2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD towing

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Driving and Operating 241
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0268.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Driving and Operating 245
Modes:
Normal Mode :Use for normal city and
highway driving to provide a smooth ride.
This setting provides balance between
comfort and handling. This is the standard/
default mode. There is no persistent
indicator in the instrument cluster for
this mode.
6Snow/Ice Mode : Snow/Ice Mode
improves vehicle acceleration on snow and
ice covered roads. When active, Snow/Ice
Mode will adjust acceleration to optimize
traction on slippery surfaces. This can
compromise the acceleration on dry asphalt.
This feature is not intended for use when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow,
or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0216.
7Off-Road Mode : Use this mode for
off-road recreational driving. Off-Road Mode
should be used to improve driving at
moderate speeds, on grass, gravel, dirt,
unpaved roads, or snow-covered roads. The
accelerator pedal is tuned for off-road use.
This mode modifies pedal mapping,
All-Wheel Drive (AWD), ride height, Antilock Brake System (ABS), StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control
System (TCS) performance.
For more information on off-road driving see
Off-Road Driving
0211.
_Tow/Haul Mode : Use this mode
when hauling heavy loads to provide
increased performance and vehicle control.
Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the transmission
shift pattern, AWD, and ESC performance.
If the vehicle is turned off with Tow/Haul
Mode active and then restarted within four
hours or less, Tow/Haul will remain active.
Otherwise, the vehicle will start in
Normal Mode.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, exhaust
braking is automatically activated when
Tow/Haul Mode is selected. It maintains
vehicle speed by automatically
implementing a shift pattern that uses the
engine and the transmission to slow the
vehicle. The system will command
downshifts and use the turbocharger on the
engine to reduce vehicle speed when the
brake is applied. The normal tow/haul shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Mode (see
“manual mode”), grade breaking
is deactivated, allowing the driver to select a
range and limiting the highest gear
available.
For more information on trailer weight
specifications, see Towing Equipment 0276.
Limited-Slip Differential
If equipped, the limited-slip differential can
give more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most
of the time, but when traction is low, this
feature allows the drive wheel with the
most traction to move the vehicle. For
vehicles with the limited-slip differential,
driven under severe conditions, the rear axle
fluid should be changed. See Maintenance
Schedule 0384.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give
more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most
of the time, but when traction is low, this
feature will allow the rear wheel with the
most traction to move the vehicle.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
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254 Driving and Operating
.Provides a rearward split view of
the left and right sides of the
vehicle and trailer with an overlay
view of the area behind the trailer.
The feature is available when a
trailer is connected. the feature
requires user installation of an
accessory trailer camera on the
rear exterior surface of the trailer
per the accessory trailer camera
installation instructions (see your
dealer for accessory trailer
camera(s) and information). To
select, touch Rear Trailer View/Rear
Side View with Available
Articulation Functionality/
Picture-in-Picture Side view on the
infotainment display when a
camera view is active. Each press
of the button will toggle through
the Rear Trailer View, Trailer Tow
mirror View and Combo View. To
access this view when in a forward
gear above 12 km/h (8 mph), touch
CAMERA on the infotainment
display and touch the Rear Trailer
View/Rear Side View with Available
Articulation Functionality/
Picture-in-Picture Side View icon.
Touch X to exit.HD Surround Vision with Trailer Camera
Provisions
If equipped, this feature provides additional
views to aid in trailering/towing. The
system shows multiple views in the
infotainment display using five cameras
mounted around the vehicle and up to two
additional accessory cameras that can be
mounted on or in a trailer. The front camera
is in the grille under the front emblem, the
side cameras are on the bottom of the
outside mirrors, the rear camera is in the
tailgate handle and the bed camera is
mounted on the rear of the cab.
Additionally, up to two accessory cameras
can be mounted to the rear and/or interior
of the trailer. See your dealer for accessory
trailer cameras. To access, touch CAMERA on
the infotainment display or shift to
R (Reverse). To return to the previous screen
when not in reverse, touch the Home or
Back buttons on the infotainment display.
Certain trailer views require a compatible
trailer profile be configured and selected.
A compatible trailer is a box type trailer
(cargo, camper, etc.) with a conventional
hitch.
Available camera views:
.Front/Rear Standard View
.Front/Rear Top-Down View
.Rear Bowl View
.Front/Rear Side View
.Hitch View
.Bed View
.Rear trailer View
.Rear Side view with a available
articulation functionality
.Picture-in-Picture Side View
.Interior Trailer View
.Transparent trailer View
.Surround View
.Guidance Lines
.Hitch Guidance
Surround Vision (360 Degrees)
If equipped, the Surround Vision system can
display various views surrounding the
vehicle in the infotainment display using
four cameras mounted around the vehicle.
The front camera is in the grille under the
front emblem, the side cameras are on the
bottom of the outside mirrors, and the rear
camera is in the tailgate handle.
The Surround Vision system can be accessed
by selecting CAMERA in the infotainment
display or when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse). To return to the previous screen

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Driving and Operating 255
sooner, when not in R (Reverse), press the
Home or Back button on the infotainment
system, shift into P (Park), or, while in D
(Drive), reach a vehicle speed of
approximately 12 km/h (8 mph).
Available camera views:
.Front/Rear Standard View
.Front/Rear Top-Down View
.Rear Bowl View
.Front/Rear Side View
.Hitch View
.Surround View
.Guidance Lines
.Hitch Guidance
Surround Vision
If equipped, this feature provides, additional
views to aid in trailering/towing. The Front
Vision Camera and Surround Vision cameras
are not supported. The system can show
various views in the infotainment display
using cameras mounted in and around the
vehicle and trailer. The rear camera is in the
tailgate handle and the cargo bed camera is
mounted on the rear of the cab. Up to two
accessory cameras can be mounted to the
rear and/or interior of the trailer. See your
dealer for these accessory cameras. The system can be accessed by selecting
CAMERA in the infotainment display or
when the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
To return to the previous screen sooner,
when not in R (Reverse), press the Home or
Back button on the infotainment system or
shift into P (Park).
Available camera views:
.Rear Standard View
.Hitch View
.Bed View
.Rear Trailer View
.Interior Trailer View
.Guidance Lines
.Hitch Guidance
Troubleshooting
The Transparent Trailer calibration may take
longer than expected or not calibrate if:
.The vehicle is driven too fast during
calibration. Speed should be maintained
below 50 km/h (31 mph).
.The vehicle is not driven straight during
calibration. Steering should be maintained
as straight as possible, excessive steering
during calibration may extend
calibration time.
.The calibration is attempted in low light.
Calibration should be attempted when
there is enough light.
.The calibration is attempted during
adverse weather conditions. Calibration
during conditions such as snow or heavy
rain should be avoided.
.The road surface is not ideal for
calibration. Calibration should be
attempted on an alternate road surface.
.The accessory trailer cameras are
swapped at the hitch connector. Ensure
that the camera mounted to the rear of
the trailer is connected to the rear trailer
camera input.
.The accessory trailer camera is mounted,
angled or rotated outside of the defined
mounting location (see camera
installation instructions).
Distortion may be observed in the calibrated
Transparent Trailer View if:
.The accessory trailer camera is mounted,
angled or rotated outside of the defined
mounting location (see camera
installation instructions).
The Transparent Trailer icon may appear
grayed out if:

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
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Driving and Operating 257
<0.3 m (1 ft) in the vehicle front—a
continuous beep will sound from the rear or
front depending on object location, or both
sides of the Safety Alert Seat will pulse five
times. Beeps for FPA are higher pitched than
for RPA.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), RCTA shows a red warning
triangle with a left or right pointing arrow
on the infotainment display to warn of
traffic coming from the left or right. This
system detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side of
the vehicle. When an object is detected,
either three beeps sound from the left or
right or three Safety Alert Seat pulses occur
on the left or right side, depending on the
direction of the detected vehicle.
Use caution while backing up when towing
a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
RCTA is disabled when the trailer connection
status is displayed. RCTA can be turned off. See
“Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0126.
Turning the Features On or Off
PressXon the center stack to turn on or
off the Front and Rear Park Assist. The
indicator light next to the button comes on
when the features are on and turns off
when the features have been disabled.
Front and Rear Park Assist can be turned
Off, On, or On with Towbar. See “Park
Assist” underVehicle Personalization 0126.
If Park Assist is turned off through vehicle
personalization, the Park Assist button will
be disabled. To turn Park Assist on again,
select On in vehicle personalization. The On
with Towbar setting allows Park Assist to
work properly with a trailer hitch. Some
larger trailer hitches may not be compatible.
Turn off Park Assist when towing a trailer. To turn the RPA symbols on or off, see
“Rear Camera Park Assist Symbols”
under
Vehicle Personalization 0126.
Assistance Systems for Driving
If equipped, when driving the vehicle in a
forward gear, Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA), Lane Change Alert (LCA),
and/or the Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB) can help to avoid a crash or reduce
crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps or pulses the driver seat. FCA
also lights an amber visual alert if following
another vehicle much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at
speeds above 8 km/h (5 mph).

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
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260 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
AEB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try to avoid a potential crash. If this
happens, AEB may engage the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake pedal is
applied quickly by providing a boost to
braking based on the speed of approach and
distance to a vehicle ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal and
the brake pedal should continue to be
applied as needed. IBA will automatically
disengage only when the brake pedal is
released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be necessary.
You could block the flow of traffic. If this
occurs, take your foot off the brake pedal
and then apply the brakes as needed.
AEB and IBA can be disabled. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0126.
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a trailer
could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system to
Alert or Off when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone, or blind spot
areas. When the vehicle is in a forward gear,
the left or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in that
blind zone. If the turn signal is activated and
a vehicle is also detected on the same side,
the display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes. Since this system is

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
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262 Driving and Operating
LCA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. When you disable LCA, SBZA
is also disabled. SeeVehicle Personalization
0 126. If LCA is disabled by the driver, the
LCA mirror displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The LCA system requires some driving for
the system to calibrate to maximum
performance. This calibration may occur
more quickly if the vehicle is driving on a
straight highway road with traffic and
roadside objects (e.g., guardrails, barriers).
LCA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, for a stopped
vehicle, or when towing a trailer. The LCA
detection zones that extend back from the
side of the vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution while
changing lanes when towing a trailer. LCA
may alert to objects attached to the vehicle,
such as a trailer, bicycle, or object extending
out to either side of the vehicle. Attached
objects may also interfere with the
detection of vehicles. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service. LCA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the next lane over, especially in
wet conditions or when driving on sharp
curves. The system does not need to be
serviced. The system may light up due to
guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.
LCA may not operate when the LCA sensors
in the left or right corners of the rear
bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow,
ice, or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0373. If the DIC
still displays the system unavailable
message after cleaning both sides of the
vehicle toward the rear corners of the
vehicle, see your dealer.
If the LCA displays do not light up when
moving vehicles are in the side blind zone or
are rapidly approaching this zone and the
system is clean, the system may need
service. Take the vehicle to your dealer.
Radio Frequency Information
See Radio Frequency Statement 0409.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoid crashes
due to unintentional lane departures. LDW
uses a camera sensor to detect the lane
markings at speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
greater. It may provide an alert if the
vehicle is crossing a lane without using a
turn signal in that direction. LDW light will
not alert if the turn signal is active in the
direction of lane departure, or if LDW
detects that you are accelerating, braking or
actively steering.
{Warning
The LDW system does not steer the
vehicle. The LDW system may not:
.Provide enough time to avoid a crash.
.Detect lane markings under poor
weather or visibility conditions. This
can occur if the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice; if they are not in proper
condition; or if the sun shines directly
into the camera.
.Detect road edges.
.Detect lanes on winding or hilly roads.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
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268 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTowing the
Vehicle 0369. To tow the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0370.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing 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. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
Driving with a Trailer
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.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.