Get Driving and Operating -> Driving Information Guide for Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Truck 2023

Driving and Operating

195

.

Wait until the vehicle is parked to

retrieve items that have fallen to the

floor.

Stop or park the vehicle to tend to

children.

Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or

restraint.

Avoid stressful conversations while

driving, whether with a passenger or on a

cell phone.

Assume that other road users

Distracted Driving

(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)

are going to be careless and make

mistakes. Anticipate what they may do

and be ready.

Allow enough following distance between

you and the driver in front of you.

Distraction comes in many forms and can

take your focus from the task of driving.

Exercise good judgment and do not let other

activities divert your attention away from

the road. Many local governments have

enacted laws regarding driver distraction.

Become familiar with the local laws in

your area.

.

Focus on the task of driving.

Impaired Driving

Death and injury associated with impaired

driving is a global tragedy.

To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes

on the road, keep your hands on the

steering wheel, and focus your attention on

driving.

Warning

{

Taking your eyes off the road too long or

too often could cause a crash resulting in

injury or death. Focus your attention on

driving.

Warning

{

.

Do not use a phone in demanding driving

situations. Use a hands-free method to

place or receive necessary phone calls.

Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then

driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,

perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment

can be affected by even a small amount

of alcohol or drugs. You can have a

.

Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,

or look up information on phones or

other electronic devices.

Refer to the infotainment section for more

information on using that system and the

navigation system, if equipped, including

pairing and using a cell phone.

serious — or even fatal — collision if you

drive after drinking or taking drugs.

.

Designate a front seat passenger to

handle potential distractions.

Become familiar with vehicle features

before driving, such as programming

favorite radio stations and adjusting

climate control and seat settings. Program

all trip information into any navigation

device prior to driving.

Defensive Driving

Do not drive while under the influence of

alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver

who has been drinking or is impaired by

drugs. Find alternate transportation

home; or if you are with a group,

Defensive driving means “always expect the

unexpected.” The first step in driving

defensively is to wear the seat belt. See

Seat Belts 0 52.

designate a driver who will remain sober.

196

Driving and Operating

Electric Power Steering

Control of a Vehicle

Steering

The vehicle is equipped with an electric

power steering system, which reduces the

amount of effort needed to steer the

vehicle. It does not have power steering

fluid. Regular maintenance is not required.

Braking, steering, and accelerating are

important factors in helping to control a

vehicle while driving.

Caution

To avoid damage to the steering system,

do not drive over curbs, parking barriers,

or similar objects at speeds greater than

3 km/h (1 mph). Use care when driving

over other objects such as lane dividers

and speed bumps. Damage caused by

misuse of the vehicle is not covered by

the vehicle warranty.

Braking

If the vehicle experiences a system

malfunction and loses power steering,

greater steering effort may be required.

Power steering assist also may be reduced if

you turn the steering wheel as far as it can

turn and hold it there with force for an

extended period of time.

Braking action involves perception time and

reaction time. Deciding to push the brake

pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is

reaction time.

Average driver reaction time is about

three-quarters of a second. In that time, a

vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels

20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of

distance in an emergency.

See your dealer if there is a problem.

Curve Tips

Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:

.

Take curves at a reasonable speed.

Reduce speed before entering a curve.

Maintain a reasonable steady speed

through the curve.

.

Keep enough distance between you and

the vehicle in front of you.

.

Avoid needless heavy braking.

Keep pace with traffic.

.

Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve

before accelerating gently into the

straightaway.

If the engine ever stops or a brake fault

occurs, the brakes may lose power assist.

More effort will be required to stop the

vehicle. It may take longer to stop.

Steering in Emergencies

.

There are some situations when steering

around a problem may be more effective

than braking.

Driving and Operating

197

.

Slow down and adjust your driving

Holding both sides of the steering wheel

allows you to turn 180 degrees without

removing a hand.

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows

steering while braking.

2. Turn the steering wheel about

one-eighth of a turn, until the right front

tire contacts the pavement edge.

according to weather conditions. Stopping

distance can be longer and vehicle control

can be affected when traction is reduced

by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other

material on the road. Learn to recognize

warning clues — such as enough water,

ice, or packed snow on the road to make

a mirrored surface — and slow down

when you have any doubt.

3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight

down the roadway.

Off-Road Recovery

Loss of Control

Skidding

There are three types of skids that

correspond to the vehicle's three control

systems:

.

Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,

or braking, including reducing vehicle

speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any

sudden changes could cause the tires to

slide.

.

Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling.

.

Steering or Cornering Skid — too much

speed or steering in a curve causes tires

to slip and lose cornering force.

Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only

the braking skid.

.

Acceleration Skid — too much throttle

causes the driving wheels to spin.

Off-Road Driving

Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking

reasonable care suited to existing conditions,

and by not overdriving those conditions. But

skids are always possible.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used for

off-road driving. Vehicles without four-wheel

drive and vehicles not equipped with All

Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR) tires must

not be driven off-road except on a level,

solid surface. For contact information about

the original equipment tires, see the

warranty manual.

The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the

edge of a road onto the shoulder while

driving. Follow these tips:

1. Ease off the accelerator and then,

if there is nothing in the way, steer the

vehicle so that it straddles the edge of

the pavement.

If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these

suggestions:

Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal

and steer the way you want the vehicle

to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be

ready for a second skid if it occurs.

.

One of the best ways for successful off-road

driving is to control the speed.

198

Driving and Operating

For more information about loading the

vehicle, see Vehicle Load Limits 0 204 and

Tires 0 369.

Caution

Warning

{

Operating the vehicle for extended

periods without the front fascia lower air

dam installed can cause improper airflow

to the engine. Reattach the front fascia

air dam after off-road driving.

When driving off-road, bouncing and

quick changes in direction can easily

throw you out of position. This could

cause you to lose control and crash. You

and your passengers should always wear

seat belts.

Environmental Concerns

.

Always use established trails, roads, and

areas that have been set aside for public

off-road recreational driving and obey all

posted regulations.

Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving

.

Do not damage shrubs, flowers, trees,

or grasses or disturb wildlife.

Do not park over things that burn. See

Before Driving Off-Road

Have all necessary maintenance and

service work completed.

Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and check

inflation pressure in all tires, including the

spare, if equipped.

Warning

{

.

Unsecured cargo on the load floor can

be tossed about when driving over

rough terrain. You or your passengers

can be struck by flying objects. Secure

the cargo properly.

Parking over Things That Burn 0 219.

.

Driving on Hills

Driving safely on hills requires good

judgment and an understanding of what the

vehicle can and cannot do.

.

Read all the information about

four-wheel-drive vehicles in this manual.

.

Keep cargo in the cargo area as far

forward and as low as possible. The

heaviest things should be on the floor,

forward of the rear axle.

Remove any underbody air deflector,

if equipped. Re-attach the air deflector

after off-road driving.

Know the local laws that apply to off-road

driving.

Warning

{

Many hills are simply too steep for any

vehicle. Driving up hills can cause the

vehicle to stall. Driving down hills can

cause loss of control. Driving across hills

can cause a rollover. You could be injured

or killed. Do not drive on steep hills.

Heavy loads on the roof raise the

vehicle's center of gravity, making it

more likely to roll over. You can be

seriously or fatally injured if the

vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads

inside the cargo area, not on the roof.

.

To gain more ground clearance if needed, it

may be necessary to remove the front fascia

lower air dam, if equipped. However, driving

without the air dam reduces fuel economy.

Driving and Operating

199

.

Avoid turns that take the vehicle across

the incline of the hill. Driving across an

incline puts more weight on the downhill

wheels, which could cause a downhill

slide or a rollover.

Loose gravel, muddy spots, or even wet

grass can cause the tires to slip sideways,

downhill. If the vehicle slips sideways, it

can hit something and potentially

roll over.

Hidden obstacles can make the steepness

of the incline more severe. If a rock is

driven across with the uphill wheels, or if

the downhill wheels drop into a rut or

depression, the vehicle can tilt even more.

Before driving on a hill, assess the

steepness, traction, and obstructions. If the

terrain ahead cannot be seen, get out of the

vehicle and walk the hill before driving

further.

Warning

{

If the vehicle has the two-speed

automatic transfer case, shifting the

transfer case to N (Neutral) can cause

your vehicle to roll even if the

transmission is in P (Park). This is because

the N (Neutral) position on the transfer

case overrides the transmission. You or

someone else could be injured. If leaving

the vehicle, set the parking brake and

shift the transmission to P (Park). Shift

the transfer case to any position but

N (Neutral).

When driving on hills:

.

Use a low gear and keep a firm grip on

the steering wheel.

.

Maintain a slow speed.

When possible, drive straight up or down

the hill.

.

Slow down when approaching the top of

the hill.

Warning

{

.

If an incline must be driven across, and

the vehicle starts to slide, turn downhill.

This should help straighten out the

vehicle and prevent the side slipping.

Never go downhill forward or backward

with either the transmission or transfer

case in N (Neutral). The brakes could

overheat and you could lose control.

When driving down a hill, keep the

vehicle headed straight down. Use a low

gear because the engine will work with

the brakes to slow the vehicle and help

keep the vehicle under control.

Driving to the top of a hill at high speed

can cause a crash. There could be a

drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even

another vehicle. You could be seriously

injured or killed. As you near the top of a

hill, slow down and stay alert.

Warning

{

Heavy braking when going down a hill

can cause your brakes to overheat and

fade. This could cause loss of control and

you or others could be injured or killed.

Apply the brakes lightly when descending

a hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle

speed under control.

.

Use headlamps even during the day to

make the vehicle more visible.

If a brake fade condition is detected, a DIC

warning message is displayed. Adjust brake

pedal use and shift to a lower transmission

gear to reduce braking.

200

Driving and Operating

.

If driving downhill when the vehicle

stalls, shift to a lower gear, release

the parking brake, and drive straight

down the hill.

If the brakes continue to fade to a severe

condition, additional DIC messages are

displayed. The brake system warning light

will illuminate, and the vehicle speed may

be limited. See Brake System Warning Light

0 119.

This affects steering, accelerating, and

braking. Drive at a reduced speed and avoid

sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.

Traction is reduced on hard packed snow

and ice and it is easy to lose control. Reduce

vehicle speed when driving on hard packed

snow and ice.

3. If the vehicle cannot be restarted after

stalling, set the parking brake, shift into

P (Park), and turn the vehicle off.

If the vehicle stalls on a hill:

3.1. Leave the vehicle and seek help.

1. Apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, and

then apply the parking brake.

Warning

{

3.2. Stay clear of the path the vehicle

would take if it rolled downhill.

Driving on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers

can be dangerous. Ice conditions vary

greatly and the vehicle could fall through

the ice; you and your passengers could

drown. Drive your vehicle on safe

surfaces only.

2. Shift into P (Park) and then restart the

engine.

Warning

{

.

If driving uphill when the vehicle

stalls, shift to R (Reverse), release the

parking brake, and back

Getting out of the vehicle on the

downhill side when stopped across an

incline is dangerous. If the vehicle rolls

over, you could be crushed or killed.

Always get out on the uphill side of the

vehicle and stay well clear of the

rollover path.

straight down.

.

Never try to turn the vehicle around.

If the hill is steep enough to stall the

vehicle, it is steep enough to cause it

to roll over.

Driving in Water

Warning

{

.

If you cannot make it up the hill,

back straight down the hill.

Never back down a hill in N (Neutral)

using only the brake. The vehicle can

roll backward quickly and you could

lose control.

Driving through rushing water can be

dangerous. Deep water can sweep your

vehicle downstream and you and your

passengers could drown. If it is only

shallow water, it can still wash away the

ground from under your tires. Traction

could be lost, and the vehicle could roll

over. Do not drive through rushing water.

Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow, or Ice

Use a low gear when driving in mud — the

deeper the mud, the lower the gear. Keep

the vehicle moving to avoid getting stuck.

Traction changes when driving on sand. On

loose sand, such as on beaches or sand

dunes, the tires tend to sink into the sand.

Driving and Operating

Warning (Continued)

201

exhaust system for damage and check the

fuel lines and cooling system for any

leakage.

Caution

Do not drive through standing water if it

is deep enough to cover the wheel hubs,

axles, or exhaust pipe. Deep water can

damage the axle and other vehicle parts.

Flowing or rushing water creates strong

forces. Driving through flowing water

could cause the vehicle to be carried

away. If this happens, you and other

vehicle occupants could drown. Do not

ignore police warnings and be very

cautious about trying to drive through

flowing water.

More frequent maintenance service is

required. See the Maintenance Schedule

0 417.

If the standing water is not too deep, drive

through it slowly. At faster speeds, water

can get into the engine and cause it to stall.

Stalling can occur if the exhaust pipe is

under water. Do not turn off the ignition

when driving through water. If the exhaust

pipe is under water, the engine will not

start. When going through water, the brakes

get wet and it may take longer to stop. See

“Driving on Wet Roads” later in this section.

Driving on Wet Roads

Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle

traction and affect your ability to stop and

accelerate. Always drive slower in these

types of driving conditions and avoid driving

through large puddles and deep-standing or

flowing water.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build

up under the vehicle's tires so they actually

ride on the water. This can happen if the

road is wet enough and you are going fast

enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it

has little or no contact with the road.

Warning

{

Wet brakes can cause crashes. They

might not work as well in a quick stop

and could cause pulling to one side. You

could lose control of the vehicle.

After Off-Road Driving

Remove any brush or debris that has

collected on the underbody or chassis,

or under the hood. These accumulations can

be a fire hazard. Reinstall underbody air

deflector and air dam if removed.

There is no hard and fast rule about

hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow

down when the road is wet.

After driving through a large puddle of

water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply

the brake pedal until the brakes work

normally.

Other Rainy Weather Tips

After operation in mud or sand, have the

brake linings cleaned and checked. These

substances can cause glazing and uneven

braking. Check the body structure, driveline,

steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and

Besides slowing down, other wet weather

driving tips include:

(Continued)

.

Allow extra following distance.

Pass with caution.

.

202

Driving and Operating

.

Keep windshield wiping equipment in

good shape.

Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir

filled.

Have good tires with proper tread depth.

See Tires 0 369.

Snow or ice between the tires and the road

creates less traction or grip, so drive

carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C

(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.

Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain

until roads can be treated.

Warning

{

Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with

the ignition off is dangerous. This can

cause overheating of the brakes and loss

of steering assist. Always have the engine

running and the vehicle in gear.

For Slippery Road Driving:

Turn off cruise control.

.

Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly

causes the wheels to spin and makes the

surface under the tires slick.

Turn on Traction Control. See Traction

Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 237.

.

Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in

its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross

the center line.

Be alert on top of hills; something could

be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).

Pay attention to special road signs (e.g.,

falling rocks area, winding roads, long

grades, passing or no-passing zones) and

take appropriate action.

Hill and Mountain Roads

Driving on steep hills or through mountains

is different than driving on flat or rolling

terrain. Tips include:

.

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves

vehicle stability during hard stops, but

the brakes should be applied sooner than

when on dry pavement. See Antilock

Brake System (ABS) 0 235.

Allow greater following distance and

watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can

occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded

areas. The surface of a curve or an

overpass can remain icy when the

surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden

steering maneuvers and braking while

on ice.

Keep the vehicle serviced and in good

shape.

.

Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, and

cooling system.

Shift to a lower gear when going down

steep or long hills.

.

Winter Driving

Driving on Snow or Ice

Caution

Warning

{

Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a

long downhill slope can cause brake

overheating, can reduce brake

To avoid damage to the wheels and

brake components, always clear snow and

ice from inside the wheels and

performance, and could result in a loss of

braking. Shift the transmission to a lower

gear to let the engine assist the brakes

on a steep downhill slope.

Turn off cruise control.

underneath the vehicle before driving.

Driving and Operating

203

charged to restart the vehicle and to signal

for help with the headlamps. Do this as

little as possible, to save fuel.

Cold Weather Mode

Warning (Continued)

In very low temperatures, a cold weather

message may display on the Driver

Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,

transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan

speed may operate differently to enable the

vehicle to warm up quicker. You can

manually override the cabin fan speed in

cold weather mode.

If the vehicle is stuck in snow:

.

Clear snow from the base of the

vehicle, especially any blocking the

exhaust pipe.

If the Vehicle Is Stuck

Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to

free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,

ice, or snow. See “Rocking the Vehicle to Get

It Out” later in this section.

.

Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on

the vehicle side that is away from the

wind, to bring in fresh air.

If equipped, the front and rear axles may be

locked to improve traction. See Locking Front

Axle 0 245 and Locking Rear Axle 0 244.

.

Blizzard Conditions

Fully open the air outlets on or under

the instrument panel.

Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal

for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there

is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside

Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program

0 433. To get help and keep everyone in the

vehicle safe:

Adjust the climate control system to

circulate the air inside the vehicle and

set the fan speed to the highest

The Traction Control/Electronic Stability

Control can often help to free a stuck

vehicle. See Traction Control/Electronic

Stability Control 0 237. If TC/ESC cannot free

the vehicle, see “Rocking the Vehicle to Get

it Out” following.

setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”

For more information about CO, see

Engine Exhaust 0 220.

.

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.

.

To save fuel, run the engine for short

periods to warm the vehicle and then shut

the engine off and partially close the

window. Moving about to keep warm also

helps.

Warning

{

Warning

{

If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,

they can explode, and you or others

could be injured. The vehicle can

overheat, causing an engine compartment

fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as

little as possible and avoid going above

56 km/h (35 mph).

Snow can trap engine exhaust under the

vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to

get inside. Engine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be

seen or smelled. It can cause

If it takes time for help to arrive, when

running the engine, push the accelerator

pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than

the idle speed. This keeps the battery

unconsciousness and even death.

(Continued)

204

Driving and Operating

For information about using tire chains on

the vehicle, see Tire Chains 0 387.

If equipped, there are recovery hooks at the

front of the vehicle. Use them if the vehicle

is stuck off-road and needs to be pulled

some place to continue driving.

Recovery Hooks

Warning

{

Rocking the Vehicle to Get It Out

Never pull on recovery hooks from the

side. The hooks could break and you and

others could be injured. When using

recovery hooks, always pull the vehicle

from the front.

Caution

Vehicle Load Limits

Do not hold the steering wheel at full

rotation for more than 15 seconds and/or

at an elevated RPM. Damage may occur

to the power steering system and there

may be loss of power steering assist.

It is very important to know how much

weight the vehicle can carry. This

weight is called the vehicle capacity

weight and includes the weight of all

occupants, cargo, and all

nonfactory-installed options. Two labels

on the vehicle may show how much

weight it was designed to carry: the

Tire and Loading Information label and

the Certification/Tire label.

Turn the steering wheel left and right to

clear the area around the front wheels. Then

make sure the wheels are pointed straight

ahead. For four-wheel-drive vehicles, shift

into Four-Wheel Drive High. Turn the TCS

off. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse)

and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as

little as possible. To prevent transmission

wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning

before shifting gears. Slowly spinning the

wheels in the forward and reverse directions

causes a rocking motion that could free the

vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out

after a few tries, it might need to be towed

out. See Transporting a Disabled Vehicle

0 402. Recovery hooks can be used, if the

vehicle has them.

Warning

{

Do not load the vehicle any heavier

than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR), or either the maximum

front or rear Gross Axle Weight

Rating (GAWR). This can cause

systems to break and change the

way the vehicle handles. This could

cause loss of control and a crash.

(Continued)

Caution

Never use recovery hooks to tow the

vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged,

and the repairs would not be covered by

the vehicle warranty.

Driving and Operating

205

positions (1), and the maximum vehicle

capacity weight (2) in kilograms and

pounds.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the

driver and passengers from XXX kg

or XXX lbs.

Warning (Continued)

Overloading can also reduce stopping

performance, damage the tires, and

shorten the life of the vehicle.

4. The resulting figure equals the

available amount of cargo and

luggage load capacity. For example,

if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs.

and there will be five 150 lb

passengers in your vehicle, the

amount of available cargo and

luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.

(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

The Tire and Loading Information label

also shows the size of the original

equipment tires (3) and the

recommended cold tire inflation

pressures (4). For more information on

tires and inflation see Tires 0 369 and

Tire Pressure 0 375.

Tire and Loading Information Label

There is also important loading

information on the vehicle Certification/

Tire label. It may show the Gross

Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for

the front and rear axles. See

5. Determine the combined weight of

luggage and cargo being loaded on

the vehicle. That weight may not

safely exceed the available cargo and

luggage load capacity calculated in

Step 4.

“Certification/Tire Label” later in this

section.

Label Example

6. If your vehicle will be towing a

trailer, load from your trailer will be

transferred to your vehicle. Consult

this manual to determine how this

reduces the available cargo and

luggage load capacity of your

vehicle.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit

A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading

Information label is attached to the

center pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and

Loading Information label shows the

number of occupant seating

1. Locate the statement "The combined

weight of occupants and cargo

should never exceed XXX kg or

XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of

the driver and passengers that will

be riding in your vehicle.

206

Driving and Operating

2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg

(150 lb) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lb)

3. Remaining available capacity for Cargo

Weight = 301.2 kg (665 lb)

See Trailer Towing 0 303 for important

information on towing a trailer, towing

safety rules, and trailering tips.

If aftermarket accessories are installed on

the vehicle, for example a rooftop carrier, be

sure to add the weight of all installed

accessories to the combined weight of

luggage and cargo.

Example 3

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3

= 453 kg (1,000 lb)

2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg

(200 lb) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lb)

Example 2

3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lb)

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2

= 453 kg (1,000 lb)

Refer to the Tire and Loading

Information label for specific

information about the vehicle's capacity

weight and seating positions. The

combined weight of the driver,

passengers, accessories, and cargo

should never exceed the vehicle's

capacity weight.

Then subtract Accessory Weight, for

example a rooftop cargo box =

18.1 kg (40 lb)

Example 1

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1

= 453 kg (1,000 lb)

2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg

(150 lb) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lb)

3. Remaining available capacity for Cargo

Weight = 94.9 kg (210 lb)

Then subtract Accessory Weight, for

example a rooftop cargo box =

15.8 kg (35 lb)

Driving and Operating

207

Certification/Tire Label

Weight Rating (GAWR). To determine

the actual loads on the front and rear

axles, weigh the vehicle at a weigh

station. Your dealer can help with this.

Be sure to spread the load equally on

both sides of the centerline.

Using heavier suspension components

to get added durability might not

change the weight ratings. Ask your

dealer to help load the vehicle the

right way.

Warning

{

The Certification/Tire label may also

contain important information about

the Front Axle Reserve Capacity.

Things you put inside the vehicle can

strike and injure people in a sudden

stop or turn, or in a crash.

Warning

{

.

Put things in the cargo area of the

vehicle. Try to spread the weight

evenly.

In the case of a sudden stop or

collision, things carried in the bed of

your truck could shift forward and

come into the passenger area,

injuring you and others. If you put

things in the bed of your truck, you

should make sure they are properly

secured.

Label Example

.

Never stack heavier things, like

suitcases, inside the vehicle so

that some of them are above the

tops of the seats.

A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label

is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar).

The label may show the size of the

vehicle's original tires and the inflation

pressures needed to obtain the gross

weight capacity of the vehicle. This is

called Gross Vehicle Weight

Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the

weight of the vehicle, all occupants, and

cargo.

.

Do not leave an unsecured child

restraint in the vehicle.

When you carry something inside

the vehicle, secure it whenever

you can.

Caution

Overloading the vehicle may cause

damage. Repairs would not be covered by

the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the

vehicle.

.

Do not leave a seat folded down

unless you need to.

The Certification/Tire label also may

show the maximum weights for the

front and rear axles, called Gross Axle

208

Driving and Operating

There is also important loading

information for off-road driving in this

manual. See “Loading the Vehicle for

Off-Road Driving“ under Off-Road

Driving 0 197.

Any load that extends beyond the

vehicle's taillamp area must be properly

marked according to local laws and

regulations.

* Equipment

Maximum Weight

Ladder Rack and 340 kg (750 lb)

Cargo

Cross Toolbox and 181 kg (400 lb)

Cargo

Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle

Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or

rear axle.

Two-Tiered Loading

Side Boxes and

Cargo

113 kg per side

(250 lb per side)

Depending on the model of the pickup,

an upper load platform can be created

by positioning three or four 5 cm (2 in)

by 15 cm (6 in) wooden planks across

the width of the pickup box. The planks

must be inserted in the pickup box

depressions.

Add-On Equipment

* The combined weight for all

rail-mounted equipment should not

exceed 454 kg (1,000 lb).

When carrying removable items, a limit

on how many people carried inside the

vehicle may be necessary. Be sure to

weigh the vehicle before buying and

installing the new equipment.

Loading Points

When using this upper load platform,

be sure the load is securely tied down

to prevent it from shifting. The load's

center of gravity should be positioned

in a zone over the rear axle. The zone is

located in the area between the front

of each wheel well and the rear of each

wheel well. The center of gravity height

must not extend above the top of the

pickup box flareboard.

Caution

Overloading the vehicle may cause

damage. Repairs would not be covered by

the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the

vehicle.

Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle

Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or

rear axle.

1. Primary Load Points

Driving and Operating

209

2. Secondary Load Areas

3. GM Approved Accessory Mounting

Points

Your dealer can help make a good

vehicle-camper match and help

determine the Cargo Weight

Rating (CWR).

Refer to the Truck-Camper Loading

Information label in the glove box for

dimensions A and B as shown in the

following illustration.

Structural members (1) and (2) are included

in the pickup box design. Additional

When installing and loading a slide-in

camper, check the manufacturer's

instructions.

accessories should use these load points.

Depending on the accessory design, use a

spacer under the accessory at the load

points to remove gap. The holes for GM

approved accessories (3) are not intended for

aftermarket equipment. See

When carrying a slide-in camper, the

total cargo load of the vehicle is the

weight of the camper plus:

www.gmupfitter.com for additional pickup

box load bearing structural information.

.

Everything added to the camper after

it left the factory.

Truck-Camper Loading Information

Use the rear edge of the load floor for

measurement purposes. The

recommended location for the cargo

center of gravity is in zone C for the

CWR. It is the point where the mass of

a body is concentrated and,

.

Everything in the camper.

All the people inside.

A vehicle-specific Truck-Camper Loading

Information label is attached to the

inside of the vehicle's glove box. This

label indicates if a slide-in camper can

be carried, how much of a load the

vehicle can carry, and how to correctly

spread out the load. It will help to

match the right slide-in camper to the

vehicle.

The CWR is the maximum weight of the

load the vehicle can carry. It does not

include the weight of the people inside.

But, use about 68 kg (150 lb) for

each seat.

if suspended at that point, would

balance the front and rear.

The total cargo load must not be more

than the vehicle's CWR.

210

Driving and Operating

Here is an example of proper truck and

camper match:

cargo load should not exceed the truck's

cargo weight rating, and the camper's

center of gravity (1) should fall within

the truck's recommended center of

gravity zone (2) when installed.

exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle

weight rating (GVWR). These ratings are

given on the Certification/Tire label

attached to the B-pillar. See

“Certification/Tire Label” under Vehicle

Load Limits 0 204. If weight ratings are

exceeded, move or remove items to

bring all weights below the ratings.

Any accessories or other equipment

that are added to the vehicle must be

weighed. Then, subtract this extra

weight from the CWR. This extra weight

may shorten the center of gravity zone

of the vehicle.

See your dealer for more information

on curb weights, cargo weights, Cargo

Weight Rating, and the correct center of

gravity zone.

If the slide-in camper and its load

weighs less than the CWR, the center of

gravity zone for the vehicle may be

larger.

Starting and Operating

New Vehicle Break-In

Caution

During the first 800 km (500 mi) of

driving this vehicle, overall performance

will benefit by following these break-in

period recommendations:

1. Camper Center of Gravity

2. Recommended Center of Gravity

Location Zone

Secure loose items to prevent weight

shifts that could affect the balance of

the vehicle. When the truck-camper is

loaded, drive to a scale and weigh on

the front and on the rear wheels

separately to determine axle loads.

Individual axle loads should not exceed

either of the gross axle weight ratings

(GAWR). The total axle loads should not

When the truck is used to carry a

slide-in camper, the total cargo load of

the truck consists of the manufacturer's

camper weight figure, the weight of

installed additional camper equipment

not included in the manufacturer's

camper weight figure, the weight of

camper cargo, and the weight of

.

Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt

stops.

(Continued)

passengers in the camper. The total

Driving and Operating -> Driving Information for Your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Truck 2023

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