For information about the vehicle's maximum load capacity, see Vehicle Load Limits 0 217. When calculating the GVWR with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue weight must be included as part of the weight the vehicle is carrying.
The maximum trailer weight rating is calculated assuming the tow vehicle has a driver, a front seat passenger, and all required trailering equipment. This value represents the heaviest trailer the vehicle can tow, but it may be necessary to reduce the trailer weight to stay within the GCWR, GVWR, maximum trailer tongue load, or GAWR-RR for the vehicle.
Use the Tow Rating Guide (my.chevrolet.com/learn) to determine how much the trailer can weigh, based on the vehicle model and options. Weights listed apply for conventional trailers and gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailers unless otherwise noted.
A step bumper trailer hitch can only support a total trailer weight up to 2,271 kg (5,000 lb). If a trailer hitch ball is added to the step bumper, check the hitch ball rating to be sure it is higher than the total trailer weight.
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating is the allowable trailer tongue weight that the vehicle can support using a conventional trailer hitch. It may be necessary to reduce the overall trailer weight to stay within the maximum trailer tongue weight rating while still maintaining the correct trailer load balance. A fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch may support a higher tongue weight.
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating for a conventional trailer hitch or a fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch is shown on the Trailering Information Label. Do not exceed a maximum trailer tongue weight of 567 kg (1,250 lb) for a conventional trailer hitch.
The trailer tongue weight contributes to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). GVW includes the curb weight of your vehicle, any passengers, cargo, equipment and the trailer tongue weight. Vehicle options, passengers, cargo, and equipment reduce the maximum allowable tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which also reduces the maximum allowable trailer weight.
The correct trailer load balance must be maintained to ensure trailer stability. Incorrect load balance is a leading cause of trailer sway.
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 the vehicle, hitch, and trailer.
The trailer load balance percentage is calculated as: weight (1) ÷ weight (2) × 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 your vehicle. Use the shortest hitch extension available to position the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue weight on the trailer hitch and the 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.
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. The GAWR-RR for the vehicle is on the Trailering Information Label. Ask your dealer for trailering information or assistance.
A conventional hitch is bolted to the frame or cross member of the tow vehicle, and is generally rated Class 2, 3, or 4.
A gooseneck hitch is designed to be coupled to a special hitch leveraging a hitch ball, and is mounted over the rear axle in the truck bed.
A fifth-wheel hitch is mounted over the rear axle in the truck bed, and leverages a hinged plate — the same type of hitch leveraged by semi trucks. Generally, fifth-wheel hitches accommodate large trailers with as many as one, two, or three axles.
Always use the correct hitch equipment for your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads can affect the trailer and the hitch. Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle helps maintain control of the vehicle-trailer combination. Many trailers can be towed using a weight-carrying hitch which has a coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a tow eye latched to a pintle hook. Other trailers may require a weight-distributing hitch that uses spring bars to distribute the trailer tongue weight between your vehicle and trailer axles. Fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches may also be used. See “Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight” under Trailer Towing 0 272 for weight limits with various hitch types.
Avoid sharp turns when using a step-bumper hitch to prevent damage. Make wider turns to prevent contact b
