2017 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN trailer

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 203
.The trailer must be equippedwith brakes adequate for theintended use. A loaded trailerweighing more than 680 kg(1,500 lb) must be equipped withits own brake system, withbrakes working on all axles.Trailer braking equipmentconforming to CanadianStandards Association (CSA)requirement CAN3-D313, or itsequivalent, is recommended.
.Do not tow a trailer during thefirst 800 km (500 mi) to preventdamage to the engine, axle,or other parts.
.Then during the first 800 km(500 mi) of trailer towing, do notdrive over 80 km/h (50 mph) anddo not make starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).The Tow/Haul Mode may beused if the transmission shiftstoo often. SeeTo w / H a u lMode0187.
.Turn off Park Assist whentowing.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with theliftgate, trunk/hatch,or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
.Also adjust the climatecontrol system to a settingthat brings in only outsideair. See“Climate ControlSystems”in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust0182.
To w i n g a t r a i l e r r e q u i r e s a c e r t a i namount of experience. Thecombination you are driving islonger and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted withthe handling and braking of the rigbefore setting out for the open road.
The structure, tires, and brakes ofthe trailer must be rated to carry theload. Inadequate trailer equipmentcan cause the combination tooperate in an unexpected or unsafemanner.
Before starting, check all trailer hitchparts and attachments, safetychains, electrical connectors, lamps,tires, and mirrors. Get familiar withthe handling and braking of the rig.If the trailer has electric brakes, startthe combination moving and thenapply the trailer brake controller byhand to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionallyto be sure that the load is secureand the lamps and any trailerbrakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind thevehicle ahead as you would whendriving the vehicle without a trailer.This can help to avoid heavybraking and sudden turns.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
204 Driving and Operating
Passing
More passing distance is neededwhen towing a trailer. Thecombination will not accelerate asquickly and is longer so it isnecessary to go much fartherbeyond the passed vehicle beforereturning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steeringwheel with one hand. To move thetrailer to the left, move that hand tothe left. To move the trailer to theright, move your hand to the right.Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someoneguide you.
Making Turns
Caution
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, makewider turns than normal. Do this sothe trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,or other objects. Avoid jerky orsudden maneuvers. Signal well inadvance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burnout, the arrows on the instrumentcluster will still flash for turns. It isimportant to check occasionally tobe sure the trailer bulbs are stillworking.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lowergearbeforestarting down a long orsteep downgrade. If thetransmission is not shifted down, thebrakes might get hot and no longerwork well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shiftthe transmission to a lower gear ifthe transmission shifts too oftenunder heavy loads and/or hillyconditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used ifthe transmission shifts too often.SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e0187.
When towing at high altitude onsteep uphill grades, consider thefollowing: Engine coolant will boil atalowertemperaturethanatnormalaltitudes. If the engine is turned offimmediately after towing at highaltitude on steep uphill grades, thevehicle may show signs similar toengine overheating. To avoid this,let the engine run while parked,preferably on level ground, with thetransmission in P (Park) for a fewminutes before turning the engineoff. If the overheat warning comeson, seeEngine Overheating0230.
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.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 205
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but donot shift into P (Park) yet. Turnthe wheels into the curb iffacing downhill or into traffic iffacing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocksunder the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the regularbrakes until the chocks absorbthe load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Thenapply the parking brake andshift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brakepedal.
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 isclear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pickup and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service moreoften when pulling a trailer. SeeMaintenance Schedule0297.Things that are especially importantin trailer operation are automatictransmission fluid, engine oil, axlelubricant, belts, cooling system, andbrake system. It is a good idea toinspect these before and duringthe trip.
Check periodically to see that allhitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see the Duramax dieselsupplement.
{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
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously 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.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
206 Driving and Operating
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.
To i d e n t i f y t h e t r a i l e r i n g c a p a c i t y o fthe vehicle, read the information in“Weight of the Trailer”following.
Trailering is different than justdriving the vehicle by itself.Trailering means changes inhandling, acceleration, braking,durability, and fuel economy.Successful, safe trailering takescorrect equipment, and it has to beused properly.
The following information has manytime-tested, important trailering tipsand safety rules. Many of these areimportant for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please readthis section carefully before pulling atrailer.
Weight of the Trailer
Safe trailering requires monitoringthe weight, speed, altitude, roadgrades, outside temperature, andhow frequently the vehicle is used topull a trailer are all important. Takeinto consideration any specialequipment on the vehicle, and theamount of tongue weight the vehiclecan carry. See“Weight of the TrailerTo n g u e”later in this section.
Maximum trailer weight is calculatedassuming only the driver is in thetow vehicle and it has all therequired trailering equipment. Theweight of additional optionalequipment, passengers,and cargo inthe tow vehicle must be subtractedfrom the maximum trailer weight.
Use the following chart to determinehow much the vehicle can weigh,based upon the vehicle model andoptions.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 207
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
4.8L V83.424037kg (8,900lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424536kg (10,000lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase
4.8L V83.423719kg (8,200lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424536kg (10,000lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
G2500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
4.8L V83.423946kg (8,700lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424355kg (9,600lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
4.8L V83.424037kg (8,900lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424536kg (10,000lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase
4.8L V83.423946kg (8,700lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424536kg (10,000lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
4.8L V83.423719kg (8,200lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424355kg (9,600lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
208 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase
4.8L V83.423583kg (7,900lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424218kg (9,300lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
3500 Series Cutaway–353 cm (139 in) Wheelbase
4.8L V83.42/3.73(b)6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.42/3.73(b)7257kg (16,000lb)
3500 Series Cutaway–404 cm (159 in) Wheelbase
4.8L V83.42/3.73(b)6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.42/3.73(b)7257kg (16,000lb)
6.0L V84.10(b)8618kg (19,000lb)
6.0L V84.10(b)9072kg (20,000lb)
3500 Series Cutaway–450 cm (177 in) Wheelbase
6.0L V83.42/3.73(b)7257kg (16,000lb)
6.0L V84.10(b)8618kg (19,000lb)
6.0L V84.10(b)9072kg (20,000lb)
(a) *The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicleand trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment, and conversion. The GCWR for the vehicle should not beexceeded.(b) Maximum Trailer Weight cannot be provided because total vehicle weight is unknown.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 209
Ask your dealer for traileringinformation or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer isan important weight to measurebecause it affects the total grossweight of the vehicle. The GrossVehicle Weight (GVW) includes thecurb weight of the vehicle, anycargo carried in it, and the peoplewho will be riding in the vehicle.If there are a lot of options,equipment, passengers, or cargo inthe vehicle, it will reduce the tongueweight the vehicle can carry, whichwill also reduce the trailer weight thevehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,the tongue load must be added tothe GVW because the vehicle willbe carrying that weight, too. SeeVehicle Load Limits0171for moreinformation about the vehicle'smaximum load capacity.
The trailer tongue weight (1) shouldbe 10 percent to 15 percent of thetotal loaded trailer weight (2), up to amaximum of 181 kg (400 lb) with aweight carrying hitch. The trailertongue weight (1) should be10 percent to 15 percent of the totalloaded trailer weight (2), up to amaximum of 454 kg (1,000 lb) with aweight distributing hitch.
Do not exceed the maximumallowable tongue weight for thevehicle. Choose the shortest hitchextension that will position the hitchball closest to the vehicle. This willhelp reduce the effect of trailertongue weight on the rear axle.
After loading the trailer, weigh thetrailer and then the tongue,separately, to see if the weights areproper. If they are not, adjustmentsmight be made by moving someitems around in the trailer.
Trailering may be limited by thevehicle's ability to carry tongueweight. Tongue weight cannot causethe vehicle to exceed the GVWR(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) orthe RGAWR (Rear Gross AxleWeight Rating). The effect ofadditional weight may reduce thetrailering capacity more than thetotal of the additional weight.
It is important that the vehicle doesnot exceed any of its ratings—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, MaximumTrailer Rating, or Tongue Weight.The only way to be sure it is notexceeding any of these ratings is toweigh the vehicle and trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle tires are inflatedto the upper limit for cold tires.These numbers can be found on theCertification label at the rear edge of

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
210 Driving and Operating
the driver door, or seeVehicle LoadLimits0171.Makesurenottogoover the GVW limit for the vehicle,or the GAWR, including the weightof the trailer tongue. If using aweight distributing hitch, make surenot to go over the rear axle limitbefore applying the weightdistribution spring bars.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helpsmaintain combination control. Manytrailers can be towed with aweight-carrying hitch which simplyfeatures a coupler latched to thehitch ball, or a tow eye latched to apintle hook. Other trailers mayrequire a weight-distributing hitchthat uses spring bars to distributethe trailer tongue weight among thetwo vehicle and trailer axles. See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”underTr a i l e r To w i n g0205for rating limitswith various hitch types.
Consider using sway controls withany trailer. Ask a traileringprofessional about sway controls orrefer to the trailer manufacturer'srecommendations and instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
and Weight Carrying Hitches
Aweightdistributinghitchmaybeuseful with some trailers. Use thefollowing guidelines to determine if aweight distributing hitch shouldbe used.
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributinghitch, the hitch must be adjusted sothe distance (2) remains the sameboth before and after coupling thetrailer to the tow vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between thevehicle and the trailer. Cross thesafety chains under the tongue ofthe trailer to help prevent the tonguefrom contacting the road if itbecomes separated from the hitch.Always leave just enough slack sothe rig can turn. Never allow safetychains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Aloadedtrailerthatweighsmorethan 680 kg (1,500 lb) must beequipped with its own brake system,with brakes working on all axles.Trailer braking equipmentconforming to Canadian StandardsAssociation (CSA) requirementCAN3-D313, or its equivalent, isrecommended.