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EnglishDriving and Operating -> Driving Information for your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2018-2025
Driving and Operating
195
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Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
Assume that other road users
Distracted Driving
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they may do
and be ready.
Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
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Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
Warning
{
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Warning
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Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
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Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
serious — or even fatal — collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
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Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
Defensive Driving
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 0 52.
designate a driver who will remain sober.
196
Driving and Operating
Electric Power Steering
Control of a Vehicle
Steering
The vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering system, which reduces the
amount of effort needed to steer the
vehicle. It does not have power steering
fluid. Regular maintenance is not required.
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control a
vehicle while driving.
Caution
To avoid damage to the steering system,
do not drive over curbs, parking barriers,
or similar objects at speeds greater than
3 km/h (1 mph). Use care when driving
over other objects such as lane dividers
and speed bumps. Damage caused by
misuse of the vehicle is not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Braking
If the vehicle experiences a system
malfunction and loses power steering,
greater steering effort may be required.
Power steering assist also may be reduced if
you turn the steering wheel as far as it can
turn and hold it there with force for an
extended period of time.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. Deciding to push the brake
pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that time, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
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Take curves at a reasonable speed.
Reduce speed before entering a curve.
Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
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Keep enough distance between you and
the vehicle in front of you.
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Avoid needless heavy braking.
Keep pace with traffic.
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Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
If the engine ever stops or a brake fault
occurs, the brakes may lose power assist.
More effort will be required to stop the
vehicle. It may take longer to stop.
Steering in Emergencies
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There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
Driving and Operating
197
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Slow down and adjust your driving
Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
2. Turn the steering wheel about
one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues — such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight
down the roadway.
Off-Road Recovery
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
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Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
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Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling.
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Steering or Cornering Skid — too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
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Acceleration Skid — too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Off-Road Driving
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used for
off-road driving. Vehicles without four-wheel
drive and vehicles not equipped with All
Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR) tires must
not be driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface. For contact information about
the original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then,
if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
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One of the best ways for successful off-road
driving is to control the speed.
198
Driving and Operating
For more information about loading the
vehicle, see Vehicle Load Limits 0 204 and
Tires 0 369.
Caution
Warning
{
Operating the vehicle for extended
periods without the front fascia lower air
dam installed can cause improper airflow
to the engine. Reattach the front fascia
air dam after off-road driving.
When driving off-road, bouncing and
quick changes in direction can easily
throw you out of position. This could
cause you to lose control and crash. You
and your passengers should always wear
seat belts.
Environmental Concerns
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Always use established trails, roads, and
areas that have been set aside for public
off-road recreational driving and obey all
posted regulations.
Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
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Do not damage shrubs, flowers, trees,
or grasses or disturb wildlife.
Do not park over things that burn. See
Before Driving Off-Road
Have all necessary maintenance and
service work completed.
Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and check
inflation pressure in all tires, including the
spare, if equipped.
Warning
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Unsecured cargo on the load floor can
be tossed about when driving over
rough terrain. You or your passengers
can be struck by flying objects. Secure
the cargo properly.
Parking over Things That Burn 0 219.
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Driving on Hills
Driving safely on hills requires good
judgment and an understanding of what the
vehicle can and cannot do.
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Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this manual.
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Keep cargo in the cargo area as far
forward and as low as possible. The
heaviest things should be on the floor,
forward of the rear axle.
Remove any underbody air deflector,
if equipped. Re-attach the air deflector
after off-road driving.
Know the local laws that apply to off-road
driving.
Warning
{
Many hills are simply too steep for any
vehicle. Driving up hills can cause the
vehicle to stall. Driving down hills can
cause loss of control. Driving across hills
can cause a rollover. You could be injured
or killed. Do not drive on steep hills.
Heavy loads on the roof raise the
vehicle's center of gravity, making it
more likely to roll over. You can be
seriously or fatally injured if the
vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads
inside the cargo area, not on the roof.
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To gain more ground clearance if needed, it
may be necessary to remove the front fascia
lower air dam, if equipped. However, driving
without the air dam reduces fuel economy.
Driving and Operating
199
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Avoid turns that take the vehicle across
the incline of the hill. Driving across an
incline puts more weight on the downhill
wheels, which could cause a downhill
slide or a rollover.
Loose gravel, muddy spots, or even wet
grass can cause the tires to slip sideways,
downhill. If the vehicle slips sideways, it
can hit something and potentially
roll over.
Hidden obstacles can make the steepness
of the incline more severe. If a rock is
driven across with the uphill wheels, or if
the downhill wheels drop into a rut or
depression, the vehicle can tilt even more.
Before driving on a hill, assess the
steepness, traction, and obstructions. If the
terrain ahead cannot be seen, get out of the
vehicle and walk the hill before driving
further.
Warning
{
If the vehicle has the two-speed
automatic transfer case, shifting the
transfer case to N (Neutral) can cause
your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in P (Park). This is because
the N (Neutral) position on the transfer
case overrides the transmission. You or
someone else could be injured. If leaving
the vehicle, set the parking brake and
shift the transmission to P (Park). Shift
the transfer case to any position but
N (Neutral).
When driving on hills:
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Use a low gear and keep a firm grip on
the steering wheel.
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Maintain a slow speed.
When possible, drive straight up or down
the hill.
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Slow down when approaching the top of
the hill.
Warning
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If an incline must be driven across, and
the vehicle starts to slide, turn downhill.
This should help straighten out the
vehicle and prevent the side slipping.
Never go downhill forward or backward
with either the transmission or transfer
case in N (Neutral). The brakes could
overheat and you could lose control.
When driving down a hill, keep the
vehicle headed straight down. Use a low
gear because the engine will work with
the brakes to slow the vehicle and help
keep the vehicle under control.
Driving to the top of a hill at high speed
can cause a crash. There could be a
drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even
another vehicle. You could be seriously
injured or killed. As you near the top of a
hill, slow down and stay alert.
Warning
{
Heavy braking when going down a hill
can cause your brakes to overheat and
fade. This could cause loss of control and
you or others could be injured or killed.
Apply the brakes lightly when descending
a hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle
speed under control.
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Use headlamps even during the day to
make the vehicle more visible.
If a brake fade condition is detected, a DIC
warning message is displayed. Adjust brake
pedal use and shift to a lower transmission
gear to reduce braking.
200
Driving and Operating
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If driving downhill when the vehicle
stalls, shift to a lower gear, release
the parking brake, and drive straight
down the hill.
If the brakes continue to fade to a severe
condition, additional DIC messages are
displayed. The brake system warning light
will illuminate, and the vehicle speed may
be limited. See Brake System Warning Light
0 119.
This affects steering, accelerating, and
braking. Drive at a reduced speed and avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
Traction is reduced on hard packed snow
and ice and it is easy to lose control. Reduce
vehicle speed when driving on hard packed
snow and ice.
3. If the vehicle cannot be restarted after
stalling, set the parking brake, shift into
P (Park), and turn the vehicle off.
If the vehicle stalls on a hill:
3.1. Leave the vehicle and seek help.
1. Apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, and
then apply the parking brake.
Warning
{
3.2. Stay clear of the path the vehicle
would take if it rolled downhill.
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers
can be dangerous. Ice conditions vary
greatly and the vehicle could fall through
the ice; you and your passengers could
drown. Drive your vehicle on safe
surfaces only.
2. Shift into P (Park) and then restart the
engine.
Warning
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If driving uphill when the vehicle
stalls, shift to R (Reverse), release the
parking brake, and back
Getting out of the vehicle on the
downhill side when stopped across an
incline is dangerous. If the vehicle rolls
over, you could be crushed or killed.
Always get out on the uphill side of the
vehicle and stay well clear of the
rollover path.
straight down.
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Never try to turn the vehicle around.
If the hill is steep enough to stall the
vehicle, it is steep enough to cause it
to roll over.
Driving in Water
Warning
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If you cannot make it up the hill,
back straight down the hill.
Never back down a hill in N (Neutral)
using only the brake. The vehicle can
roll backward quickly and you could
lose control.
Driving through rushing water can be
dangerous. Deep water can sweep your
vehicle downstream and you and your
passengers could drown. If it is only
shallow water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires. Traction
could be lost, and the vehicle could roll
over. Do not drive through rushing water.
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow, or Ice
Use a low gear when driving in mud — the
deeper the mud, the lower the gear. Keep
the vehicle moving to avoid getting stuck.
Traction changes when driving on sand. On
loose sand, such as on beaches or sand
dunes, the tires tend to sink into the sand.
Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
201
exhaust system for damage and check the
fuel lines and cooling system for any
leakage.
Caution
Do not drive through standing water if it
is deep enough to cover the wheel hubs,
axles, or exhaust pipe. Deep water can
damage the axle and other vehicle parts.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
More frequent maintenance service is
required. See the Maintenance Schedule
0 417.
If the standing water is not too deep, drive
through it slowly. At faster speeds, water
can get into the engine and cause it to stall.
Stalling can occur if the exhaust pipe is
under water. Do not turn off the ignition
when driving through water. If the exhaust
pipe is under water, the engine will not
start. When going through water, the brakes
get wet and it may take longer to stop. See
“Driving on Wet Roads” later in this section.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.
Warning
{
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has
collected on the underbody or chassis,
or under the hood. These accumulations can
be a fire hazard. Reinstall underbody air
deflector and air dam if removed.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
After operation in mud or sand, have the
brake linings cleaned and checked. These
substances can cause glazing and uneven
braking. Check the body structure, driveline,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
(Continued)
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Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
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202
Driving and Operating
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Keep windshield wiping equipment in
good shape.
Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir
filled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth.
See Tires 0 369.
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
Warning
{
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
For Slippery Road Driving:
Turn off cruise control.
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Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
Turn on Traction Control. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 237.
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Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
Pay attention to special road signs (e.g.,
falling rocks area, winding roads, long
grades, passing or no-passing zones) and
take appropriate action.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
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The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0 235.
Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good
shape.
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Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, and
cooling system.
Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep or long hills.
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Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Caution
Warning
{
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a
long downhill slope can cause brake
overheating, can reduce brake
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
performance, and could result in a loss of
braking. Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
Turn off cruise control.
underneath the vehicle before driving.
Driving and Operating
203
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
Cold Weather Mode
Warning (Continued)
In very low temperatures, a cold weather
message may display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,
transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently to enable the
vehicle to warm up quicker. You can
manually override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
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Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow. See “Rocking the Vehicle to Get
It Out” later in this section.
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Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
If equipped, the front and rear axles may be
locked to improve traction. See Locking Front
Axle 0 245 and Locking Rear Axle 0 244.
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Blizzard Conditions
Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 433. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
The Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control can often help to free a stuck
vehicle. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 237. If TC/ESC cannot free
the vehicle, see “Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out” following.
setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0 220.
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Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
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To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
Warning
{
Warning
{
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)
204
Driving and Operating
For information about using tire chains on
the vehicle, see Tire Chains 0 387.
If equipped, there are recovery hooks at the
front of the vehicle. Use them if the vehicle
is stuck off-road and needs to be pulled
some place to continue driving.
Recovery Hooks
Warning
{
Rocking the Vehicle to Get It Out
Never pull on recovery hooks from the
side. The hooks could break and you and
others could be injured. When using
recovery hooks, always pull the vehicle
from the front.
Caution
Vehicle Load Limits
Do not hold the steering wheel at full
rotation for more than 15 seconds and/or
at an elevated RPM. Damage may occur
to the power steering system and there
may be loss of power steering assist.
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity
weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on the vehicle may show how much
weight it was designed to carry: the
Tire and Loading Information label and
the Certification/Tire label.
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then
make sure the wheels are pointed straight
ahead. For four-wheel-drive vehicles, shift
into Four-Wheel Drive High. Turn the TCS
off. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse)
and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as
little as possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning
before shifting gears. Slowly spinning the
wheels in the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could free the
vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out
after a few tries, it might need to be towed
out. See Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
0 402. Recovery hooks can be used, if the
vehicle has them.
Warning
{
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
(Continued)
Caution
Never use recovery hooks to tow the
vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged,
and the repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Driving and Operating
205
positions (1), and the maximum vehicle
capacity weight (2) in kilograms and
pounds.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
Warning (Continued)
Overloading can also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires, and
shorten the life of the vehicle.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example,
if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
The Tire and Loading Information label
also shows the size of the original
equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more information on
tires and inflation see Tires 0 369 and
Tire Pressure 0 375.
Tire and Loading Information Label
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle Certification/
Tire label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
the front and rear axles. See
5. Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
“Certification/Tire Label” later in this
section.
Label Example
6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading
Information label is attached to the
center pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and
Loading Information label shows the
number of occupant seating
1. Locate the statement "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
206
Driving and Operating
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg
(150 lb) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lb)
3. Remaining available capacity for Cargo
Weight = 301.2 kg (665 lb)
See Trailer Towing 0 303 for important
information on towing a trailer, towing
safety rules, and trailering tips.
If aftermarket accessories are installed on
the vehicle, for example a rooftop carrier, be
sure to add the weight of all installed
accessories to the combined weight of
luggage and cargo.
Example 3
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3
= 453 kg (1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg
(200 lb) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lb)
Example 2
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lb)
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2
= 453 kg (1,000 lb)
Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information label for specific
information about the vehicle's capacity
weight and seating positions. The
combined weight of the driver,
passengers, accessories, and cargo
should never exceed the vehicle's
capacity weight.
Then subtract Accessory Weight, for
example a rooftop cargo box =
18.1 kg (40 lb)
Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1
= 453 kg (1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg
(150 lb) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lb)
3. Remaining available capacity for Cargo
Weight = 94.9 kg (210 lb)
Then subtract Accessory Weight, for
example a rooftop cargo box =
15.8 kg (35 lb)
Driving and Operating
207
Certification/Tire Label
Weight Rating (GAWR). To determine
the actual loads on the front and rear
axles, weigh the vehicle at a weigh
station. Your dealer can help with this.
Be sure to spread the load equally on
both sides of the centerline.
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change the weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help load the vehicle the
right way.
Warning
{
The Certification/Tire label may also
contain important information about
the Front Axle Reserve Capacity.
Things you put inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden
stop or turn, or in a crash.
Warning
{
.
Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
In the case of a sudden stop or
collision, things carried in the bed of
your truck could shift forward and
come into the passenger area,
injuring you and others. If you put
things in the bed of your truck, you
should make sure they are properly
secured.
Label Example
.
Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label
is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar).
The label may show the size of the
vehicle's original tires and the inflation
pressures needed to obtain the gross
weight capacity of the vehicle. This is
called Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, and
cargo.
.
.
Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
.
Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
The Certification/Tire label also may
show the maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called Gross Axle
208
Driving and Operating
There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in this
manual. See “Loading the Vehicle for
Off-Road Driving“ under Off-Road
Driving 0 197.
Any load that extends beyond the
vehicle's taillamp area must be properly
marked according to local laws and
regulations.
* Equipment
Maximum Weight
Ladder Rack and 340 kg (750 lb)
Cargo
Cross Toolbox and 181 kg (400 lb)
Cargo
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.
Two-Tiered Loading
Side Boxes and
Cargo
113 kg per side
(250 lb per side)
Depending on the model of the pickup,
an upper load platform can be created
by positioning three or four 5 cm (2 in)
by 15 cm (6 in) wooden planks across
the width of the pickup box. The planks
must be inserted in the pickup box
depressions.
Add-On Equipment
* The combined weight for all
rail-mounted equipment should not
exceed 454 kg (1,000 lb).
When carrying removable items, a limit
on how many people carried inside the
vehicle may be necessary. Be sure to
weigh the vehicle before buying and
installing the new equipment.
Loading Points
When using this upper load platform,
be sure the load is securely tied down
to prevent it from shifting. The load's
center of gravity should be positioned
in a zone over the rear axle. The zone is
located in the area between the front
of each wheel well and the rear of each
wheel well. The center of gravity height
must not extend above the top of the
pickup box flareboard.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.
1. Primary Load Points
Driving and Operating
209
2. Secondary Load Areas
3. GM Approved Accessory Mounting
Points
Your dealer can help make a good
vehicle-camper match and help
determine the Cargo Weight
Rating (CWR).
Refer to the Truck-Camper Loading
Information label in the glove box for
dimensions A and B as shown in the
following illustration.
Structural members (1) and (2) are included
in the pickup box design. Additional
When installing and loading a slide-in
camper, check the manufacturer's
instructions.
accessories should use these load points.
Depending on the accessory design, use a
spacer under the accessory at the load
points to remove gap. The holes for GM
approved accessories (3) are not intended for
aftermarket equipment. See
When carrying a slide-in camper, the
total cargo load of the vehicle is the
weight of the camper plus:
box load bearing structural information.
.
Everything added to the camper after
it left the factory.
Truck-Camper Loading Information
Use the rear edge of the load floor for
measurement purposes. The
recommended location for the cargo
center of gravity is in zone C for the
CWR. It is the point where the mass of
a body is concentrated and,
.
.
Everything in the camper.
All the people inside.
A vehicle-specific Truck-Camper Loading
Information label is attached to the
inside of the vehicle's glove box. This
label indicates if a slide-in camper can
be carried, how much of a load the
vehicle can carry, and how to correctly
spread out the load. It will help to
match the right slide-in camper to the
vehicle.
The CWR is the maximum weight of the
load the vehicle can carry. It does not
include the weight of the people inside.
But, use about 68 kg (150 lb) for
each seat.
if suspended at that point, would
balance the front and rear.
The total cargo load must not be more
than the vehicle's CWR.
210
Driving and Operating
Here is an example of proper truck and
camper match:
cargo load should not exceed the truck's
cargo weight rating, and the camper's
center of gravity (1) should fall within
the truck's recommended center of
gravity zone (2) when installed.
exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR). These ratings are
given on the Certification/Tire label
attached to the B-pillar. See
“Certification/Tire Label” under Vehicle
Load Limits 0 204. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
Any accessories or other equipment
that are added to the vehicle must be
weighed. Then, subtract this extra
weight from the CWR. This extra weight
may shorten the center of gravity zone
of the vehicle.
See your dealer for more information
on curb weights, cargo weights, Cargo
Weight Rating, and the correct center of
gravity zone.
If the slide-in camper and its load
weighs less than the CWR, the center of
gravity zone for the vehicle may be
larger.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
driving this vehicle, overall performance
will benefit by following these break-in
period recommendations:
1. Camper Center of Gravity
2. Recommended Center of Gravity
Location Zone
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
the vehicle. When the truck-camper is
loaded, drive to a scale and weigh on
the front and on the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total axle loads should not
When the truck is used to carry a
slide-in camper, the total cargo load of
the truck consists of the manufacturer's
camper weight figure, the weight of
installed additional camper equipment
not included in the manufacturer's
camper weight figure, the weight of
camper cargo, and the weight of
.
Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt
stops.
(Continued)
passengers in the camper. The total
