Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 173
6.If your vehicle will be towing
atrailer,loadfromyour
trailer will be transferred to
your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
SeeTr a i l e r To w i n g0205forimportant information on towing atrailer, towing safety rules andtrailering tips.Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 1 = 453 kg(1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight@68kg(150lbs)◊2=136 kg (300 lbs)
3. Available Occupant andCargo Weight = 317 kg(700 lbs)
Example 2
A. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
B. Subtract Occupant Weight @68 kg (150 lbs)◊5 = 136 kg(750 lbs)
C. Available Cargo Weight =11 3 k g ( 2 5 0 l b s )
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 - 5/2/16
286 Vehicle Care
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Use only a flatbed tow truck fortowing a disabled vehicle. Neveruse a sling type lift or damage willoccur. Use ramps to help reduceapproach angles if necessary.Atowedvehicleshouldhaveitsdrive wheels off the ground.
Consult a professional towingservice if the disabled vehicle mustbe towed.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing meanstowing the vehicle behind anothervehicle, such as behind a motorhome. The two most common typesof recreational vehicle towing areknown as dinghy towing and dollytowing. Dinghy towing is towing thevehicle with all four wheels on theground. Dolly towing is towing thevehicle with two wheels on theground and two wheels up on adevice known as a dolly.
Here are some important things toconsider before recreational vehicletowing:
.What is the towing capacity ofthe towing vehicle? Be sure toread the tow vehiclemanufacturer'srecommendations.
.What is the distance that will betraveled? Some vehicles haverestrictions on how far and howlong they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipmentgoing to be used? See yourdealer or trailering professionalfor additional advice andequipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to betowed? Just as preparing thevehicle for a long trip, make surethe vehicle is prepared to betowed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
