2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS PASSANGER Owners Manual

Black plate (51,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-51
Use the following chart to determine how much the vehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle model and options.Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
G1500 Cargo Van 2WD 4.3L V6 3.42 1 950 kg (4,300 lbs) 4 309 kg (9,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 3.42
3.733 039 kg (6,700 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
H1500 Cargo Van AWD 5.3L V8 3.42 2 948 kg (6,500 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
G1500 Passenger Van 2WD
5.3L V8 3.42
3.732 812 kg (6,200 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
H1500 Passenger Van AWD 5.3L V8 3.42
3.732 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase 4.8L V8 3.42 3 357 kg (7,400 lbs) 5 897 kg (13,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 3.42 4 536 kg (10,000 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)

Black plate (52,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
9-52 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase 4.8L V8 3.423 266 kg (7,200 lbs) 5 897 kg (13,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 3.424 536 kg (10,000 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
G2500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase 4.8L V8 3.423 039 kg (6,700 lbs) 5 897 kg (13,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 3.424 445 kg (9,800 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase 4.8L V8 3.423 357 kg (7,400 lbs) 5 897 kg (13,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 3.424 536 kg (10,000 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase 4.8L V8 3.423 221 kg (7,100 lbs) 5 897 kg (13,000 lbs)
6.0L V8 3.424 536 kg (10,000 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)

Black plate (53,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-53
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase 6.0L V8 3.424 400 kg (9,700 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase 6.0L V8 3.424 218 kg (9,300 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
*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 the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
Ask your dealer for our trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
See Customer Assistance Offices
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑5 or
Customer Assistance Offices
(Mexico) on page 13‑6 for more
information.

Black plate (54,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
9-54 Driving and Operating
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
the tongue load must be added to
the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See
Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑11
for more information about the
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 181 kg (400 lbs) 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 454 kg (1,000 lbs) with
a weight distributing hitch.Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
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 loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made 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 the
trailering capacity more than the
total of the additional weight.

Black plate (55,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-55
It is important that the vehicle
does not exceed any of its
ratings—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Maximum Trailer Rating or Tongue
Weight. The only way to be sure it is
not exceeding any of these ratings
is to weigh the vehicle and trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle tires are inflated
to the upper limit for cold tires.
These numbers can be found on the
Certification label at the rear edge of
the driver door, or see Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑11. Make sure not
to go over the GVW limit for the
vehicle, or the GAWR, including the
weight of the trailer tongue. If using
a weight distributing hitch, make
sure not to go over the rear axle
limit before applying the weight
distribution spring bars.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is
needed.
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 a step-bumper hitch will be used,
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 the loaded trailer being pulled
will weigh more than 2 270 kg
(5,000 lbs), 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. Ask a hitch dealer about
sway controls.
Will any holes need to be made in
the body of the vehicle when a
trailer hitch is installed?

Black plate (56,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
9-56 Driving and Operating
If using the wiring provided with the
factory-installed trailering package,
no holes need to be made in the
body of the vehicle. However, if an
aftermarket hitch is installed, holes
may need to be made in the body.
If holes are made in the body, then
be sure to seal the holes later when
the hitch is removed. If the holes are
not sealed, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) from the engine's exhaust can
get into the vehicle as well as dirt
and water. See“Carbon Monoxide”
under Engine Exhaust on
page 9‑24.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the 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.
Always leave just enough slack so
the rig can turn. Never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 680 kg (1,500 lbs) needs to
have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted and
maintained properly.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The optional heavy-duty trailer
wiring package includes a wiring
harness, with a seven-pin connector
at the rear of the vehicle and a
four-wire harness assembly under
the driver side of the instrument
panel. The four-wire harness
assembly comes without a
connector.
If the vehicle does not have a trailer
hitch, the seven-wire harness
assembly with connector is taped
together and located in a frame
pocket at the driver side rear left
corner of the frame. If the vehicle has a trailer hitch, the
seven-wire harness assembly with
connector is attached to a bracket
on the hitch platform. In both cases,
the seven-wire harness has a
connector and includes a 30-amp
feed wire.
The seven-wire harness connector
contains the following trailer circuits:
.Light Green: Back-up Lamps
(10A fuse)**
.White: Ground
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal
.Dark Green: Right Rear Stop
and Turn Signal*
.Red/Black Stripe: Battery Feed
(30A Fuse)
.Brown: Trailer Park Lamp
Supply Voltage (15A fuse)**
.Yellow: Left Rear Stop and Turn
Signal *

Black plate (57,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-57
The four-wire harness (without
connector) contains the following
circuits:
.Black: Ground
.Red/White: Battery Feed
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal
.Light Blue: CHMSL/Stoplamp
Supply Voltage
* If the vehicle is a cutaway with
trailer provisions, a 15 amp fuse will
be shared for both left/stop trailer
turn and right/stop trailer turn
signals. However, the cutaway
lighting connector will have a
10 amp fuse for each signal.
** If the vehicle is a cutaway with
trailer provisions, a 15 amp fuse will
be shared for trailer park lamps and
cutaway rear lighting connector park
lamps. Also, a 10 amp fuse will be
shared for trailer back-up lamps and
cutaway rear lighting connector
back-up lamps.
Tow/Haul Mode
This button is on the instrument
panel, to the right of the steering
wheel.
Pressing this button turns on and off
the Tow/Haul Mode.
This indicator light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on when the
Tow/Haul Mode is on.
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load. See Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9‑32 for more
information. Tow/Haul is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75 percent of the vehicle Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See
“Weight of the Trailer” inTrailer
Towing on page 9‑50. 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.

Black plate (58,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
9-58 Driving and Operating
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.Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything
electrical to the vehicle unless
you check with your dealer first.
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle and the
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Some
add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from
working as they should. Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12‐volt battery, even if
the vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑35
andAdding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑35.