2013 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner Manual - Page 330

9-70 Driving and Operating Trailer Tongue" in Trailer Towing on page 9‑65 for rating limits with various hitch types. Consider using sway controls with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional about sway controls or refer to the trailer manufacturer's recommendations and instructions. When using a weight-distributing hitch, the spring bars should be adjusted so the distance (A) is the same after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle and adjusting the hitch. Weight of the Trailering Combination It is important that the combination of the tow vehicle and trailer does not exceed any of its weight ratings - GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer Weight Rating or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it is not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh the tow vehicle and trailer combination, fully loaded for the trip, getting individual weights for each of these items. Safety Chains Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. If the trailer being towed weighs up to 2 271 kg (5,000 lbs) with a factory-installed step bumper, safety chains may be attached to the attaching points on the bumper, otherwise, safety chains should be attached to holes on the trailer hitch platform. Always leave just enough slack so the combination can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment Towing Equipment Hitches The correct hitch equipment helps maintain combination control. Most small-to-medium trailers can be towed with a weight carrying hitch which simply features a coupler latched to the hitch ball. Larger trailers may require a weight distributing hitch that uses spring bars to distribute the trailer tongue weight among the two vehicle and trailer axles. See "Weight of the A. Body to Ground Distance B. Front of Vehicle