2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO tow

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
308 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.424 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.42
3 674 kg (8,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 –8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package - Conventional
Trailer 3.42
4 853 kg (10,700 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package –Gooseneck/
Fifth Wheel Trailer 3.42
4 627 kg (10,200 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.734 853 kg (10,700 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.73
4 627 kg (10,200 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.234 082 kg (9,000 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.23
3 629 kg (8,000 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.425 307 kg (11,700 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Driving and Operating 309
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.2L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.42 4 627 kg (10,200 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 4.3L V6 3.42 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 767 kg (6,100 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 853 kg (10,700 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 3.73 4 853 kg (10,700 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 –Conventional Trailer 3.423 357 kg (7,400 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
4.3L V6 –Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel 3.42 3 311 kg (7,300 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.082 948 kg (6,500 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel 3.08 2 903 kg (6,400 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Driving and Operating 315
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box 6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels) 3.73 4 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)
Conventional Trailer 4.10 6 214 kg (13,700 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 3.73 3 992 kg (8,800 lb) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels) 4.10 6 033 kg (13,300 lb) 9 571 kg (21,100 lb)
3600 Series Chassis Cab 2WD/4WD
6.0L V8 3.73 (d) 7 530 kg (16,600 lb)
6.0L V8 4.10 (d) 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.
(c) For pickup box delete vehicles, choose an appropriate hitch and load the truck and trailer within the limits of
GCWR, GVWR, and RGAWR.
(d) Maximum Trailer Weight cannot be provided because total vehicle weight is unknown.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
316 Driving and Operating
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue weight 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.
In general, trailer tongue weight (1)
should be 10–15% and fifth-wheel
or gooseneck kingpin weight shouldbe 15–25% of the loaded trailer
weight (2). Some specific trailer
types, such as boat trailers, fall
outside of this range. Refer to the
trailer owner
’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight.
In all cases, do not exceed the
maximum loads for the vehicle
series and hitch type.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Driving and Operating 317
Vehicle Series Hitch TypeMaximum Tongue
Weight
1500 Weight-Carrying 318 kg (700 lb)
1500 Weight-Distributing 567 kg (1,250 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 0239. 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.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
318 Driving and Operating
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 of
the Trailer Tongue” underTrailer
Towing 0300 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.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Driving and Operating 319
Vehicle SeriesTrailer WeightWeight-Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) OptionalRefer to trailer
manufacturer ’s
recommendation
1500 Over 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Required50%
2500/3500 Up to 9 080 kg (20,000 lb) OptionalRefer to trailer
manufacturer ’s
recommendation
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure distance (2) before
coupling the trailer to the hitch ball.
Measure the height again after the
trailer is coupled and adjust the
spring bars so the distance (2) is as
close as possible to halfway
between the two measurements.
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck
Trailering
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers
can be used with many pickup
models. These trailers place a
larger percentage of the weight
(kingpin weight) on the tow vehicle than conventional trailers. Make
sure this weight does not cause the
vehicle to exceed GAWR or GVWR.
Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin
weight should be 15 to 25% of the
trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specified in the trailering
chart for the vehicle. See
“Weight of
the Trailer” underTrailer Towing
0 300.
The hitch should be located in the
pickup bed so that its centerline is
over or slightly in front of the rear
axle. Take care that it is not so far
forward that it will contact the back
of the cab in sharp turns. This is

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
320 Driving and Operating
especially important for short box
pickups. Trailer pin box extensions
and sliding fifth-wheel hitch
assemblies can help this condition.
There should be at least 15 cm (6 in)
of clearance between the top of the
pickup box and the bottom of the
trailer shelf that extends over
the box.
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.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. If the trailer is being
towed with a factory-installed step
bumper, safety chains may be
attached to the attaching points on
the bumper; otherwise, safety
chains should be attached to holes
on the trailer hitch platform. Always
leave just enough slack so thecombination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 900 kg (2,000 lb) must be
equipped with its own brake system,
with brakes working on all axles.
Trailer braking equipment
conforming to Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State and local regulations may also
require the trailer to have its own
braking system if loaded above a
certain threshold. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are
installed, adjusted, and maintained
properly.
Do not tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system.
Auxiliary Battery
The auxiliary battery provision can
be used to supply electrical power
to additional equipment that may be
added, such as a slide-in camper.
If equipped, this relay will be on the
driver side of the vehicle, next to the
underhood electrical center.
Be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
any electrical equipment that is
installed.
Caution
Leaving electrical equipment on
for extended periods will drain the
battery. Always turn off electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not use equipment that
exceeds the maximum amperage
rating of 30 amps for the auxiliary
battery provision.