Chevrolet/GMC Silverado 1500 / Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual
(GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-16515122) - 2023 - CRC - 8/12/22
Driving and Operating
287
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 your vehicle, hitch, and
trailer.
The trailer load balance percentage is
calculated as: weight (1) divided by
weight (2) times 100.
After loading the trailer, separately weigh
the trailer and then the trailer tongue and
calculate the trailer load balance percentage
to see if the weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the trailer
weight is too high, it may be possible to
transfer some of the cargo into your vehicle.
If the trailer tongue weight is too high or
too low, it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for the vehicle. Use 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 trailer hitch and rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch
receiver, choose a carrier that positions the
load as close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight, including the
carrier, is no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight that can be
supported by the rear axle of the vehicle. Do
not exceed the GAWR-RR for the vehicle,
with the tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded
for the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight-distributing
hitch, do not exceed the GAWR-RR before
applying the weight distribution spring bars.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
{
Warning
In order to avoid serious injury or
property damage, always follow the hitch
manufacturer's instructions when securing
your draw bar/coupling device to the
vehicle's hitch receiver.
(Continued)