2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO wheel

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-3500 Extended Cab (2WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,800 lbs. (4 445 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel (Manual) 3.73 15,200 lbs. (6 894 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel (Auto) 3.73 16,700 lbs. (7 575 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
C-3500 Crew Cab (2WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 9,600 lbs. (4 354 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,200 lbs. (6 894 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel (Manual) 3.73 15,000 lbs. (6 803 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel (Auto) 3.73 16,500 lbs. (7 484 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 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 Regular Cab (4WD)
6000 V8 Dual
Rear Wheel4.10 9,900 lbs. (4 490 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 Single
Rear Wheel4.10 10,100 lbs. (4 581 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 Dual
Rear Wheel4.10 15,500 lbs. (7 031 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
8100 V8 Single
Rear Wheel4.10 15,700 lbs. (7 121 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Dual Rear
Wheel (Auto)3.73 16,800 lbs. (7 620 kg) 23,500 lbs. (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Dual Rear
Wheel (Manual)3.73 15,300 lbs. (6 940 kg) 23,500 lbs. (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Single
Rear Wheel3.73 15,500 lbs. (7 030 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-3500 Extended Cab (4WD)*
6000 V8 Dual
Rear Wheel4.10 9,500 lbs. (4 309 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 Single
Rear Wheel4.10 9,700 lbs. (4 399 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 Dual
Rear Wheel4.10 15,100 lbs. (6 849 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
8100 V8 Single
Rear Wheel4.10 15,300 lbs. (6 940 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Dual
Rear Wheel (Manual)3.73 14,900 lbs. (6 758 kg) 23,500 lbs. (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Dual
Rear Wheel (Auto)3.73 16,400 lbs. (7 439 kg) 23,500 lbs. (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Single
Rear Wheel3.73 15,200 lbs. (6 894 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 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.
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-3500 Crew Cab (4WD)*
6000 V8 Dual
Rear Wheel4.10 9,300 lbs. (4 218 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
6000 V8 Single
Rear Wheel4.10 9,500 lbs. (4 309 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V8 Dual
Rear Wheel4.10 14,900 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
8100 V8 Single
Rear Wheel4.10 15,100 lbs. (6 849 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Single
Rear Wheel (Auto)3.73 14,900 lbs. (6 759 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Single
Rear Wheel (Manual)3.73 14,900 lbs. (6 759 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Dual
Rear Wheel (Auto)3.73 16,100 lbs. (7 302 kg) 23,500 lbs. (10 659 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Dual
Rear Wheel (Manual)3.73 14,600 lbs. (6 622 kg) 23,500 lbs. (10 659 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.
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Fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 to
25 percent of the trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specied in the trailering chart for your vehicle.
See “Weight of theTrailer”, and “Fifth-Wheel and
Gooseneck Trailering” in this section.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension
that will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight on
the rear axle.
After you have loaded the trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue separately, to see if the weights
are proper. If they are not, you may be able to get them
right by moving some items around in the trailer.Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You’ll nd these numbers on the
Certication label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or
see Loading Your Vehicle for more information. Then
be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
or the GAWR, 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.
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.
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Weight Distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
A:Body to Ground Distance
B:Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must
be adjusted so the distance (A) remains the same both
before and after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.If you use a step-bumper hitch, the bumper could be
damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is ample room
when turning to avoid contact between the trailer and
the bumper.
If you will 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 driving. Always use a sway control if the trailer
will weigh more than these limits. You can ask a
hitch dealer about sway controls.
Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering
Fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers can be used with
many pickup models. These trailers place a larger
percentage of the weight (kingpin weight) on the tow
vehicle than conventional trailers. Make sure this
weight does not cause the vehicle to exceed GAWR
or GVWR.
Fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15 to 25 percent of the trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specied in the trailering chart for your
vehicle. See “Weight of the Trailer” in this section for
more information.
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The hitch should be located in the pickup bed so that
it’s centerline is over or slightly in front of the rear axle.
Take care that it is not so far forward that it will
contact the back of the cab in sharp turns. This is
especially important for short box pickups. Trailer pin
box extensions and sliding fth wheel hitch assemblies
can help this condition. There should be at least six
inches of clearance between the top of the pickup box
and the bottom of the trailer shelf that extends over
the box.
Make sure the hitch is attached to the tow vehicle frame
rails. Do not use the pickup box for support.
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 safety
chains 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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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.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow in
DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the transmission
to lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. SeeTow/Haul Mode
Light on page 3-52.
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