
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 329
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, 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 TurnsCaution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See
Tow/Haul Mode 0295.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, see Engine Overheating 0382.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
330 Driving and Operating
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0462.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
If the vehicle is bi-fuel, see the
bi-fuel supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See
New Vehicle Break-In 0280.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
332 Driving and Operating
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, and
how frequently the vehicle is used to
pull a trailer. Take into consideration
any special equipment on the
vehicle, and the amount of tongue
weight the vehicle can carry. See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”later
in this section for more information. Trailer weight rating (TWR) for
pickup models is calculated
assuming the tow vehicle has the
driver, a front seat passenger, and
all required trailering equipment.
Weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the trailer weight
rating.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
For kingpin weight and trailer
tongue weight information, see
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later
in this section.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.
Weights listed apply for
conventional trailers and fifth-wheel
trailers unless otherwise noted.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 337
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.73 4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.23 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.42 5 307 kg (11,700 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.42 3 357 kg (7,400 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 948 kg (6,500 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Double Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.73 4 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 445 kg (9,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 672 kg (10,300 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
338 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 713 kg (14,800 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Double Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 3.734 491 kg (9,900 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 532 kg (14,400 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 532 kg (14,400 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Double Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 309 kg (9,500 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 339
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 350 kg (14,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Double Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 354 kg (9,600 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 346 kg (14,100 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 346 kg (14,100 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 3.734 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 581 kg (10,100 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 4.106 577 kg (14,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 445 kg (9,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
340 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.73 4 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Double Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.73
4 218 kg (9,300 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 260 kg (13,800 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 354 kg (9,600 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
6 396 kg (14,100 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 214 kg (13,700 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 341
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
3500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 445 kg (9,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10 6 486 kg (14,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.73 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Double Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 4.106 305 kg (13,900 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.734 082 kg (9,000 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 123 kg (13,500 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)