Caution: The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well or even at all. The driver and passengers could be seriously injured. The vehicle may also be damaged; the resulting repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only if all the steps in this section have been followed. Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Notice: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage the vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section and see your dealer/retailer for important information about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears later in this section.
If yours was built with trailering options, as many are, it's ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different than just driving your 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.
That's the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer.
If you do, here are some important points:
• | There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you'll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. |
• | Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls. |
• | Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. |
• | Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. |
• | You may want to shift the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often (e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions). If you have a manual transmission and you are towing a trailer, it's better not to use the highest gear. |
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
• | the weight of the trailer, |
• | the weight of the trailer tongue |
• | and the weight on your vehicle's tires. |
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
The following chart shows how much your trailer can weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight. The weight of the trailer tongue also affects trailering capacity. See "Weight of the Trailer Tongue" next.
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR** |
---|---|---|---|
2WD Regular Cab | |||
Automatic Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.73 | 3,400 lbs (1 542 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.42 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.73 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 8,500 lbs (3 855 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.42 | 1,900 lbs (862 kg) | 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.73 | 2,400 lbs (1 089 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.42 | 3,300 lbs (1 497 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.73 | 3,800 lbs (1 724 kg) | 7,500 lbs (3 402 kg) |
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR** |
---|---|---|---|
2WD Extended Cab | |||
Automatic Transmission, 2.8 L Engine | 3.73 | 3,200 lbs (1 451 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.42 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.73 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.42 | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.73 | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.42 | 3,200 lbs (1 451 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.73 | 3,700 lbs (1 678 kg) | 7,500 lbs (3 402 kg) |
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR** |
---|---|---|---|
2WD Crew Cab | |||
Automatic Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.73 | 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.42 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.73 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.42 | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.73 | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) |
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR** |
---|---|---|---|
4WD Regular Cab | |||
Automatic Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.73 | 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 4.10 | 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.42 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.73 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 4.10 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.73 | 2,100 lbs (952 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 4.10 | 2,100 lbs (952 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.42 | 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.73 | 3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) | 7,500 lbs (3 402 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 4.10 | 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) | 7,500 lbs (3 402 kg) |
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR** |
---|---|---|---|
4WD Extended Cab | |||
Automatic Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.73 | 2,900 lbs (1 315 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 4.10 | 2,900 lbs (1 315 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.42 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.73 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 4.10 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 4.10 | 1,900 lbs (861 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.42 | 2,900 lbs (1 315 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.73 | 3,400 lbs (1 542 kg) | 7,500 lbs (3 402 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 4.10 | 3,400 lbs (1 542 kg) | 7,500 lbs (3 402 kg) |
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR** |
---|---|---|---|
4WD Crew Cab | |||
Automatic Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 3.73 | 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 4.10 | 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.42 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 3.73 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) |
Automatic Transmission, 3.5L Engine | 4.10 | 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) | 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg) |
Manual Transmission, 2.8L Engine | 4.10 | 1,700 lbs (771 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2 721 kg) |
**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 your vehicle should not be exceeded.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at the address listed in your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. If you have a lot of options, equipment, passengers or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight your vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See Loading the Vehicle for more information about your vehicle's maximum load capacity.
The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to a maximum of 500 lbs (226 kg) with a weight carrying hitch.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight for your 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.
After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren't you may be able to get them right simply by moving some of the items around in the trailer.
Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge of the driver's door above the door latch, or see Loading the Vehicle . Then be sure you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch.
You can use your step bumper hitch for trailers up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) total weight, and 200 lbs (90 kg) tongue weight.
Notice: If a step-bumper hitch is 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.
You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your 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. For trailers up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) you may attach the safety chains to the attaching points on the bumper. For heavier trailers, follow the trailer or hitch manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its own brakes -- and they must be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly.
Your trailer's brake system can tap into the vehicle's hydraulic brake system only if:
• | The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure. |
• | The trailer's brake system will use less than 0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle's master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems won't work well. You could even lose your brakes. |
If everything checks out this far, then make the brake fluid tap at the port on the master cylinder that sends fluid to the rear brakes. But don't use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel brake tubing.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working.
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.
Notice: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra wiring and a heavy-duty turn signal flasher.
The arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers you're about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It's important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your engine off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while parked (preferably on level ground) with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) (or the manual transmission out of gear and the parking brake applied) for a few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get the overheat warning, see Engine Overheating .
Caution: Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer attached can be dangerous. If something goes wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a flat surface.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's how to do it:
• | start your engine, |
• | shift into a gear, and |
• | release the parking brake. |
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're pulling a trailer. See Scheduled Maintenance for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don't overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's a good idea to review these sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a four-pin trailer towing harness. This harness has a four-pin trailer connector that is attached to a bracket on the hitch platform. The four-wire harness contains the following trailer circuits:
• | Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal |
• | Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal |
• | Brown: Taillamps/Park lamps |
• | White: Ground |