TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and infor- mation on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recom- mendations in this manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
The following trailer towing-related definitions will assist you in understanding the following information:
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equip- ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation" condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
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WARNING! |
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If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg) or more, it is recommended to use a weight-distributing hitch to ensure stable handling of your vehicle. If you use a standard weight-carrying hitch, you could lose control of your vehicle and cause a collision. |
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
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WARNING! |
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It is important that you do not exceed the maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle and have a collision. |
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. You must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle. The frontal area is the maximum height multi- plied by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.
The trailer sway control can be a mechanical telescoping link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling. If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC) recognizes a swaying trailer and automat- ically applies individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of hitches are the most popular on the market today and they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized trailers. A weight-distributing system works by applying leverage through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in accor- dance with the manufacturer's directions, it provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and brake control, thereby enhancing towing safety. The addition of a fric- tion/hydraulic sway control also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contrib- utes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recom- mended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to comply with GAWR requirements.
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WARNING! |
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An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch system may reduce handling, stability and braking performance and could result in a collision.
Weight distributing systems may not be compatible with surge brake couplers. Consult with your hitch and trailer manufac- turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for additional information.
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With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Normal Ride Height (NRH) or Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) can be used. The vehicle must remain in the engine running position while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air suspension system. It may not be possible to enter Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) while lightly loaded.
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Measurement Example |
Example 2500/ 3500 Height (mm) |
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H1 |
1030 |
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H2 |
1058 |
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H2-H1 |
28 |
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(H2-H1)/2 |
14 |
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(H2-H1)/2 + H1 |
1044 |
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing with TOW/HAUL mode engaged.
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Measurement Example |
Example 2500/ 3500 Height (mm) |
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H1 |
1030 |
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H2 |
1058 |
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H2-H1 |
28 |
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(H2-H1)/2 |
14 |
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(H2-H1)/2 + H1 |
1044 |
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing with TOW/HAUL mode engaged. The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform with a coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow vehicle in the truck bed. It connects a vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling king pin. Your truck may be equipped with a fifth wheel hitch option. Refer to the separately provided fifth wheel hitch safety, care, assembly, and operating instructions. The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted coupling arm which attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. The coupling arm connects to the hitch mounted over the rear axle in the truck bed. The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight a given factory equipped trailer hitch type can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
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Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight |
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Hitch Type |
Max. Trailer Weight / Max. Tongue Weight |
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Class V - 2500 Models |
20,000 lbs (9,071 kg) / 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
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Class V - 3500 Models |
23,000 lbs (10,432 kg) / 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg) |
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Fifth Wheel - 2500 Models |
25,000 lbs (11,339 kg) / 3,750 lbs (1,700 kg) |
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Fifth Wheel - 3500 Models |
30,000 lbs (13,607 kg) / 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) |
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Gooseneck - 2500 Models |
20,000 lbs (9,071 kg) / 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg) |
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Gooseneck - 3500 Models |
35,250 lbs (15,989 kg) / 5,287 lbs (2,398 kg) |
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Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain. |
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
For trailer towing information (maximum trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website addresses:
Weight Distribution
Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle. To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components, the following guidelines are recommended. Perform the maintenance listed in the “Sched- uled Servicing”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for the proper maintenance intervals. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
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WARNING! |
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Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to control. You could lose control of your vehicle and have a colli- sion.
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WARNING! |
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When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over- loading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in PARK. For
four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or "chock" the trailer wheels. GCWR must not be exceeded.
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WARNING! |
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Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four ratings are not exceeded:
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
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Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) for Electric and Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes.
This module has been designed and verified with electric trailer brakes and new electric over hydraulic systems. Some previous EOH systems may not be compatible with ITBM.
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)
1 — GAIN Adjustment Button 2 — GAIN Adjustment Button
3 — Manual Brake Control Lever
The user interface consists of the following: Manual Brake Control Lever Slide the manual brake control lever to the left to activate power to the trailer's electric brakes independent of the tow vehicle's brakes. If the manual brake control lever is activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the two inputs determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.
The trailer and the vehicle’s stop lamps will come on when braking normally with the vehicle brake pedal. Only the trailer stop lamps will come on when the manual brake control lever is applied.
This light indicates the trailer electrical connec- tion status.
If no electrical connection is detected after the ignition is turned on, pushing the GAIN adjustment button or sliding the manual brake control lever will display the GAIN setting for 10 seconds and the “Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will not be displayed. If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the “Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will flash. Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake control power output to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. The GAIN setting can be increased to a maximum of 10 or decreased to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking). The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer brake control for the specific towing condition and should be changed as towing conditions change. Changes to towing conditions include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and weather.
NOTE:
This should only be performed in a traffic free environment at speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual brake control lever completely. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the GAIN setting. Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at a point just below trailer wheel lockup. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lockup may not be attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting of 10.
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Light Electric |
Heavy Electric |
Light EOH |
Heavy EOH |
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Type of Trailer Brakes |
Electric Trailer Brakes |
Electric Trailer Brakes |
Electric over Hydraulic Trailer Brakes |
Electric over Hydraulic Trailer Brakes |
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Load |
*Under 10,000 lbs |
*Above 10,000 lbs |
*Under 10,000 lbs |
*Above 10,000 lbs |
* The suggested selection depends and may change depending on the customer prefer- ences for braking performance. Condition of the trailer brakes, driving and road state may also affect the selection.
The trailer brake control interacts with the instrument cluster display. Display messages, along with a single chime, will be displayed when a malfunction is determined in the trailer connection, trailer brake control, or on the trailer. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
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CAUTION! |
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Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping distance or trailer instability which could result in damage to your vehicle, trailer, or other property. |
tric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems. To determine the type of brakes on your trailer and the availability of controllers, check with your trailer manufacturer or dealer.
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for motoring safety. The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and connector. Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring harness. The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer to the following illustra- tions. Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the vehicle before launching a boat (or any other device plugged into vehicle’s electrical connect) into water.
Four-Pin Connector
1 — Female Pins 2 — Male Pin
Seven-Pin Connector
6 — Left Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range Select [ERS] shift control).
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear range (using the ERS shift control) while operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also provide better engine braking.
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range Select [ERS] shift control) on more severe grades.
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheating, take the following actions:
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle, the air suspension system can be used. Refer to “Air Suspension System” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa- tion. The vehicle must remain in the engine running position while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air suspension system.
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