1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 244

yellowblue Your vehicle can tow a trailer. 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. D 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. 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. 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). See "Tow/Haul Mode" in the Index. If you have a manual transmission and you are towing a trailer, it's better not to use FIFTH (5) gear. Just drive in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear). D Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you D If you have an automatic transmission, you can If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: D 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. weigh less than the capacity stamped on your step bumper. You should always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more than the capacity stamped on your step bumper. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls. Three important considerations have to do with weight: D Consider using a sway control if your trailer will D the weight of the trailer, D the weight of the trailer tongue D and the weight on your vehicle's tires. 4-54