CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 2018 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
300 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (b) GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Double Cab Standard Box 5.3L V8, 6-speed automatic
transmission 3.42
4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Double Cab Standard Box 5.3L V8 - Conventional Trailer 3.424 173 kg (9,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 - Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel 3.42 4 082 kg (9,000 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.734 491 kg (9,900 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.734 445 kg (9,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Double Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 491 kg (9,900 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 532 kg (14,400 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 532 kg (14,400 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.734 445 kg (9,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Driving and Operating 301
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (b) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Double Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.734 354 kg (9,600 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.734 309 kg (9,500 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 350 kg (14,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Double Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 354 kg (9,600 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 396 kg (14,100 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 396 kg (14,100 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
302 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (b) GCWR (a)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 3.73
4 354 kg (9,600 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.73
4 309 kg (9,500 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
6 396 kg (14,100 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Fifth-wheel Trailer 4.10
6 350 kg (14,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Driving and Operating 303
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (b) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 214 kg (13,700 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.73 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 4.106 214 kg (13,700 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.733 992 kg (8,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 033 kg (13,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3600 Series Chassis Cab 2WD/4WD 6.0L V8 3.73(c)7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 4.10(c)9 571 kg (21,100 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
304 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (b) 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) For pickup box delete vehicles, choose an appropriate hitch and load the truck and trailer within the limits of
GCWR, GVWR, and RGAWR.
(c) Maximum Trailer Weight cannot be provided because total vehicle weight is unknown.
A step bumper trailer hitch can only
support a total trailer weight up to
2,271 kg (5,000 lb). If a trailer hitch
ball is added to the step bumper,
check the hitch ball rating to be sure
it is higher than the total trailer
weight.
Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight Rating is the allowable
trailer tongue weight that the vehicle
can support.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Driving and Operating 305
Vehicle Series Hitch TypeMaximum Tongue
Weight
1500 Weight-Carrying or Weight-Distributing 567 kg (1,250 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)
The trailer tongue weight contributes
to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
GVW includes the CURB WEIGHT
of your vehicle, any passengers,
cargo, equipment and the trailer
tongue weight. Vehicle options,
passengers, cargo, and equipment
reduce the maximum allowable
tongue weight the vehicle can carry,
which also reduces the maximum
allowable trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance
must be maintained to ensure trailer
stability. Incorrect load balance is a
leading cause of trailer sway.
The 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). Some specific trailer
types, such as boat trailers, fall
outside of this range. Always refer
to the trailer owner ’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight
for each trailer. Never exceed the
maximum loads for your vehicle,
hitch and trailer.
After loading the trailer, separately
weigh the trailer and then the trailer
tongue to see if the weights are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the
trailer weight is too high, it may be

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
306 Driving and Operating
possible to trasfer some of the
cargo into your vehicle. If the trailer
tongue weight is too high or too low,
it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the
trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for your
vehicle. Use the shortest hitch
extension available to position the
hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of the
trailer tongue weight on the trailer
hitch and the rear axle.
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.
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight
that can be supported by the rear
axle of the vehicle. Do not exceedthe GAWR-RR for the vehicle, with
the tow vehicle and trailer fully
loaded for the trip including the
weight of the trailer tongue. If using
a weight-distributing hitch, do not
exceed the GAWR-RR before
applying the weight distribution
spring bars.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by,
and rough roads can affect the
trailer and the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your
vehicle helps maintain control of the
vehicle-trailer combination. Many
trailers can be towed using a
weight-carrying hitch which has 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 trailertongue weight between your vehicle
and trailer axles. Fifth-wheel and
gooseneck hitches may also be
used. See
“Trailer Tongue Weight”
under Trailer Towing 0298 for
weight limits with various hitch
types.
Avoid sharp turns when using a
step-bumper hitch to prevent
damage. Make wider turns to
prevent contact between your trailer
and your bumper.
Consider using mechanical 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
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.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Driving and Operating 307
Vehicle SeriesTrailer WeightWeight-Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) OptionalRefer to trailer
manufacturer ’s
recommendation
1500 Over 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Required50%
2500/3500 Up to 9 080 kg (20,000 lb) Optional50%
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure the front fender
height above the front axle distance (2) before and after
connecting trailer. Adjust the spring
bars until the front fender height
distance (2) is approximately half
way between the first and second
measurements.
Vehicle Tires
.
Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the
vehicle.
. Tires must be properly inflated to
support loads while towing a
trailer. See Tires0370 for
instructions on proper tire
inflation.
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 - 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
0 298.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
308 Driving and Operating
The hitch should be 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 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
may be used. 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 safety chains
between the vehicle and the trailer.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer 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 theattaching points on the bumper;
otherwise, safety chains should be
attached to holes on the trailer hitch.
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. Always leave enough slack in
the safety chains to allow the
combination to turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 900 kg
(2,000 lb) must be equipped with
brake systems and with brakes for
each axle. Trailer braking equipment
conforming to Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may
require trailers to have their own
braking system if the loaded weight
of the trailer exceeds certain
minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted, andmaintained properly. Never attempt
to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the
vehicle anti-lock brakes and the
trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.
Auxiliary Battery
If equipped, the vehicle's auxiliary
battery can be used to supply
electrical power to additional
equipment that may be added, such
as a slide-in camper.
Locate the auxiliary battery
connector under the hood on the
driver's side of the vehicle, next to
the underhood electrical center.
Follow the proper installation
instructions included with any
electrical equipment that is installed.
Caution
To prevent draining the auxiliary
battery, always turn off electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not use any equipment that
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Driving and Operating 309
Caution (Continued)
may exceed the
maximum amperage rating of
30 amps.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Basic Trailer Wiring
If the vehicle is not equipped with a
trailer connector on the rear bumper,
a 7-wire trailering harness is tied to
the vehicles frame. The harness
requires the installation of a trailer
connector, which is available
through your dealer.
Use only a round, seven-wire
connector with flat blade terminals
meeting SAE J2863 specifications
for proper electrical connectivity.
The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits:Stop/Turn
Signal Left Yellow/Blue
Stop/Turn
Signal Right Green/Brown Tail/Parking
Lamps
Gray/Brown
Reverse Lamps White/Green
Battery Feed Red/Violet
Ground Black
Electric Trailer
Brake Blue
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness
Package
If equipped, the trailer wiring
harness, with a 7-pin connector and
a 4-pin connector, is mounted on
the vehicle's rear bumper.
The trailer connectors contain the
following circuits.
1. Ground
2. Tail Lamps
3. Left Turn/Brake
4. Right Turn/Brake