2016 TRAILERING GUIDE
2016 TRAILERING GUIDETABLE OF CONTENTS02 SELECTING A VEHICLE/MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS03 VEHICLES AND HITCHES04 TRAILERING BASICS05 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRAILERING06 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU START TRAILERING11 SILVERADO HD FIFTH-WHEEL/GOOSENECK TRAILERWEIGHT RATINGS12 COLORADO, TAHOE, SUBURBAN, TRAVERSE AND EQUINOXTRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS13 BOX DELETE, CHASSIS CAB AND EXPRESS CUTAWAY GROSSCOMBINATION WEIGHT RATINGS08 TRAILERING TECHNOLOGIES14 EXPRESS PASSENGER VAN AND EXPRESS CARGO VANTRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS09 SILVERADO CONVENTIONAL TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS15 DINGHY TOWING10 SILVERADO HD CONVENTIONAL TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS16 CLOSING REMARKSCH-CAT-GEN-TRBRND1333 MY16 US Trailering Guide.indd 16/8/16 10:35 AM
02 SELECTING A VEHICLE/MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS (LBS.)1The chart below gives you an idea of the maximum amount of weight you can confidently and safely trailer with different Chevrolet models when your vehicle is properly equipped.When determining the total weight of trailer and cargo, include the weight of any additional passengers and optional equipment (driver weight and base equipment are already xpress 2500 Passenger Van9,800Express 3500 Passenger Van10,000Express 2500/3500 Cargo Van10,000Silverado 02,0001,0000See pages 09–15 for maximum trailer weight ratings by specific model.12,000Silverado 2500HDSilverado 3500HD18,00023,2001 Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.CH-CAT-GEN-TRBRND1333 MY16 US Trailering Guide.indd 26/8/16 10:35 AM
03 VEHICLES AND HITCHESHitch Ball on Step-BumperFifth-Wheel HitchHitch Ball on Draw BarGooseneck HitchWeight-Distributing Hitch with Sway ControlSELECTING THE RIGHT HITCH Choosing the right hitch andgooseneck hitches are most frequently used with traveltrailering application. The weight of any additional equipmentmaking the proper electrical connections affects how yourtrailers, horse trailers and other large trailers.and all passengers other than the driver must be subtractedfrom the payload weight to determine the maximum kingpinvehicle handles, corners and brakes, and allows you to alertother drivers of your intentions. Before selecting a hitch orHITCHES It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.load availabletrailering package, you should be familiar with the weightratings specific to your Chevrolet vehicle, which are detailed onpages 09–13. If you’ll be towing a trailer that requires a weight- distributingWIRING HARNESS This allows you to connect the electricalhitch, be sure to use a frame-mounted, weight-distributingcomponents of your trailer, such as turn signals and brakehitch1 and sway control of the proper sizelights, to the trailering vehicle. Select Silverado models and allSELECTING TRAILERING EQUIPMENT Most Chevrolet vehiclesoffer a variety of standard and available equipment forSuburban and Tahoe models feature a seven-pin wiring harness If you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicleto streamline hookup of trailer lighting and brakes, and aenhanced trailering performance. Aside from the equipmentto install a trailer hitch, be sure to seal the holes if youbussed electrical center makes it easier to connect thedescribed below, features such as heavy-duty cooling andever remove the hitch. If they’re not sealed, dirt, waterintegrated trailer brake controller.extendable trailering mirrors may be available. See yourand deadly carbon monoxide from the exhaust can getChevrolet dealer for more information on the model you’reinto your vehicleweight on Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban, and above a 1,000-lb.interested in.WEIGHT-CARRYING HITCH This consists of a hitch ball mountedFIFTH-WHEEL TRAILERING Some Silverado models can betrailer weight on all other models. (Brake requirements vary byequipped with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer hitch.State, consult State laws for actual requirements.) The mostcommon trailer braking systems are surge brakes (foundto a step-bumper or draw bar. Hitch balls are available in arange of sizes. Make sure that the diameter of your hitch ballTRAILER BRAKES These are required above a 2,000-lb. trailer F ollow the manufacturer’s directions for installation, but noteprimarily on boat trailers) and electric brakes (often used onmatches your trailer coupler. Also check that the ball meets orthat the hitch must be attached to the truck frame. Do not usetravel trailers, horse trailers and car haulers). Surge brakes areexceeds the gross trailer weight rating.the pickup bed for additional support. For proper kingpina self-contained hydraulic brake system on the trailer,tongue load distribution and control of the trailer, the hitchactivated during deceleration as the trailer coupler pushes onWEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH This hitch type distributes themust be mounted so the kingpin load is placed (over or slightly)the hitch ball. An electric trailer brake system uses a braketrailer tongue load by using spring bars to shift some of theahead of the rear axle centerlinecontrol unit mounted inside the trailering vehicle; it operates bysensing the vehicle brakes and then applying the trailer brakes.hitch weight forward onto the tow vehicle’s front axle andrearward to the trailer’s axles.FIFTH-WHEEL HITCH AND GOOSENECK HITCH These are Fifth-wheel trailer kingpin loads are higher than conventionaltrailer tongue loads, so pay careful attention to the truck’sSILVERADO SERIES In general, a higher series number in apayload capacity and rear axle weight ratingsmodel indicates a greater load-carrying capacity. In addition, atruck with a higher series number typically has a strongerdesigned for heavy trailering. Located in the bed of the truck,these hitches position the trailer’s kingpin weight over, orslightly in front of, the truck’s rear axle. Fifth-wheel and Your Chevrolet dealer can help you calculate the maximumallowable payload and GVWR required for your fifth-wheelframe, stiffer suspension and higher-capacity brakes,increasing the truck’s ability to trailer heavy loads.1 Not required on Silverado 2500HD or 3500HD.CH-CAT-GEN-TRBRND1333 MY16 US Trailering Guide.indd 36/8/16 10:35 AM
04 TRAILERING BASICSTowing a trailer involves all major vehicle systems of yourRGAWR AND GVWR Addition of trailer hitch weight cannotAXLE RATIO In general, a higher axle ratio offers higher TrailerChevrolet vehicle. Easy and safe trailering requires a properlycause vehicle weights to exceed Rear Gross Axle Weight RatingWeight Ratings, quicker acceleration and less fuel efficiency.equipped vehicle, additional trailering equipment and an(RGAWR) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). These ratingsA lower axle ratio offers more fuel efficiency and quieter vehicleappropriate trailer. It also requires loading both the vehicle andcan be found on the certification label located on the driver dooroperation but will have slower acceleration and lower Trailertrailer properly, using safe driving techniques, meeting regionalor doorframe.Weight Ratings.legal requirements, and following break-in and maintenanceschedules. The vehicle owner is responsible for obtaining theGCWR The Gross Combination Weight Rating is the totalNOTE The safety steps described here are by no means the onlyproper equipment (hitch ball, hitch type of the proper size andallowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer.precautions to be taken when trailering. See the Owner’scapacity) required to safely tow both the trailer and the loadManual for your Chevrolet vehicle for additional guidelines andthat will be towed. For more information, consult your Owner’sTRAILER WEIGHT RATING This rating is determined byManual or speak to a trailering expert at your Chevrolet dealer.subtracting the tow vehicle’s weight (curb weight) from theThese charts will assist in determining how to best equip yourGross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). Base vehicle (curb)TRAILERING CAUTION If you don’t use the correct equipmentChevrolet vehicle for trailering. To help you understand theweight plus driver is used, so additional passengers, equipmentand drive properly, you can lose control of your vehicle whencharts, consider these trailering factors:and cargo weight reduce this rating.you pull a trailer. If the trailer is too heavy, your vehicle brakestrailering tips.may be less effective. You and your passengers could beseriously injured. Pull a trailer only after you have read theinformation in this guide and followed the steps on thefollowing pages.TRAILER CLASSIFICATIONTYPICAL EXAMPLESTYPICAL GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT EXAMPLESTYPICAL HITCH TYPE1Light-Duty (I)Folding camping trailer, snowmobiles and personal watercraft trailers (trailer and cargo combined)Up to 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weightWeight-carrying hitchMedium-Duty (II)Single-axle trailers up to 18 ft., open utility trailers and small speedboats2,001–3,500 lbs. gross trailer weightWeight-carrying hitchHeavy-Duty (III)Dual- or single-axle trailers, larger boats and enclosed utility trailers3,501–5,000 lbs. gross trailer weightWeight-carrying hitch2 or weight-distributing hitchExtra Heavy-Duty (IV)Two-horse, travel and fifth-wheel recreational trailers5,001–10,000 lbs. gross trailer weightWeight-carrying hitch,2 weight-distributing hitch,2 fifth-wheel hitch orgooseneck hitchMaximum Heavy-Duty (V)Largest horse, travel and fifth-wheel recreational or commercial trailers10,001 lbs.-and-above gross trailer weightWeight-carrying hitch,2 weight-distributing hitch,2 fifth-wheel hitch orgooseneck hitch1 Represents minimum recommended hitches. Please refer to your trailer’s Owner’s Manual or ask your Chevrolet dealer. 2 Not required on Silverado 2500HD or 3500HD.CH-CAT-GEN-TRBRND1333 MY16 US Trailering Guide.indd 46/8/16 10:35 AM
05 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRAILERINGThe information below is intended to give you someBecause the trailer weight rating is calculated for a line ofThe tongue weight for your trailer is the downward force ofdetails about the trailer ratings on your vehicle and avehicles, rather than an individual load situation, somethe coupler of the trailer on the vehicle hitch. You can calculateway to ensure that the vehicle you use can handle thestandardized assumptions are made when calculating thethe tongue weight by placing the tongue of the trailer on anload you want to pull.trailer weight rating. First, the base curb weight of that typeappropriate scale. For conventional trailering, the tongueof vehicle is used (the weight of a standard equipped vehicleweight should be 10% to 15% of the loaded trailer weight. ForTRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS AND GROSS COMBINATIONwithout any options). Second, it is assumed that there is onlyfifth-wheel/gooseneck trailering, the tongue weight shouldWEIGHT RATINGS Chevrolet engineers perform extensivea driver and also a front passenger each weighing 150 lbs.be a minimum of 15% of the loaded trailer weight.testing of acceleration, handling, braking, and thermal andThird, it is assumed there is a certain tongue weight for thestructural performance to determine the Gross Combinationload (a tongue weight is the weight of only the tongue of theThe GVWR is the maximum amount the vehicle itself shouldWeight Rating (GCWR) and the trailer weight rating for yourloaded trailer). For conventional trailering, a tongue weightweigh, including the as-equipped weight of the vehicle plus thevehicle. The GCWR is the total allowable weight of thethat is 10% of the loaded trailer weight is used. For fifth-wheel/cargo, passengers and trailer tongue weight. Put another way,completely loaded vehicle and trailer including anygooseneck trailering, a tongue weight that is a minimum of 15%the GVWR should always be greater than or equal to the weightpassengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. You shouldof the loaded trailer weight is used.of your vehicle, passengers, cargo and tongue weight.not exceed the GCWR of your vehicle when you tow a trailer.HOW TO KEEP YOUR LOAD WITHIN THE CAPABILITIES OFChevrolet also calculates and publishes a trailer weight ratingYOUR VEHICLE It is important that the combination of thefor each model or series of Chevrolet vehicles for comparisontow vehicle and trailer does not exceed any of its weightpurposes. The trailer weight rating is not specific to anratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, trailer weight rating orindividual vehicle and is most useful for comparing producttongue weight. The only way to be sure to not exceed anylines to one another to help you select a product that will meetof these ratings is to weigh the tow vehicle and traileryour needs. When you buy a vehicle, you should ensure thatcombination, fully loaded for the trip, getting individualthe total load (including passengers, cargo and equipment)weights for each of these items. You can then subtract theyou intend to pull with it will be less than the trailer weightweight of your vehicle from the GCWR. The differencerating of the vehicle.between the two is the capacity you have available for yourcargo, passengers, trailer, load and any other equipment youmight use to set up your trailer. Put another way, your GCWRshould always be greater than or equal to the weight of yourvehicle, passengers, cargo, trailer (with equipment) and load.CH-CAT-GEN-TRBRND1333 MY16 US Trailering Guide.indd 56/8/16 10:35 AM
06 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU START TRAILERINGBEFORE YOU TRAILERdetermining a safe following distance is to allow one vehicle andturns. Taking turns sharply can also cause the trailer to striketrailer length between you and the vehicle ahead of you foragainst and damage the tow vehicle. When approaching a sharpSAFETY CHAINS Always attach safety chains between y
Colorado Suburban Tahoe Express 2500 Passenger Van Express 3500 Passenger Van Express 2500/3500 Cargo Van Silverado 1500 Silverado 2500HD Silverado 3500HD The chart below gives you an idea of the maximum amount of weight you can confidently and safely trailer with different Chevrolet models when your vehicle is properly equipped. When determining the total weight of trailer and cargo, include .
2014 chevrolet trAIlerING GUIDe Table of con TenTs 02 SELECTING A VEHICLE/MAxIMuM TrAILEr WEIGHT rATINGS 03 VEHICLES AND HITCHES 04 TrAILErING BASICS 05 IMporTANT INforMATIoN ABouT TrAILErING 06 THINGS You SHouLD KNoW BEforE You STArT TrAILErING 08 TrAILErING TECHNoLoGIES 09 SILVErADo CoNVENTIoNAL TrAI
7 SIERRA LD TRAILERING 1Sierra’s 12,200-lb rating requires Sierra SLT Double Cab 4WD model with available 6.2L V8 engine and Max Trailering Package.Sierra’s 12,100-lb rating requires Sierra SLT Crew Cab Short Box 4WD model with available 6.2L V8 engine and Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual.
VEHICLES AND HITCHES 3 Receiver Hitch Hitch Ball on Step-Bumper Weight-Distributing Hitch with Sway Control Fifth-Wheel Hitch Gooseneck Hitch 1 Not required on Silverado 2500 HD or 3500 HD. Selecting Trailering Equipment Most Chevrolet vehicles offer a variety of standard and available equipment for enhanced trailering performance.
Express 2500/3500 Passenger Van Express 2500/3500 Cargo Van Silverado 1500 Silverado 2500HD . 1 Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. 3,500 5,000 8,600 9,600
of the entire GMC lineup, including Canyon, Sierra, Sierra HD, Acadia, Terrain and Savana. TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 _ SELECTING A VEHICLE 5 _ VEHICLES AND HITCHES 7 _ POWER AND PERFORMANCE 9 _ TRAILERING TERMS 10 _ DRIVE TYPES 11 _ TRAILERING ON THE ROAD 12 _ DI
18,400 lbs requires Yukon Denali Short Wheelbase 2WD model with 6.2L V-8. 8,500 lbs requires Yukon Short Wheelbase 2WD model with 5.3L V-8 and Heavy-Duty Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual.
3674 kg (8100 lb.) requires Yukon Denali Short Wheelbase with 6.2L V8. 3856 kg (8500 lb.) requires Yukon Short Wheelbase 4x2 model with 5.3L V8 and Heavy-Duty Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual.
2011 gMC trailering guide 3 MaxiMuM trailer Weight ratings by Model (lbs.) 0 5000 10,000 15,000 20,000 Yukon XL 9600 Yukon 8500 Sierra 2500HD 17,800 13,000 Sierra 1500 10,600 10,700 Yukon XL Denali 7900 Yukon Denali 8300 Acadia 5200 Canyon 6000 Terrain 3500 Savana 1500 Cargo 6800 Savana 2
