tow CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2016 3.G Manual PDF

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 329
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 TurnsCaution
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.
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.
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.
See
Tow/Haul Mode 0295.
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 0382.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
330 Driving and Operating
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 0462.
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
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.
See
New Vehicle Break-In 0280.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 331
{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
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may 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 0272 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.
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.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
332 Driving and Operating
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, and
how frequently the vehicle is used to
pull a trailer. Take into consideration
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
pickup models 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.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
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.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 333
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.23 2 722 kg (6,000 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
4.3L V6 (b) 4.10 2 087 kg (4,600 lb) 4 309 kg (9,500 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 3 130 kg (6,900 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 037 kg (8,900 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.23 2 540 kg (5,600 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 903 kg (6,400 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8; 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 5 035 kg (11,100 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 3.73 5 035 kg (11,100 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.23 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.42 5 443 kg (12,000 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.23 2 449 kg (5,400 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
334 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 858 kg (6,300 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8; 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 944 kg (10,900 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 3.73 4 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.23 4 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.42 5 398 kg (11,900 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 4.3L V6 3.23 2 495 kg (5,500 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 903 kg (6,400 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8; 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 3.73 5 035 kg (11,100 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.23 4 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.42 5 443 kg (12,000 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 335
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.23 2 676 kg (5,900 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 3 084 kg (6,800 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 445 kg (9,800 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.42 3 447 kg (7,600 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 994 kg (6,600 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 3 901 kg (8,600 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.42 3 221 kg (7,100 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 812 kg (6,200 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 173 kg (9,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8; 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 3.73 4 944 kg (10,900 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.23 4 173 kg (9,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
336 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.2L V8 3.42 5 352 kg (11,800 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.42 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 767 kg (6,100 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8; 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 853 kg (10,700 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 3.73 4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.23 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.42 5 307 kg (11,700 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 4.3L V6 3.42 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 767 kg (6,100 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8; 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
342 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10 6 214 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73 3 992 kg (8,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 033 kg (13,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
(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 pickup box delete vehicles, choose an appropriate hitch and load the truck and trailer within the limits of
GCWR, GVWR, and RGAWR.
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight (c)GCWR (a)
3500 Series Chassis Cab 2WD/4WD 6.0L V8 3.73 (b) 14 107 kg (31,100 lb)
6.0L V8 4.10 (b) 14 107 kg (31,100 lb)
(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) Maximum Trailer Weight cannot be provided because total vehicle weight is unknown.
(c) Choose an appropriate hitch and load the truck and trailer within the limits of GCWR, GVWR, and RGAWR.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 343
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.