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Driving and Operating 191
Warning (Continued)
And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You
or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine
running unless you have to.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is firmly set before
you leave it. After you move the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you
can move the shift lever away from
P (Park) without first pulling it toward
you. If you can, it means that the
shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift the transmission into
P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on
the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called torque lock. To
prevent torque lock, set the parking
brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver
seat. To find out how, see
Shifting
Into Park 0190.
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transmission. You will then be
able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is
designed to:
. Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park). .
Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN and the
regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0326.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park): 1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift lever all
the way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
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Driving and Operating 231
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.
SeeNew Vehicle Break-In 0184 for
more information.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well or even at all. The driver and
passengers could be seriously
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer
only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the
vehicle.
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0176 for
more information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity. To identify the trailering capacity of
the vehicle, read the information in
“Weight of the Trailer”
later in this
section.
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used.
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, and how much
the vehicle is used to pull a trailer
are all important. It can depend on
any special equipment on the
vehicle, and the amount of tongue
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232 Driving and Operating
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.
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VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box 5.3L V8 3.424 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 5.3L V8 3.424 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 5.3L V8 3.424 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 5.3L V8 3.424 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 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 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 309 kg (9,500 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
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VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 350 kg (14,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3500 Series 2WD Crew 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)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 354 kg (9,700 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 4.106 396 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)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 3.734 264 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 Crew Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.734 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10
5 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
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VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.733 992 kg (8,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.106 033 kg (13,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
(a) 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 the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
(b) This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is
very important because it is also
part of the vehicle weight. 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 as well as trailer tongue
weight. Vehicle options, equipment,
passengers and cargo in the vehicle
reduce the amount of tongue weight
the vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight the vehicle
can tow.
Trailer tongue weight (1) should be
10–15% and fifth-wheel or
gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15–25% of the loaded trailer
weight (2) up to the maximums for
vehicle series and hitch type.
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Vehicle Series Hitch TypeMaximum Tongue
Weight
1500 Weight-Carrying 363 kg (800 lb)
1500 Weight-Distributing 544 kg (1,200 lb)
2500/3500
Standard Box Weight-Carrying or
Weight-Distributing 680 kg (1,500 lb)
2500/
3500 Long Box Weight-Carrying or
Weight-Distributing 907 kg (2,000 lb)
2500 Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 1 361 kg (3,000 lb)
3500 Single Rear
Wheels Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 1 814 kg (4,000 lb)
3500 Dual Rear
Wheels Fifth-Wheel Gooseneck 2 495 kg (5,500 lb)
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.
Trailer rating may be limited by the
vehicle's ability to carry tongue
weight. Tongue or kingpin weight
cannot cause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating). See
“Total
Weight on the Vehicle's Tires” later
in this section.
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. If a cargo carrier is used in the
trailer hitch receiver, choose a
carrier that positions the load as
close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight,
including the carrier, is no more than
half of the maximum allowable
tongue weight for the vehicle or
227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the inflation pressures
found on the Certification/Tire label
on the center pillar or see
Vehicle
Load Limits 0176. Make sure not to
exceed the GVWR limit for the
vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow
vehicle and trailer fully loaded for
the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a
weight-distributing hitch, make sure
not to exceed the RGAWR before
applying the weight distribution
spring bars.
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Weight of the Trailering
Combination
It is important that the combination
of the tow vehicle and trailer does
not exceed any of its weight ratings
—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer
Weight Rating, or Tongue Weight.
The only way to be sure it is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to
weigh the tow vehicle and trailer
combination, fully loaded for the trip,
getting individual weights for each of
these items.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helps
maintain combination control. Many
trailers can be towed with a
weight-carrying hitch which simply
features a coupler latched to the
hitch ball, or a tow eye latched to a
pintle hook. Other trailers may
require a weight-distributing hitch
that uses spring bars to distribute
the trailer tongue weight among the
tow vehicle and trailer axles.
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches
may also be used. See “Weight ofthe Trailer Tongue”
underTrailer
Towing 0231 for rating limits with
various hitch types.
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.
Consider using sway controls with
any trailer. Ask a trailering
professional about sway controls or
refer to the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch and
Adjustment
A weight-distributing hitch may be
useful with some trailers. Use the
following guidelines to determine if a
weight-distributing hitch should
be used.
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