2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV towing

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
Driving and Operating 295
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment0301. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer to help to avoid heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle. Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so the trailer does not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road signs,
trees, or other objects. Always signal turns
well in advance. Do not steer or brake
suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. Use regenerative
braking to help slow the vehicle or maintain
speed by keeping the vehicle in gear and
limiting the initial battery charge to 80% or
less. Avoid using Regen on Demand. See
Hill
and Mountain Roads 0190.
Viewing Systems
If equipped, the viewing systems on the
vehicle can improve visibility while hitching,
backing up, and driving with a trailer. See
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems 0244.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
Driving and Operating 297
Pulling the Trailer from the Water1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the vehicle and shift into D (Drive) or L (Low).
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0389. It is especially important to
check the cooling system and brake system
before and during each trip. Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, and
durability. 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.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, and how frequently the vehicle
is used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
.Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR)
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch and
Adjustment” underTowing Equipment 0301
to determine if equalizer bars are required
to obtain the maximum trailer weight
rating.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
298 Driving and Operating
See“Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0301 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight 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.
A trailering information label on the center
pillar (B-pillar) shows tow rating information
for the vehicle.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight (GCW) Alert
If equipped, the Gross Combined Weight
(GCW) Alert can display a message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), indicating
that the estimated combined weight of the
vehicle and trailer may exceed the vehicle’s
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR),
under certain circumstances. See "Gross
Combined Weight Rating" later in this
section. The vehicle does not actually
measure the loaded weight of your vehicle
or trailer. It uses vehicle data to estimate
these weights after you begin a trip.
The alert will not activate unless:
.The feature is turned on in the Trailering
application, see Trailering App0310.
.The vehicle-trailer combination is driven
with enough acceleration events for the
software algorithm to estimate the
combined vehicle and trailer weight.
.The estimated weight could exceed the
vehicle maximum GCWR.
If you see the alert message, stop the
vehicle when it is safe and check whether
the vehicle and trailer are overloaded using
a scale. See “Maximum Trailer Weight” later
on in this section.
{Warning
Always determine the actual weights of
the loaded vehicle and trailer using a
vehicle scale before beginning a trip.
Never use the GCW Alert to determine
whether the vehicle and trailer are
properly loaded or overloaded. Do not
drive with an overloaded vehicle or
trailer. Death, serious injury, or property
damage could occur.
GCWR is only one of the maximum weight
ratings applicable to your vehicle and trailer.
The GCW Alert does not estimate whether
the vehicle alone exceeds the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR), the rear-axle weight
exceeds Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR), the trailer exceeds the Maximum
Trailer Weight Rating or the trailer tongue
weight exceeds the Maximum Tongue
Weight Rating. Always verify that the
weight of the vehicle, vehicle contents,
trailer, trailer contents and trailer tongue are
below all of these maximum weight ratings.
See "Maximum Trailer Weight" below.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
Driving and Operating 301
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight that can be
supported by the rear axle of the vehicle. Do
not exceed the GAWR-RR for the vehicle,
with the tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded
for the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight-distributing
hitch, do not exceed the GAWR-RR before
applying the weight distribution spring bars.
The GAWR-RR for the vehicle is on the
Trailering Information Label.
For additional assistance with trailering or
additional information, see your dealer.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
{Warning
In order to avoid serious injury or
property damage, always follow the hitch
manufacturer's instructions when securing
your draw bar/coupling device to the
vehicle's hitch receiver.
Ensure that the draw bar/coupling device
is secured with a locking retainer pin or
other means such that rotation of the pin
or locking mechanism will not cause the
pin to back out or loosen during use.
Failure to correctly secure the draw bar/
coupling device to the receiver can result
in separation of the hitch/receiver while
towing.
Conventional Hitch
A conventional hitch is bolted to the frame
or cross member of the tow vehicle, and is
generally rated Class 2, 3, or 4.
Always use the correct hitch equipment for
your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect the trailer
and the hitch.Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle
helps maintain control of the vehicle-trailer
combination. Many trailers can be towed
using a weight-carrying hitch with 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 between your vehicle and trailer
axles. See
“Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating” underTrailer Towing 0297 for
weight limits with various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to
the bumper.
Consider using mechanical 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 EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
304 Driving and Operating
MeasurementHeight Example with Air Suspension (mm)
H1 1 000
H2 1 050
H2−H1 50
(H2-H1)/2 25
H2-[(H2-H1)/2] 1 025
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. SeeTires
0 344 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach safety chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Instructions about
safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
If the trailer being towed weighs up to
2 271 kg (5,000 lb) 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.
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. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 900 kg (2,000 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly.
{Warning
Never attempt to tamper with the
hydraulic brake system for your trailer
brakes. Do not connect a trailer's
hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you
do, both the vehicle antilock brakes and
the trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
Driving and Operating 305
Trailer Lamps
Always check that all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each trip, and
periodically on longer trips.
If equipped, the Trailering App will monitor
the right-hand turn/brake lamp circuit,
left-hand turn/brake lamp circuit, running
lamp circuit, and reverse lamp circuits on
the trailer. DIC messages and Trailering App
alerts may be displayed if lighting circuit
issues are detected on the trailer.
If a trailer cannot be detected, the
trailer-related DIC messages and/or
Trailering App alerts will not display.
Pressing START LIGHT TEST in the Trailering
App automatically activates trailer lamps.
The Trailering App is not a substitute for
manually inspecting your trailer lamps. See
Trailering App0310.
Trailer Connection and Lamp Messages
When a trailer is properly connected and
working, no trailer connection or lamp
messages appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). However, if the vehicle detects
an issue with a trailer connection or lamp,
you may see the following DIC message(s):
.TRAILER DISCONNECTED CHECK
CONNECTION appears when a connected
trailer is disconnected. It appears
immediately when the vehicle is on,
or upon the next start-up if the trailer
was disconnected while the vehicle was
off. Check the trailer connection as
appropriate.
.CHECK TRAILER XXX LAMP appears when
there is a detected lamp or wiring fault
on the trailer. Check the trailer wiring and
lamps.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals will illuminate to indicate the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or the bulbs
are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
mode, see Driver Mode Control 0209.
Tow/Haul mode assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. Tow/Haul mode is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75% of the
vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See
“Maximum Trailer Weight”
under Trailer Towing 0297.
Tow/Haul mode is most useful when towing
a heavy trailer or carrying a large or
heavy load:
.through rolling terrain
.in stop-and-go traffic
.in busy parking lots
Integrated Trailer Brake Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system for use with
electric trailer brakes or most electric over
hydraulic trailer brake systems. These
instructions apply to both types of electric
trailer brakes.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
Driving and Operating 307
TRAILER GAIN:
Press a Trailer Gain button to recall the
current Trailer Gain setting. Each press and
release of the gain buttons will change the
Trailer Gain setting. Press the Trailer
Gain (+) or (−) to adjust. Press and hold to
continuously adjust the Trailer Gain. To turn
the output to the trailer off, adjust the
Trailer Gain setting to 0.0. This setting can
be adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with a trailer
connected or disconnected.
TRAILER OUTPUT: This displays anytime a
trailer with electric brakes is connected.
Output to the trailer brakes is based on the
amount of vehicle braking present and
relative to the Trailer Gain setting. Output is
displayed from 0–100% for each gain
setting.
The Trailer Output will indicate“- - - - - -”on
the Trailer Brake Display Page whenever the
following occur:
.No trailer is connected
.A trailer without electric brakes is
connected, no DIC message will display
.A trailer with electric brakes has become
disconnected, a CHECK TRAILER WIRING
message displays on the DIC
.There is a fault present in the wiring to
the trailer brakes, a CHECK TRAILER
WIRING message displays on the DIC
.The ITBC system is not working due to a
fault, a SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM
message displays in the DIC
Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever
Slide this lever right to apply the trailer’s
electric brakes independent of the vehicle’s
brakes. Use this lever to adjust Trailer Gain
to achieve the proper power output to the
trailer brakes. This lever may also be used
to request additional trailer braking at any
time. The trailer and vehicle brake lamps
will come on when either vehicle brakes or
manual trailer brakes are applied and
properly connected.
Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure
Trailer Gain should be set for a specific
trailering condition and it must be
readjusted anytime vehicle loading, trailer
loading, or road surface conditions change.
{Warning
Trailer brakes that are over-gained or
under-gained may not stop the vehicle
and the trailer as intended and can result (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
in a crash. Always follow the instructions
to set the Trailer Gain for the proper
trailer stopping performance.
To adjust Trailer Gain for each towing
condition: 1. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level road surface
representative of the towing condition
and free of traffic at about 32–40 km/h
(20–25 mph) and fully apply the Manual
Trailer Brake apply lever. Adjusting
Trailer Gain at speeds lower than
32–40 km/h (20–25 mph) may result in
an incorrect gain setting.
2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the Trailer Gain adjustment buttons, to just below
the point of trailer wheel lockup,
indicated by trailer wheel squeal or tire
smoke when a trailer wheel locks. Trailer
wheel lockup may not occur if towing a
heavily loaded trailer. In this case, adjust
the Trailer Gain to the highest allowable
setting for the towing condition.

Chevrolet Silverado EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16702912) - 2024 - CRC - 1/17/23
308 Driving and Operating
3. Readjust Trailer Gain any time vehicleloading, trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change or if trailer wheel
lockup is noticed at any time while
towing.
Other ITBC-Related DIC Messages
TRAILER BRAKES CONNECTED: This message
will briefly display when a trailer with
electric brakes is first connected to the
vehicle. This message will automatically turn
off in about 10 seconds. This message can
be acknowledged before it automatically
turns off.
CHECK TRAILER WIRING: This message will
display if:
.The ITBC system first determines
connection to a trailer with electric brakes
and then the trailer harness becomes
disconnected from the vehicle.
‐ If the disconnect occurs while the
vehicle is stationary, this message will
automatically turn off in about
30 seconds. This message will also turn
off if it is acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
‐ If the disconnect occurs while the
vehicle is moving, this message will
continue until the vehicle is turned off. This message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer harness
is reconnected.
.There is an electrical fault in the wiring to
the trailer brakes. This message will
continue as long as there is an electrical
fault in the trailer wiring. This message
will also turn off if it is acknowledged.
To determine whether the electrical fault is
on the vehicle side or trailer side of the
trailer wiring harness connection: 1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle.
2. Turn the vehicle off.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the vehicle back to RUN.
4. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message reappears, the electrical fault is on the
vehicle side.
If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message
only reappears when connecting the
trailer wiring harness to the vehicle, the
electrical fault is on the trailer side.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKES OR REDUCED
TRAILER BRAKING: This message will display
if the electric trailer brake performance is
either reduced or non-functional. HOLD LAST KNOWN GAIN: This message will
display if it is no longer possible to adjust
the trailer brake gain. Trailer brakes may or
may not still be functional, and it is not
possible to adjust brake gain based on road
conditions. The trailer brakes may remain
functional until the next time the vehicle is
turned off.
TRAILER BRAKES DISABLED SERVICE
REQUIRED: This message will display when
there is a problem with the ITBC system.
If this message continues over multiple
restarts, have the vehicle serviced.
If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING, TRAILER
BRAKES DISABLED SERVICE REQUIRED,
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM, or REDUCED
TRAILER BRAKING message displays while
driving, the ITBC system may not be fully
functional or may not function at all. When
traffic conditions allow, carefully pull the
vehicle over to the side of the road and turn
the vehicle off. Check the wiring connection
to the trailer and turn the vehicle back on.
If either of these messages continue, either
the vehicle or trailer needs service.