Page 409 of 608
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-1500 (2WD)
4800 V83.23
3.734,200 lbs (1 905 kg)
6,200 lbs (2 812 kg)10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5300 V83.42
3.736,200 lbs (2 812 kg)
7,200 lbs (3 266 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5300 V8
(Extended Models)3.73
4.107,100 lbs (3 220 kg)
8,100 lbs (3 674 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
6000 V8
(Extended Models)4.10 8,100 lbs (3 674 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 (4WD)
5300 V83.73
4.106,700 lbs (3 039 kg)
7,700 lbs (3 493 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5300 V8
(Extended Models)3.73
4.107,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
8,000 lbs (3 629 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
6000 V8
(Extended Models)4.10 7,900 lbs (3 583 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
409
Page 410 of 608
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-2500 (2WD)
6000 V8
(Extended Models)3.73
4.107,700 lbs (3 493 kg)
9,700 lbs (4 400 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 (4WD)
6000 V8
(Extended Models)3.73
4.107,500 lbs (3 402 kg)
9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
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 Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
410
Page 411 of 608

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. If you
have a lot of options, equipment, passengers
or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight your vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow.
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 for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight,
up to a maximum of 600 lbs (272 kg) with a
weight carrying hitch. The trailer tongue
weight (A) should be 10 percent to 15 percent
of the total loaded trailer weight, up to a maximum
of 1,000 lbs (453 kg) for the 1500 series and up to a
maximum of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for the 2500 series
with a weight distributing hitch.
411
Page 412 of 608

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.
Trailering may be limited by the vehicle’s ability to
carry tongue weight. Tongue weight cannot
cause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear
Gross Axle Weight Rating). The effect of additional
weight may reduce your trailering capacity more
than the total of the additional weight.Consider the following example:
A vehicle model base weight is
5,500 lbs (2 495 kg); 2,800 lbs (1 270 kg)
at the front axle and 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg) at the
rear axle. It has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg), a
RGAWR of 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) and a GCWR
(Gross Combination Weight Rating) of 14,000 lbs
(6 350 kg). The trailer rating should be:
You can expect tongue weight to be at least
10 percent of trailer weight (850 lbs (386 kg)) and
because the weight is applied well behind the rear
axle, the effect on the rear axle will be greater than
just the weight itself, as much as 1.5 times as
much. The weight at the rear axle could be
850 lbs (386 kg) X 1.5 = 1,275 lbs (578 kg). Since
the rear axle already weighs 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg),
adding 1,275 lbs (578 kg) brings the total to
3,975 lbs (1 803 kg). This is very close to, but within
the limit for RGAWR as well. The vehicle is set to
trailer up to 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg).
412
Page 413 of 608