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246 Driving and Operating
If equipped, and a trailer is electrically
connected, the gap setting display will be as
follows:
Far Gap Setting with Trailer
Medium Gap Setting with Trailer
Near Gap Setting with Trailer
Since each gap setting corresponds to a
following time (Far, Medium, or Near), the
following distance will vary based on vehicle
speed. The faster the vehicle speed, the
further back your vehicle will follow a
vehicle detected ahead. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting the
following gap. The range of selectable gaps
may not be appropriate for all drivers and
driving conditions.
Changing the gap setting automatically
changes the alert timing sensitivity (Far,
Medium, or Near) for the Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) feature. See Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System 0263. Courtesy Gap
Press and hold
[on the steering wheel
when vehicle is moving to temporarily
increase the gap with the vehicle ahead to
allow for merging traffic.
Press and hold
[when stopped to cancel
ACC from resuming automatically (if the
stop is brief) and remain stationary. This can
be used to allow traffic to merge between
you and the vehicle ahead. Press RES+ or
the accelerator pedal to resume ACC.
Following distance gap will return to the
original selection after hold.
Alerting the Driver
With Head-Up Display
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7. Interior Trailer View
Displays a view of the interior of the
trailer. The feature is available when a
trailer is connected. The feature
requires user installation of an
accessory trailer camera on the
interior of the trailer per the accessory
trailer camera installation instructions
(see your dealer for accessory trailer
camera(s) and information). To view,
select Interior Trailer View on the
infotainment display when the Camera
App is active. To access this view
when in a forward gear above
12 km/h (8 mph), select CAMERA on
the infotainment display and select
Interior Trailer View. The view will
close after 8 seconds and can be
closed early by selecting X, Home
or Back.
8. Cargo Bed View/Bed Hitch View
Use the plus and minus icons on the
infotainment display to zoom in
or out.
.Cargo Bed View
Displays a view of the truck bed
and the area behind the vehicle to
assist in cargo or hitch monitoring
or hitching to a fifth wheel orgooseneck trailer. To view, select
Cargo Bed View on the
infotainment display when the
Camera App is active. To access
this view when in a forward gear
above 12 km/h (8 mph), select
CAMERA on the infotainment
display and select Cargo Bed View.
The view will close after 8 seconds
and can be closed early by
selecting X, Home or Back. When
the Cargo Bed View is selected
when not in Drive the cargo bed
lighting is turned on automatically.
The feature can be enabled or
disabled. To view available settings
from the infotainment screen,
touch Settings > Vehicle >
Collision/Detection Systems.
.Bed Hitch View
Displays a zoomed-in view of the
bed hitch area to assist with
aligning the vehicle’s hitch with
the trailer coupler and monitoring
the trailer connection. To view,
select Bed Hitch View on the
infotainment display when the
Camera App is active. To access
this view when in a forward gear
above 12 km/h (8 mph), selectCAMERA on the infotainment
display and select Bed Hitch View.
The view will close after 8 seconds
and can be closed early by
selecting X, Home or Back. When
the Bed Hitch View is selected
when not in Drive the cargo bed
lighting is turned on automatically.
The feature can be enabled or
disabled. To view available settings
from the infotainment screen,
touch Settings > Vehicle >
Collision/Detection Systems.
9. Transparent Trailer View
Displays a view that allows the driver
to virtually
“see through” the trailer.
The feature is available when a
compatible trailer is connected, a valid
profile is selected and the vehicle is
not in Reverse. 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 view,
select Transparent Trailer View on the
infotainment display when the Camera
App is active. To access this view
when in a forward gear above
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258 Driving and Operating
12 km/h (8 mph), select CAMERA on
the infotainment display and select
Transparent Trailer View. The view can
be closed by selecting X, Home or
Back on the infotainment screen.
In order to calibrate the system, a
minimum clearance of 61 cm (24 in)
behind the rear vision camera is
required. When the system is
calibrated and trailer position is
known one of three views will be
shown; Transparent Trailer View, Left
Transparent Trailer View or Right
Transparent Trailer View. The
Transparent Trailer View is shown
when the position of the trailer is
relatively straight behind the vehicle.
The Left or Right Transparent Trailer
view is shown when the position of
the trailer is too far to the left or
right. When the system is not
calibrated or trailer position is not
known the Transparent Trailer
Picture-in-Picture View will be shown.
For fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers,
the size of the image overlaid on the
face of the trailer can be adjusted by
touching (+) or (−) on the
infotainment display.10. Rear Trailer Views
.Rear Trailer View
Displays a view of the area behind
the trailer 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
view, select Rear Trailer View on
the infotainment display when the
Camera App is active. To access
this view when in a forward gear
above 12 km/h (8 mph), select
CAMERA on the infotainment
display and select Rear Trailer
View. The view can be closed by
selecting X, Home or Back.
.Rear Side View with Available
Articulation Functionality
Displays a rearward split view of
the left and right sides of the
vehicle and trailer, when a trailer is
connected. The view will
automatically pan to show more of
the left or right side based on theposition of the trailer when a
compatible profile is configured
and selected via the Trailering App.
To view, select Rear Side View with
Available Articulation Functionality
on the infotainment display when
the Camera App is active. To access
this view when in a forward gear
above 12 km/h (8 mph), select
CAMERA on the infotainment
display and select Rear Side View
with Available Articulation
Functionality. The view can be
closed by selecting X, Home
or Back.
.Picture-in-Picture Side View
Displays 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
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
view, select Picture-in-Picture Side
View on the infotainment display
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264 Driving and Operating
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless the FCA
system detects a vehicle ahead. When a
vehicle is detected, the vehicle ahead
indicator will display green. Vehicles may
not be detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility; or if a
vehicle ahead is partially blocked by
pedestrians or other objects. FCA will not
detect another vehicle ahead until it is
completely in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning to help
avoid a crash, unless it detects a vehicle.
FCA may not detect a vehicle ahead if
the FCA sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is damaged.
It may also not detect a vehicle on
winding or hilly roads, or in conditions
that can limit visibility such as fog, rain,(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in proper
condition. Keep the windshield,
headlamps, and FCA sensors clean and in
good repair.
Collision Alert
With Head-Up Display
Without Head-Up Display
When your vehicle approaches another
detected vehicle too rapidly, the red FCA
display will flash on the windshield. Also,
eight rapid high-pitched beeps will sound from the front, or both sides of the Safety
Alert Seat will pulse five times. When this
Collision Alert occurs, the brake system may
prepare for driver braking to occur more
rapidly which can cause a brief, mild
deceleration. Continue to apply the brake
pedal as needed.
Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator will display
amber when you are following a vehicle
ahead much too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the steering
wheel. Press
[to set the FCA timing to
Far, Medium, or Near. The first button press
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278 Driving and Operating
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment0284. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check that 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. This can 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 will 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 and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating 0321.
Viewing Systems
If equipped, the viewing systems on the
vehicle can improve visibility while hitching,
backing, and driving with a trailer. See
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems 0252.
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Driving and Operating 279
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park). Turn the wheels
toward the curb if facing downhill or
into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of
the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat.
Disconnect the trailer wiring before backing
the trailer into the water to prevent damage
to the electrical circuits. Reconnect the
wiring to the trailer after removing the
trailer from the water. If the trailer has
electric brakes that can function when the
trailer is submerged, it might help to leave
the electrical trailer connector attached to
maintain trailer brake functionality while on
the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water: 1. If equipped, place the vehicle in Four-Wheel Drive High or Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park).
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
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280 Driving and Operating
5. Gradually release the brake pedal toallow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then, apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer out of the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into gear.
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.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.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 0394. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically to see that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0321.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
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.
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Use the Trailering Information Label to
determine how much the trailer can weigh.
Weights listed apply for conventional trailers
and gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailers unless
otherwise noted.
A step bumper trailer hitch can only support
a total trailer weight up to 2 271 kg
(5,000 lb). If a trailer hitch ball is added to
the step bumper, check the hitch ball rating
to be sure it is higher than the total trailer
weight.
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
is the allowable trailer tongue weight that
the vehicle can support using a conventional
trailer hitch. It may be necessary to reduce
the overall trailer weight to stay within the
maximum trailer tongue weight rating while
still maintaining the correct trailer load
balance. A fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch
may support a higher tongue weight.
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
for a conventional trailer hitch or a fifth
wheel/gooseneck hitch is shown on the
Trailering Information Label.
Do not exceed a maximum trailer tongue
weight of 907 kg (2,000 lb) for a
conventional trailer hitch.
The trailer tongue weight contributes to the
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). GVW includes
the curb weight of your vehicle, any
passengers, cargo, equipment and the trailer
tongue weight. Vehicle options, passengers,
cargo, and equipment reduce the maximum
allowable tongue weight the vehicle can
carry, which also reduces the maximum
allowable trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance must be
maintained to ensure trailer stability.
Incorrect load balance is a leading cause of
trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1) should be
10–15% and fifth-wheel or gooseneck tongue
weight should be 15–25% of the total loaded
trailer weight (2). Some specific trailer types,
such as boat trailers, fall outside of this
range. Always refer to the trailer owner’s
manual for the recommended trailer tongue
weight for each trailer. Never exceed the
maximum loads for the vehicle, hitch, and
trailer.