auto)3.42
3.73
4.106,700 lbs (3 039 kg)
6,700 lbs (3 039 kg)
7,700 lbs (3 493 kg)**12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual)3.42
3.73
4.104,700 lbs (2 132 kg)
4,700 lbs (2 132 kg)
5,700 lbs (2 585 kg)10,000 lbs (4 535 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 535 kg)
11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5300 V83.42
3.73
4.107,700 lbs (3 493 kg)**
7,700 lbs (3 493 kg)**
8,700 lbs (3 946 kg)**13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5300 V8 w/4WS3.42
3.73
4.107,300 lbs (3 311 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg)
8,300 lbs (3 765 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
** Maximum weight 7,700 lbs. (3 492 kg) for fth-wheel or gooseneck.
K-1500 HD (4WD)*
6000 V83.73
4.107,900 lbs (3 583 kg)
9,900 lbs (4 491 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 w/4WS3.73
4.107,600 lbs (3 447 kg)
9,600 lbs (4 354 kg)14,000 lbs (6 356 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 264 kg)
* Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 2,500 lbs (1 133 kg)
maximum.
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