trailer CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV 2024 Workshop Manual

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
Driving and Operating 295
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment0301. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer to help to avoid heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
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 that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle. Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so the trailer does not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road signs,
trees, or other objects. Always signal turns
well in advance. Do not steer or brake
suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. Use regenerative
braking to help slow the vehicle or maintain
speed by keeping the vehicle in gear and
limiting the initial battery charge to 80% or
less. Avoid using Regen on Demand. See
Hill
and Mountain Roads 0190.
Viewing Systems
If equipped, the viewing systems on the
vehicle can improve visibility while hitching,
backing up, and driving with a trailer. See
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems 0244.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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296 Driving and Operating
When parking your vehicle and trailer on
a hill:1. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park). Turn the wheels
toward the curb if facing downhill or
toward traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the electric 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.
.Start the vehicle.
.Shift into the desired gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat. Disconnect the trailer wiring before backing
the trailer into the water to prevent damage
to the electrical circuits. Reconnect the
wiring to the trailer after removing the
trailer from the water. If the trailer has
electric brakes that can function when the
trailer is submerged, it might help to leave
the electrical trailer connector attached to
maintain trailer brake functionality while on
the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:
1. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park).
3. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
4. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
5. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
6. Release the brake pedal.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 297
Pulling the Trailer from the Water1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the vehicle and shift into D (Drive) or L (Low).
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0389. It is especially important to
check the cooling system and brake system
before and during each trip. Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, and
durability. 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.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, and how frequently the vehicle
is used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
.Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR)
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch and
Adjustment” underTowing Equipment 0301
to determine if equalizer bars are required
to obtain the maximum trailer weight
rating.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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298 Driving and Operating
See“Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0301 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight 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.
A trailering information label on the center
pillar (B-pillar) shows tow rating information
for the vehicle.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight (GCW) Alert
If equipped, the Gross Combined Weight
(GCW) Alert can display a message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), indicating
that the estimated combined weight of the
vehicle and trailer may exceed the vehicle’s
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR),
under certain circumstances. See "Gross
Combined Weight Rating" later in this
section. The vehicle does not actually
measure the loaded weight of your vehicle
or trailer. It uses vehicle data to estimate
these weights after you begin a trip.
The alert will not activate unless:
.The feature is turned on in the Trailering
application, see Trailering App0310.
.The vehicle-trailer combination is driven
with enough acceleration events for the
software algorithm to estimate the
combined vehicle and trailer weight.
.The estimated weight could exceed the
vehicle maximum GCWR.
If you see the alert message, stop the
vehicle when it is safe and check whether
the vehicle and trailer are overloaded using
a scale. See “Maximum Trailer Weight” later
on in this section.
{Warning
Always determine the actual weights of
the loaded vehicle and trailer using a
vehicle scale before beginning a trip.
Never use the GCW Alert to determine
whether the vehicle and trailer are
properly loaded or overloaded. Do not
drive with an overloaded vehicle or
trailer. Death, serious injury, or property
damage could occur.
GCWR is only one of the maximum weight
ratings applicable to your vehicle and trailer.
The GCW Alert does not estimate whether
the vehicle alone exceeds the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR), the rear-axle weight
exceeds Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR), the trailer exceeds the Maximum
Trailer Weight Rating or the trailer tongue
weight exceeds the Maximum Tongue
Weight Rating. Always verify that the
weight of the vehicle, vehicle contents,
trailer, trailer contents and trailer tongue are
below all of these maximum weight ratings.
See "Maximum Trailer Weight" below.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 299
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any passengers, cargo, equipment,
and accessories. Do not exceed the GCWR
for your vehicle. The GCWR for the vehicle is
on the Trailering Information Label.
To check that the weight of the vehicle and
trailer are within the GCWR for the vehicle,
follow these steps:1. Start with the "curb weight" from the Trailering Information Label.
2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with cargo and ready for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in the vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch hardware such as a draw bar, ball, load equalizer bars,
or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any accessories or aftermarket equipment added to the
vehicle.
The resulting weight cannot exceed the
GCWR value on the Trailering Information
Label. The GCWR can also be confirmed by
weighing the vehicle and trailer on a public
scale. The vehicle and trailer should be
loaded for the trip with passengers and
cargo.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see
Vehicle Load
Limits 0193. When calculating the GVWR
with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
weight the vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle has a
driver, a front seat passenger, and all
required trailering equipment. This value
represents the heaviest trailer the vehicle
can tow, but it may be necessary to reduce
the trailer weight to stay within the GCWR,
GVWR, maximum trailer tongue load,
or GAWR-RR for the vehicle.
Use the Trailering Information Label to
determine how much the trailer can weigh.
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating is
the allowable trailer tongue weight that the
vehicle can support using a conventional
trailer hitch. It may be necessary to reduce
the overall trailer weight to stay within the
maximum trailer tongue weight rating while
still maintaining the correct trailer load
balance.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
300 Driving and Operating
The maximum trailer tongue weight rating
is shown on the Trailering Information Label.
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. See“Trailer Load
Balance” later in this section.
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% of the total 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. The trailer load balance percentage is
calculated as: weight (1) divided by
weight (2) times 100.
After loading the trailer, separately weigh
the trailer and then the trailer tongue and
calculate the trailer load balance percentage
to see if the weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the trailer
weight is too high, it may be possible to
transfer 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.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
Driving and Operating 301
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 exceed the 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.
The GAWR-RR for the vehicle is on the
Trailering Information Label.
For additional assistance with trailering or
additional information, see your dealer.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
{Warning
In order to avoid serious injury or
property damage, always follow the hitch
manufacturer's instructions when securing
your draw bar/coupling device to the
vehicle's hitch receiver.
Ensure that the draw bar/coupling device
is secured with a locking retainer pin or
other means such that rotation of the pin
or locking mechanism will not cause the
pin to back out or loosen during use.
Failure to correctly secure the draw bar/
coupling device to the receiver can result
in separation of the hitch/receiver while
towing.
Conventional Hitch
A conventional hitch is bolted to the frame
or cross member of the tow vehicle, and is
generally rated Class 2, 3, or 4.
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 with 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 between your vehicle and trailer
axles. See
“Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating” underTrailer Towing 0297 for
weight limits with various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to
the 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 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.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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302 Driving and Operating
Vehicle SeriesTrailer Weight Weight-Distributing Hitch Usage Hitch Distribution
EV Truck Up to 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Not Required50%
EV Truck Up to 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Required50%
1. Front of Vehicle
2. H1/H2 Body to Ground Distance
Adjusting the Equalizer Bars
1. Position the truck so that the trailer is ready to connect (Keep trailer detached).
2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening at the fender to the
ground (H1).
3. Attach the vehicle to the trailer. Do not attach weight distribution bars at
this time.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to
the ground (H2). 5. Install and adjust the tension in the
weight distributing bars per the
manufacturer’s recommendations so that
the height of the front fender is
approximately H2- [(H2-H1)/2] (halfway
between the two measured ride heights).
6. Visually inspect the trailer and weight distributing hitch to ensure that the
manufacturer’s recommendations have
been met.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 303
MeasurementHeight Example 1500 (mm)
H1 1000
H2 1050
H2-H1 50
(H2-H1)/2 25
H2- [(H2-H1)/2] 1025
Adjusting the Equalizer Bars with Air
Suspension 1. Adjust the vehicle air suspension to Normal height. See Air Suspension0211.
2. Position the truck so that the trailer is ready to connect. Keep the trailer
detached.
3. Enable Service Mode on the vehicle air suspension in the center infotainment
screen under Settings > Vehicle >
Suspension. 4. Measure the height of the top of the
front wheel opening at the fender to the
ground (H1).
5. Attach the vehicle to the trailer. Do not attach weight distribution bars at
this time.
6. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to
the ground (H2). 7. Install and adjust the tension in the
weight distributing bars per the
manufacturer's recommendations so that
the height of the front fender is
approximately H1+[(H2-H1)/2] (1/2
between the two measured ride heights,
above the primary ride height {H1}).
8. Disable Service Mode on the vehicle air suspension.
9. Air suspension will automatically adjust ride height following Step 8.
10. Visually inspect the trailer and weight-distributing hitch to ensure that
the manufacturer’s recommendations
have been met.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
304 Driving and Operating
MeasurementHeight Example with Air Suspension (mm)
H1 1 000
H2 1 050
H2−H1 50
(H2-H1)/2 25
H2-[(H2-H1)/2] 1 025
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. SeeTires
0 344 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
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 the attaching 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 just enough
slack so the combination can 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, and maintained properly.
{Warning
Never attempt to tamper with the
hydraulic brake system for your trailer
brakes. Do not connect a trailer's
hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you
do, both the vehicle antilock brakes and
the trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.