2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 362

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer Notice: Pulling a fifth-wheel camper with a vehicle that is equipped with the SS trim package could damage the vehicle. Do not pull a fifth-wheel camper with a vehicle equipped with the SS trim package. If you do, here are some important points: • If you have an automatic transmission, you can 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, such as under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions. If you have a manual transmission and you are towing a trailer, it's better not to use the highest gear. See Tow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-53. Three important considerations have to do with weight: • 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. • Consider using a sway control. See "Hitches" later in this section. • The weight of the trailer • The weight of the trailer tongue • The weight on your vehicle's tires Tow/Haul Mode Tow/Haul is a feature on automatic transmission equipped vehicles that assists when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. The purpose of the Tow/Haul mode is to: • Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability of transmission shifts when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. • Provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when the vehicle is unloaded. • Improve control of vehicle speed while requiring less throttle pedal activity when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. • 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. • Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you 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. 4-72