tow CHEVROLET TAHOE 2021 Repair Manual

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 287
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.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 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.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
288 Driving and Operating
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 0284
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.Hitch Cover
To remove hitch cover, if equipped:
1. Remove the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2).
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover upward to disengage the upper attachments (1). To reinstall hitch cover:
1. Hold cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle and push the upper tabs into the
slots in the bumper.
2. Push the bottom of the cover forward until the lower tabs line up with the
lower slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners forward (1).
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2).
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 Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
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-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
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
thatthe 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-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 291
MeasurementHeight Example 1500 (mm)
H1 1 000
H2 1 060
H2−H1 60
(H2−H1)/3 20
H2−[(H2−H1)/3] 1 040
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
0 341 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.
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

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
292 Driving and Operating
.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.
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 Tow/Haul Mode 0235.
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 0284.
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.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
294 Driving and Operating
TRAILER OUTPUT: This displays anytime a
trailer with electric brakes is connected.
Output to the trailer brakes is based on the
amount of vehicle braking present and
relative to the Trailer Gain setting. Output is
displayed from 0 to 100% for each gain
setting.
The Trailer Output will indicate“- - - - - -”on
the Trailer Brake Display Page whenever the
following occur:
.No trailer is connected.
.A trailer without electric brakes is
connected, no DIC message will display
.A trailer with electric brakes has become
disconnected, a CHECK TRAILER WIRING
message displays on the DIC
.There is a fault present in the wiring to
the trailer brakes, a CHECK TRAILER
WIRING message displays on the DIC
.The ITBC system is not working due to a
fault, a SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM
message displays in the DIC
Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever
Slide this lever right to apply the trailer’s
electric brakes independent of the vehicle’s
brakes. Use this lever to adjust Trailer Gain
to achieve the proper power output to the
trailer brakes. This lever may also be used to request additional trailer braking at any
time. The trailer's and the vehicle's brake
lamps will come on when either vehicle
brakes or manual trailer brakes are applied
and properly connected.
Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure
Trailer Gain should be set for a specific
trailering condition and it must be
readjusted anytime vehicle loading, trailer
loading, or road surface conditions change.
{Warning
Trailer brakes that are over-gained or
under-gained may not stop the vehicle
and the trailer as intended and can result
in a crash. Always follow the instructions
to set the Trailer Gain for the proper
trailer stopping performance.
To adjust Trailer Gain for each towing
condition: 1. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level road surface
representative of the towing condition
and free of traffic at about 32 to
40 km/h (20 to 25 mph) and fully apply
the Manual Trailer Brake apply lever. Note
Adjusting Trailer Gain at speeds lower than
32 to 40 km/h (20 to 25 mph) may result in
an incorrect gain setting.
2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the Trailer Gain adjustment buttons, to just below
the point of trailer wheel lock-up,
indicated by trailer wheel squeal or tire
smoke when a trailer wheel locks.
Note
Trailer wheel lock-up may not occur if
towing a heavily loaded trailer. In this case,
adjust the Trailer Gain to the highest
allowable setting for the towing condition. 3. Readjust Trailer Gain any time vehicle loading, trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change or if trailer wheel
lock-up is noticed at any time while
towing.
Other ITBC-Related DIC Messages
TRAILER CONNECTED: This message will
briefly display when a trailer with electric
brakes is first connected to the vehicle. This
message will automatically turn off in about
10 seconds. This message can be
acknowledged before it automatically
turns off.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 295
CHECK TRAILER WIRING: This message will
display if:
.The ITBC system first determines
connection to a trailer with electric brakes
and then the trailer harness becomes
disconnected the vehicle.
If the disconnect occurs while the vehicle
is stationary, this message will
automatically turn off in about
30 seconds. This message will also turn
off if it is acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
If the disconnect occurs while the vehicle
is moving, this message will continue
until the ignition is turned off. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer harness is
reconnected.
.There is an electrical fault in the wiring to
the trailer brakes. This message will
continue as long as there is an electrical
fault in the trailer wiring. This message
will also turn off if it is acknowledged.
To determine whether the electrical fault is
on the vehicle side or trailer side of the
trailer wiring harness connection: 1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle. 2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition
back to RUN.
4. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message reappears, the electrical fault is on the
vehicle side.
If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message
only reappears when connecting the
trailer wiring harness to the vehicle, the
electrical fault is on the trailer side.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM: This
message will display when there is a
problem with the ITBC system. If this
message continues over multiple ignition
cycles, there is a problem with the ITBC
system. Have the vehicle serviced.
If either the CHECK TRAILER WIRING or
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM message
displays while driving, the ITBC system may
not be fully functional or may not function
at all. When traffic conditions allow,
carefully pull the vehicle over to the side of
the road and turn the ignition off. Check the
wiring connection to the trailer and turn the
ignition back on. If either of these messages
continues, either the vehicle or trailer needs
service. A GM dealer may be able to diagnose and
repair problems with the trailer. However,
any diagnosis and repair of the trailer is not
covered under the vehicle warranty. Contact
your trailer dealer for assistance with trailer
repairs and trailer warranty information.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature. Trailer sway is
unintended side-to-side motion of a trailer
while towing. If the vehicle is towing a
trailer and the TSC detects that sway is
increasing, the vehicle brakes are selectively
applied at each wheel, to help reduce
excessive trailer sway. If equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC)
system, and the trailer has an electric brake
system, StabiliTrak may also apply the
trailer brakes.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
296 Driving and Operating
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak warning light will
flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0242.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment0287 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
Aftermarket Electronic Trailer Sway
Control Devices
Some trailers may come equipped with an
electronic device designed to reduce or
control trailer sway. Aftermarket equipment
manufacturers also offer similar devices that
connect to the wiring between the trailer
and the vehicle. These devices may interfere
with the vehicle’s trailer brake systems or
other systems, including integrated
anti-sway systems, if equipped. Messages
related to trailer connections or trailer
brakes could appear on the DIC. The effects
of these aftermarket devices on vehicle
handling or trailer brake performance is not
known.
{Warning
Use of aftermarket electronic trailer sway
control devices could result in reduced
trailer brake performance, loss of trailer
brakes, or other malfunctions, and result
in a crash. You or others could be
seriously injured or killed. Before using
one of these devices:
.Ask the device or trailer manufacturer
if the device has been thoroughly
tested for compatibility with the
make, model, and year of your vehicle
and any optional equipment installed
on your vehicle.
.Before driving, check the trailer brakes
are working properly, if equipped.
Drive the vehicle with the trailer
attached on a level road surface that
is free of traffic at about 32-40 km/h
(20-25 mph) and fully apply the
manual trailer brake apply lever. Also,
check the trailer brake lamps and
other lamps are functioning correctly.
.If the trailer brakes are not operating
properly at any time, or if a DIC
message indicates problems with the
trailer connections or trailer brakes, (Continued)

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 297
Warning (Continued)
carefully pull the vehicle over to the
side of the road when traffic
conditions allow.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.
If the vehicle is equipped with a trailer tire
pressure monitoring system, see the trailer
tire pressure monitoring system description
and the trailering app.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Trailering App
Trailer Lights App
If equipped, the Trailer Lights App is on the
Home Page of the infotainment display.
Touch Start to cycle the trailer lamps on and
off to determine if they are working. The
test follows this sequence:
1. The running lights turn on first and remain on throughout the sequence.
2. The brake lights turn on for about two seconds.
3. The left turn signal light flashes three times. 4. The right turn signal light flashes three
times.
5. The reverse lights turn on for about two seconds.
6. Steps 2–5 repeat for approximately one minute and 45 seconds, or until the
test deactivates.
Touch Stop to stop the test. The test will
automatically end after one minute and
45 seconds.
The sequence also deactivates when any of
the following occur:
.The ignition is turned off.
.The transmission is shifted out of P (Park).
.The brake pedal is pressed.
.The turn signal is activated.
.The hazard warning lights are activated.
Trailering App
If equipped, the Trailering App is on the
Home Page of the infotainment display.
If equipped this feature allows profiles for
connected trailers to be created to view
status, to store and track trailer usage
information, and to set up towing assistance
features.