2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO Owners Manual

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-2500 Crew Cab Long Box HD (2WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs. (4 490 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1013,500 lbs. (6 123 kg)**
15,500 lbs. (7 030 kg)20,000 lbs. (9 080 kg)
22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 15,200 lbs. (6 894 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,000 lbs. (1 360 kg) maximum.
** Limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 LD (4WD)*
6000 V83.73
4.108,200 lbs. (3 719 kg)
10,200 lbs. (4 626 kg)14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 2,500 lbs. (1 133 kg) maximum.
** Limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Regular Cab Long Box HD (4WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 10,300 lbs. (4 672 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1013,800 lbs. (6 259 kg)**
15,800 lbs. (7 166 kg)**20,000 lbs. (9 080 kg)
22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 15,700 lbs. (7 121 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,000 lbs. (1 360 kg) maximum.
** Limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Extended Cab Short Box HD (4WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 10,100 lbs. (4 630 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1013,600 lbs. (6 168 kg)**
13,600 lbs. (6 168 kg)**20,000 lbs. (9 080 kg)
22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,000 lbs. (1 360 kg) maximum.
** Limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Extended Cab Long Box HD (4WD)**
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs. (4 494 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1013,400 lbs. (6 078 kg)**
15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)**20,000 lbs. (9 080 kg)
22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 15,300 lbs. (6 939 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
K-2500 Crew Cab Short Box HD (4WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 9,800 lbs. (4 449 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1013,300 lbs. (6 032 kg)**
15,300 lbs. (6 939 kg)20,000 lbs. (9 080 kg)
22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 14,700 lbs. (6 667 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
4* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,000 lbs. (1 360 kg) maximum.
** Limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Crew Cab Long Box HD (4WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,600 lbs. (4 354 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1013,200 lbs. (5 987kg)**
14,700 lbs. (6 667 kg)**20,000 lbs. (9 080 kg)
22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 13,700 lbs. (6 214 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,000 lbs. (1 360 kg) maximum.
** Limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch).
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-3500 Extended Cab (2WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,800 lbs. (4 449 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 15,200 lbs. (6 894 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
C-3500 Crew Cab (2WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 9,500 lbs. (4 309 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,700 lbs. (7 121 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 15,000 lbs. (6 803 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,500 lbs. (1 587 kg) maximum.
** Limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-3500 Regular Cab (4WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs. (4 494 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,500 lbs. (7 030 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 3.73 15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
K-3500 Extended Cab (4WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 9,500 lbs. (4 309 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,100 lbs. (6 849 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 14,900 lbs. (6 758 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,500 lbs. (1 587 kg) maximum.
** Limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-3500 Crew Cab (4WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 9,200 lbs. (4 173 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 14,800 lbs. (6 713 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 14,700 lbs. (6 667 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 988 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,500 lbs. (1 587 kg) maximum.
** Limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
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.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at the address listed in
your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
Booklet.In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communications Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
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Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add
the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. See
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-58for more information about your vehicle's
maximum load capacity.If you're using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10
percent to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer
weight (B). Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for your vehicle.
After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights
are proper. If they aren't, you may be able to get them
right simply by moving some items around in the
trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are in¯ated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You'll ®nd these numbers on the
Certi®cation label at the rear edge of the driver's door or
see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-58. Then be
sure you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue. If you use
a weight distributing hitch, make sure you don't go over
the rear axle limit before you apply the weight
distribution spring bars.
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Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
·If you use a step-bumper hitch, your bumper could
be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure you have
ample room when turning to avoid contact between
the trailer and the bumper.
·If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) be sure to
use a properly mounted, weight-distributing
hitch and sway control of the proper size. This
equipment is very important for proper vehicle
loading and good handling when you're driving.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. 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. Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. If you are towing a trailer up to 5,000 lbs.
(2 271 kg) with a factory-installed step bumper, you
may attach the safety chains to the attaching points on
the bumper. If you are towing a trailer up to your
vehicle's trailer rating limit you may attach the safetychains to the attaching point on the hitch platform. If you
are towing with an aftermarket hitch follow the trailer
or hitch manufacturer's recommendation for attaching
safety chains. Always leave just enough slack so
you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes ± and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system only if:
·The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
·The trailer's brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of ¯uid from your vehicle's
master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems
won't work well. You could even lose your brakes.
If everything checks out this far, make the brake tap at
the port on the master cylinder that sends the ¯uid
to the rear brakes. But don't use copper tubing for this.
If you do, it will bend and ®nally break off. Use steel
brake tubing.
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Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
While towing a trailer or when exposed to long periods
of sunshine, the ¯oor of the truck bed may become
very warm. Avoid putting items in the truck bed
that might be affected by high ambient temperatures.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can
help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when you're
towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal longer,
you'll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle
before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand
to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have
someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
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