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 the trailering capacity of 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, 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 Decide To 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 if your trailer will weigh 4,000 lbs (1 800 kg) or less. You should always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more than 4,000 lbs (1 800 kg). 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 can tow in DRIVE (D). 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). |
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. |
Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/haul is a feature that assists when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. The purpose of the tow/haul mode is to:
| • | Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability of transmission shifts when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. |
| • | Provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when the vehicle is unloaded. |
| • | Improve control of vehicle speed while requiring less throttle pedal activity when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. |
Your vehicle is equipped with a button on the instrument panel, to the right of the steering wheel, which when pressed enables tow/haul.
When the button is pressed, this light on the instrument panel will illuminate to indicate that tow/haul has been selected.
Tow/haul may be turned off by pressing the button again, at which time the indicator light on the instrument panel will turn off. The vehicle will automatically turn off tow/haul every time it is started
Tow/haul 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). Tow/haul is most useful under the following driving conditions:
| • | When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load through rolling terrain. |
| • | When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load in stop and go traffic. |
| • | When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load in busy parking lots where improved low speed control of the vehicle is desired. |
Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded or with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However, there is no benefit to the selection of tow/haul when the vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded may result in unpleasant engine and transmission driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy. Tow/haul is recommended only when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.
Weight of the Trailer
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 vehicle model and options.
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
G1500 Cargo Van 2WD* | |||
4300 V6 | 3.42 | 4,400 lbs. (1 998 kg) | 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg) |
5300 V8 | 3.42 3.73 | 6,400 lbs. (2 906 kg) | 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) |
*Trailer tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
H1500 Cargo Van AWD* | |||
5300 V8 | 3.42 3.73 | 6,600 lbs. (2 997 kg) | 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
G1500 Passenger Van 2WD* | |||
4300 V6 | 3.42 | 4,000 lbs. (1 816 kg) | 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg) |
5300 V8 | 3.42 3.73 | 6,400 lbs. (2 906 kg) | 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
H1500 Passenger Van AWD* | |||
5300 V8 | 3.42 3.73 | 6,200 lbs. (2 815 kg) | 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD* | |||
4300 V6 | 3.73 | 4,700 lbs. (2 123 kg) | 9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg) |
4800 V8 | 3.73 4.10 | 6,300 lbs. (2 860 kg) 7,300. (3 314 kg) | 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) |
5300 V8 | 3.73 | 6,600 lbs. (2 996 kg) | 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) |
6000 V8 | 3.73 4.10 | 8,300 lbs. (3 768 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg) | 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg) |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
H2500 Cargo Van AWD* | |||
5300 V8 | 3.73 | 6,400 lbs. (2 906 kg) | 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase* | |||
4300 V6 | 3.73 | 4,500 lbs. (2 043 kg) | 9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg) |
4800 V8 | 3.73 4.10 | 6,100 lbs. (2 769 kg) 7,100 lbs. (3 223 kg) | 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) |
5300 V8 | 3.73 | 6,400 lbs. (2 906 kg) | 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) |
6000 V8 | 3.73 4.10 | 8,100 lbs. (3 677 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg) | 14,000 lbs.(6 538 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg) |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
G2500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase* | |||
6000 V8 | 3.73 4.10 | 7,900 lbs. (3 587 kg) 9,900 lbs. (4 495 kg) | 14,000 lbs.(6 538 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg) |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
G2500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase* | |||
6000 V8 | 3.73 4.10 | 7,600 lbs. (3 450 kg) 9,600 lbs. (4 358 kg) | 14,000 lbs.(6 356 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg) |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase* | |||
6000 V8 | 3.73 4.10 | 8,300 lbs. (3 768 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg) | 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg) |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase* | |||
6000 V8 | 3.73 4.10 | 8,100 lbs. (3 677 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg) | 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg) |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase* | |||
6000 V8 | 3.73 4.10 | 7,700 lbs. (3 496 kg) 9,700 lbs. (4 404 kg) | 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). | |||
Vehicle* | Axle Ratio | Maximum Trailer Weight | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase* | |||
6000 V8 | 3.73 4.10 | 7,400 lbs. (3 360 kg) 9,400 lbs. (4 268 kg) | 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg |
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). | |||
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the driver is in the towing vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional equipment, passengers and cargo in the towing vehicle must be subtracted from the above maximum trailer weights.
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. 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 about your vehicle's maximum load capacity.
If you're using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight for your vehicle.
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 items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
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 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.
Hitches
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. Here are some rules to follow:
| • | The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper. Do not use a ball hitch, because it could pull the bumper loose. |
| • | If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will weigh more than 4,000 lbs (1 800 kg), be sure to use a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the proper size. This equipment is very important for proper vehicle loading and good handling when you're driving. |
| • | Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? |
If you're using the wiring provided by the factory-installed hitch, you should not need to make any holes in the body of your vehicle. However, if you have an aftermarket hitch installed, you may need to make holes in the body.
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the hitch. If you don't seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
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. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
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 brake system can tap into your vehicle's hydraulic brake system, except:
| • | Don't tap into your vehicle's brake system if the trailer's brake system will use more than 0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle's master cylinder. If it does, both braking systems won't work well. You could even lose your brakes. |
| • | Will the trailer parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the trailer brake system must not be used with your vehicle. |
| • | 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 double-walled steel tubing. |
Driving with a Trailer
Caution: When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. To maximize safety when towing a trailer:| • | Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks and make necessary repairs before starting a trip. |
| • | Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window open. |
| • | Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel. |
| • | Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index. |
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 the trailer hitch and platform (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.
Following Distance
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.
Passing
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.
Backing Up
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.
Making Turns
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.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra wiring and a heavy-duty turn signal flasher (included in the optional trailering package).
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.
Driving On Grades
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) for a few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get the overheat warning, see Engine Overheating .
Parking on Hills
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:
- Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into PARK (P) yet. Then turn your wheels into the curb if facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
- Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
- When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
- Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking brake and then shift to PARK (P).
- Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
- Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you:
- Let up on the brake pedal.
- Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
- Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
| • | start your engine, |
| • | shift into a gear, and |
| • | release the parking brake. |
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule 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.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The optional heavy-duty trailer wiring package includes a seven-wire harness assembly at the rear of the vehicle and a four-wire harness assembly under the left hand side of the instrument panel. The seven-wire harness assembly is taped together and located in a frame pocket at the driver side rear left corner of the frame. The seven-wire harness includes a 30-amp feed wire. Both harnesses come without connectors and should be wired by a qualified electrical technician. The technician can use the following color code chart when connecting the wiring harness to your trailer and trailer brake controller.
Seven-Wire Harness
| • | Light Green: Back-up lamps |
| • | Brown: Parking lamps |
| • | Yellow: Left stoplamp and turn signal |
| • | Dark Green: Right stoplamp and turn signal |
| • | Dark Blue: Use for electric trailer brakes |
| • | Orange: Trailer accessory |
| • | White (heavy gage): Ground wire |
Four-Wire Harness (Trailer Brake Controller)
| • | Black: Ground |
| • | Red/White Stripe: Fused Battery |
| • | Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Feed |
| • | Light Blue: Fused Stop/CHMSL |
