TRAILERING BASICS – THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU START
(CONTINUED)
10
Driving on Grades
Before going down a steep grade, reduce your speed and shift the
transmission into a lower gear. This provides “engine braking” and reduces the need
to brake for long periods. Chevrolet crossover, van, SUV and pickup models equipped
with a 6-speed automatic transmission, as well as pickups equipped with the
available 8-speed or 10-speed automatic transmission, have a grade braking feature
in the transmission that can do this for you. See your dealer or Owner’s Manual for
additional information. When driving up a steep incline, shift to a lower gear for more
torque to maintain speed and avoid lugging. Lugging occurs when the vehicle’s
engine stutters because it needs to be in a lower gear. Crest the hill no faster than
the speed at which you want to descend and in the gear you expect will require little
braking. Pay attention to your temperature gauges for any signs of overheating.
Overheating
Prolonged driving with overheated fluids can cause damage to your
vehicle. If temperature gauges register abnormally high, if there is a marked
decrease in power or if you hear unusual engine noises, immediately take the
following steps:
• Pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Once stopped, shift into Park (automatic
transmission) or Neutral (manual transmission) and apply the parking brake. Leave
the engine running
• Turn off air conditioning and other accessories to reduce load on the engine. Roll
down the windows and turn the heater on to maximum and the fan to its highest
setting. The heater core provides a second cooling surface that can help reduce
engine temperatures
• If you suspect that the overheating is the result of climbing a long, steep grade, run
the engine at fast idle (around 1500 rpm) until the temperature gauge registers a
normal reading
• With the vehicle in Park (automatic transmission) or Neutral (manual transmission),
the parking brake engaged, and being mindful of traffic, exit your vehicle and look
for steam or leaking coolant underneath the engine. If you see either of these, shut
off the engine and allow the engine to cool. To avoid being burned, do not attempt to
remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled
Parking on Grades
Parking on steep grades with a trailer is not recommended;
if you must, follow this procedure:
• Apply the brakes and shift into Neutral
• Have someone place trailer wheel blocks on the downgrade side
• Release the brakes until the blocks absorb the load
• Apply the parking brake and shift into Park
Leaving Your Parking Spot on Grades
• Hold the brake pedal down and start the engine
• Shift into gear and release the parking brake
• Release the brake pedal and drive uphill slightly until free from the blocks
• Apply the brakes and have someone retrieve the blocks
Diesel Engine After-Run
Diesel Engine After-Run on Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD
and 3500 HD Chassis Cab is designed to help the engine cool down following heavy
usage. If the vehicle is shut off while the engine is too hot, it will immediately restart,
allowing the engine fan to run and coolant to flow.
Trailering Information Label
This industry-first label is located on the driver-side
door jamb and provides information that’s specific to your vehicle and vital to towing,
including GVWR,
1
GCWR,
2
GAWR
3
for the rear axle, maximum payload, maximum
tongue weight and curb weight. Included on Silverado 1500, Silverado HD, Suburban
and Tahoe.
1 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). When properly equipped; includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and equipment. 2 Gross Combination Weight Rating. 3 Gross Axle Weight Rating.
