2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO Owners Manual

4-61
Here is an example of proper truck and camper match:
A. Camper Center of Gravity
B. Recommended Center of Gravity Location Zone
The camper's center of gravity should fall within the
center of gravity zone for your vehicle's cargo load.
You must weigh any accessories or other equipment that
you add to your vehicle. Then, subtract this extra weight
from the CWR. This extra weight may shorten the
center of gravity zone of your vehicle. Your dealer can
help you with this.
If your slide
-in camper and its load weighs less than
the CWR, the center of gravity zone for your vehicle
may be larger.Your dealer can help you make a good vehicle
-camper
match. He'll also help you determine your CWR.
After you've loaded your vehicle and camper, drive to a
weigh station and weigh the front and rear wheels
separately. This will tell you the loads on your axles.
The loads on the front and rear axles shouldn't be more
than either of the GAWRs. The total of the axle loads
should not be more than the GVWR.
Open your driver's door and look at the
Certification/Tire label to find out your GAWR
and GVWR.
If you've gone over your weight ratings, move or take
out some things until all the weight falls below the
ratings. Of course, you should always tie down any
loose items when you load your vehicle or camper.
When you install and load your slide
-in camper, check
the manufacturer's instructions.
If you want more information on curb weights, cargo
weights, Cargo Weight Rating and the correct center of
gravity zone for your vehicle, your dealer can help you.
Just ask for a copy of ªConsumer Information,
Truck
-Camper Loading.º

4-62 Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the CWR for
your vehicle. Weigh your vehicle with the trailer
attached, so that you won't go over the GVWR or
GAWR. If you are using a weight
-distributing hitch,
weigh the vehicle without the equalizer bars in place.
You'll get the best performance if you spread out the
weight of your load the right way, and if you choose the
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information, see ªTrailer Towingº in
the Index.
Camper Wiring Harness
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with a camper wiring
harness, see ªTrailer Wiring Harnessº in the Index for
further information.
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
General Motors is aware that some vehicle owners may
consider having the pickup box removed and a
commercial or recreational body installed. Before you
do so, first contact GM Customer Assistance for
information on such conversions specific to this vehicle.
Owners should be aware that, as manufactured, there are
differences between a chassis cab and a pickup with the
box removed which may affect vehicle safety. The
components necessary to adapt a pickup to permit its
safe use with a specialized body should be installed by a
body builder in accordance with the information
available from GM Customer Assistance. See
ªCustomer Assistanceº in the Index.

4-63
Towing a Trailer
CAUTION:
If you don't use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy,
the brakes may not work well
-- or even at all.
You and your passengers could be seriously
injured. Pull a trailer only if you have followed
all the steps in this section. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by
your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Additional rear axle maintenance is
required for a vehicle used to tow a trailer. See
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for
your vehicle, you should read the information in
ªWeight of the Trailerº that appears later in this section.
If yours was built with trailering options, as many are,
it's ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That's the reason for this part. In it are many
time
-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.

4-64 If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:

There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you'll be driving. A good source for this
information can be state or provincial police.

Consider using a sway control if your trailer will
weigh less than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) for light duty
vehicles, or less than 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg) for heavy
duty vehicles. You should always use a sway control
if your trailer will weigh more than these limits.
You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.

Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and
don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.

If you have an automatic transmission, you can
tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
If you have a manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it's better not to use the highest gear.
See ªTow/Haul Modeº in the Index.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:

the weight of the trailer,

the weight of the trailer tongue

and the weight on your vehicle's tires.

4-65
Tow/Haul Mode (If Equipped)
Tow/haul is a feature on automatic transmission
equipped vehicles that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. The purpose of the
tow/haul mode is to:

Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability
of transmission shifts when pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load.

Provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when the
vehicle is unloaded.

Improve control of vehicle speed while requiring less
throttle pedal activity when pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load.
Automatic transmission equipped vehicles are provided
with a button at the end of the shift lever which when
pressed enables tow/haul. When the button is pressed,
a light on the instrument panel will illuminate to indicate
that tow/haul has been selected. Tow/haul may be turned
off by pressing the button again, at which time the
indicator light on the instrument panel will turn off.
The vehicle will automatically turn off tow/haul every
time it is started.Tow/haul 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 ªWeight of the Trailerº later in the section.
Tow/haul is most useful under the following
driving conditions:

When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
through rolling terrain.

When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in stop and go traffic.

When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in busy parking lots where improved low speed
control of the vehicle is desired.
Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded or
with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no benefit to the selection of tow/haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded
may result in unpleasant engine and transmission
driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Tow/haul is recommended only when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.

4-66 Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
Use one of the following charts to determine how much
your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle model
and options.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.Above the 5,000 lbs. (2 268 kg) trailer rating, the
handling/trailering suspension is required on
C-1500 models and the handling/trailering or off-road
suspension is required on K
-1500 models. The engine
oil cooler is required on C/K
-2500 models with the
VORTEC 6000 engine. Refer to the Trailering Guide for
oil cooler recommendations.
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 your vehicle should
not be exceeded.

4-67
C-1500 Regular Cab Short Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.08 4,600 lbs. (2 088 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
3.42 5,100 lbs. (2 315 kg) 9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.08 3,600 lbs. (1 634 kg) 8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
3.42 4,100 lbs. (1 861 kg) 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.42 6,500 lbs. (2 951 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
3.73 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.42 4,500 lbs. (2 043 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
3.73 5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
3.73 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15 percent to 25 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,500 lb (680 kg) maximum.

4-68
C-1500 Extended Cab Short Box (2WD)*
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.42 4,700 lbs. (2 133 kg) 9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
3.73 5,200 lbs. (2 360 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.42 3,700 lbs. (1 679 kg) 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto) 3.42 6,100 lbs. (2 858 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
3.73 7,100 lbs. (3 223 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual) 3.42 4,200 lbs. (1 906 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
3.73 5,200 lbs. (2 360 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,100 lbs. (3 223 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
3.73 8,100 lbs. (3 677 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
Fifth
-wheel hitch tongue weight 15 percent to 25 percent of hitch pulling weight 1,500 lb (680 kg) maximum.