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The following charts show how much your trailer can weigh, based upon vehicle model and options.
G1500 Cargo Van 2WD Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
4300 V6 3.73 4,400 lbs (1 996 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
5300 V8 3.73 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
H1500 Cargo Van AWD Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
5300 V8 3.73 6,500 lbs (2 948 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
G1500 Passenger
Van 2WDAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
5300 V8 3.73 6,300 lbs (2 858 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
H1500 Passenger
Van AWDAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
5300 V8 3.73 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD
Short WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
4800 V83.73
4.106,400 lbs (2 903 kg)
7,400 lbs (3 357 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6000 V83.73
4.108,400 lbs (3 810 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
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G2500 Cargo Van 2WD
Long WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
4800 V83.73
4.106,100 lbs (2 767 kg)
7,100 lbs (3 220 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6000 V83.73
4.108,200 lbs (3 719 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
G2500 Passenger Van
2WD Short WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
6000 V8 3.73 7,700 lbs (3 493 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD
Short WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
4800 V83.73
4.106,300 lbs (2 858 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 k3)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6000 V83.73
4.108,400 lbs (3 810 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
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G3500 Cargo Van 2WD
Long WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
4800 V83.73
4.106,100 lbs (2 767 kg)
7,100 lbs (3 221 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6000 V83.73
4.108,200 lbs (3 719 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
G3500 Passenger Van
2WD Short WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
6000 V8 3.73 7,600 lbs (3 447 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
G3500 Passenger Van
2WD Long WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
6000 V8 3.73 7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
*The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the
total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any passengers, cargo equipment
and conversion. The GCWR for your vehicle should not
be exceeded.Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information
or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance
Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-5
for more information.
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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. 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. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-20
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 (B), up to a
maximum of 400 lbs (181 kg) with a weight carrying
hitch. The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B), up
to a maximum of 1,000 lbs (454 kg) with a weight
distributing hitch.
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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’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.
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).
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But let’s say your specific vehicle is equipped with some
of the latest options and you have a front seat passenger
and two rear seat passengers with some luggage and
gear in the vehicle as well. You may add 300 lbs (136 kg)
to the front axle weight and 400 lbs (181 kg) to the rear
axle weight. Your vehicle now weighs:
Weight is still below 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) and you may
think that you should subtract 700 additional pounds
(318 kg) from your trailering capacity to stay within
GCWR limits. Your maximum trailer would only be
7,800 lbs (3 538 kg). You may go further and think you
must limit tongue weight to less than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) to
avoid exceeding GVWR. But, you must still consider the
effect on the rear axle. Because your rear axle now
weighs 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg), you can only put 900 lbs
(408 kg) on the rear axle without exceeding RGAWR.The effect of tongue weight is about 1.5 times the actual
weight. Dividing the 900 lbs (408 kg) by 1.5 leaves you
with being able to handle only 600 lbs (272 kg) of tongue
weight. Since tongue weight is usually at least 10 percent
of total loaded trailer weight, you can expect that the
largest trailer your vehicle can properly handle is
6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).
It is important that you make sure your vehicle does not
exceed any of its ratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Maximum Trailer Rating or Tongue Weight. The
only way to be sure you are not exceeding any of
these ratings is to weigh your vehicle and trailer.
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Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on
the Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s
door or seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-20. 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.
The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended
for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
Weight-Distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must be
adjusted so that the distance (A) remains the same both
before and after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.
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.(A) Body to Ground Distance, (B) Front of Vehicle
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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. You should always use a sway
control if your trailer will weigh more than these limits.
You can ask a hitch dealer/retailer about sway controls.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you’re using the wiring provided with the
factory-installed trailering package, you should not
need to make any holes in the body of your vehicle.
However, if you have an aftermarket hitch installed,
you may need to make holes in the body.
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into
your vehicle as well as dirt and water. See “Carbon
Monoxide” underEngine Exhaust on page 2-30.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. Follow
the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. 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 1,000 lbs (450 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.
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak
®, your trailer brake
system cannot tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake
system.
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