tow CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2022 Repair Manual

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-15555985) - 2022 - CRC - 12/3/21
282 Driving and Operating
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will 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 and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle 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.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, 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, seeEngine
Overheating 0322.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
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, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
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.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a 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.
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating 283
Warning (Continued)
.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 wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits on the
trailer. 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. If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle. 5. Gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear.
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.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.
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 0390. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0322.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-15555985) - 2022 - CRC - 12/3/21
284 Driving and Operating
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, 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.
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:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.GAWR-RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch and
Adjustment” underTowing Equipment 0287
to determine if equalizer bars are required
to obtain the maximum trailer weight
rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0287 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 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 Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 285
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 gross combined weight 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 0214. 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 Tow Rating Guide
(my.chevrolet.com/learn) to determine how
much the trailer can weigh, based on the
vehicle model and options.
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 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 Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-15555985) - 2022 - CRC - 12/3/21
Driving and Operating 287
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 after
applying the weight distribution spring bars.
The GAWR-RR for the vehicle is on the
Trailering Information Label.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.
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 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 trailer
tongue weight between your vehicle and
trailer axles. See
“Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight Rating” underTrailer Towing 0283
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.

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Driving and Operating 289
Trailer WeightWeight-Distributing Hitch Usage Hitch Distribution
Up to 2 720 kg (6,000 lb) Not Required50%
Over 2 720 kg (6,000 lb) Required50%
1. Front of Vehicle
2. H1/H2 Body to Ground Distance
Towing
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
manufacturers’ recommendations so that
the height of the front fender is
approximately H2- [(H2-H1)/2] (half way
between the two measured ride heights).
6. Visually inspect the trailer and weight distributing hitch to ensure that the
manufacturers’ recommendations have
been met.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-15555985) - 2022 - CRC - 12/3/21
290 Driving and Operating
MeasurementHeight Example 1500 (mm)
H1 1000
H2 1050
H2-H1 50
(H2-H1)/2 25
H2- [(H2-H1)/2] 1025
Towing with the Four Corner Air Suspension
System 1. Adjust the vehicle air suspension to "Normal Ground Clearance Height."
2. Position the truck so that the trailer is ready to connect (Keep trailer detached).
3. Enable air suspension ‘Service Mode’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
manufacturers’ recommendations so that
the height of the front fender is
approximately H2- [(H2-H1)/3] (1/3
between the two measured ride heights,
below the secondary ride height {H2}). 8. Disable air suspension air suspension
"Service Mode."
9. Air suspension will automatically adjust ride height following step 8.
10. Visually inspect the trailer and weight-distributing hitch to ensure that
the manufacturers’ recommendations
have been met.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-15555985) - 2022 - CRC - 12/3/21
Driving and Operating 291
MeasurementHeight Example 1500 (mm)
H1 1 000
H2 1 060
H2−H1 60
(H2−H1)/3 20
H1+[(H2−H1)/3] 1 020
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
0 343 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform.
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. 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.Trailer Wiring Harness
The seven-pin trailer connector is mounted
in the bumper. This connector can be
plugged into a seven-pin universal
heavy-duty trailer connector available
through your dealer.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-15555985) - 2022 - CRC - 12/3/21
292 Driving and Operating
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:
.Yellow/Grey: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Green/Violet: Right Stop/Turn Signal
.Grey/Brown: Taillamps
.White: Ground
.White/Green: Back-up Lamps
.Red/Green: Battery Feed
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
To help charge a remote (non-vehicle)
battery change drive mode to Tow Haul.
If the trailer is too light for Tow/Haul Mode,
turn on the headlamps to help charge the
battery.
Electric Brake Control Wiring Provisions
These wiring provisions are included with
the vehicle as part of the trailer wiring
package. These provisions are for an electric
brake controller.
The harness should be installed by your
dealer or a qualified service center. Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer brake
controller owner's manual to determine wire
color coding of the electric trailer brake
controller. The wire colors on the brake
controller may be different from the vehicle.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
If equipped, the Trailering App will monitor
the RH turn/brake lamp circuit, LH turn/
brake lamp circuit, running lamp circuit, and
reverse lamp circuits on the trailer. DIC
messages and Trailering App alerts may be
displayed if lighting circuit issues are
detected on the trailer.
Pressing START LIGHT TEST in the Trailering
App automatically activates trailer lamps.
The Trailering App is not a substitute for
manually inspecting your trailer lamps. See
Trailering App
0298.
Trailer Connection and Lamp Messages
When a trailer is properly connected and
working, no trailer connection or lamp
messages appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC). However; if the vehicle detects
an issue with a trailer connection or lamp,
you may see the following DIC message(s):
.TRAILER DISCONNECTED CHECK
CONNECTION appears when a connected
trailer is disconnected. It appears
immediately when the vehicle is on,
or upon the next start-up if the trailer
was disconnected while the vehicle was
off. Check the trailer connection as
appropriate.
.CHECK TRAILER XXX LAMP appears when
there is a detected lamp or wiring fault
on the trailer. Check the trailer wiring and
lamps.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals should will illuminate to indicate the
vehicle is turning, changing lanes,
or stopping. When towing a trailer, the
arrows on the instrument cluster will
illuminate even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
mode, see
Driver Mode Control 0236.

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Driving and Operating 293
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.
Tow/Haul Mode 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“Maximum Trailer Weight”
under Trailer Towing 0283.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when towing
a heavy trailer or carrying a large or
heavy load:
.through rolling terrain
.in stop-and-go traffic
.in busy parking lots
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Integrated Trailer Brake Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system for use with
electric trailer brakes or most electric over
hydraulic trailer brake systems. These
instructions apply to both types of electric
trailer brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake Control
Panel on vehicles with an ITBC system. The
power output to the trailer brakes is
proportional to the amount of vehicle
braking. This available power output to the
trailer brakes can be adjusted to a wide
range of trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with the
vehicle’s brake, anti-lock brake, and
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
systems. In trailering conditions that cause
the vehicle’s anti-lock brake or StabiliTrak/
ESC systems to activate, power sent to the
trailer's brakes will be automatically
adjusted to minimize trailer wheel lock-up.
This does not imply that the trailer has
StabiliTrak/ESC. If the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock brake,
or StabiliTrak/ESC systems are not
functioning properly, the ITBC system may
not function fully or at all. Make sure all of
these systems are fully operational to allow
the ITBC system to function properly.
The ITBC system is powered through the
vehicle's electrical system. Turning the
ignition off will also turn off the ITBC
system. The ITBC system is fully functional
only when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an air brake
system may result in reduced or
complete loss of trailer braking, including
increased stopping distance or trailer
instability which could result in serious
injury, death, or property damage. Only
use the ITBC system with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer brake
systems.