Vehicles And Hitches - Chevrolet Equinox 2019 Manual

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VEHICLES AND HITCHES

Hitch Ball on Step-Bumper
SELECTING THE RIGHT HITCH Choosing the right hitch and
making the proper electrical connections affects how your
vehicle handles, corners and brakes, and allows you to alert
other drivers of your intentions. Before selecting a hitch or
trailering package, you should be familiar with the weight
ratings specific to your Chevrolet vehicle, which are detailed on
pages 11–16.
SELECTING TRAILERING EQUIPMENT Most Chevrolet vehicles
offer a variety of standard and available equipment for
enhanced trailering performance. Aside from the equipment
described below, features such as heavy-duty cooling and
extendable trailering mirrors may be available. See your
Chevrolet dealer for more information on the model you're
interested in.
WEIGHT-CARRYING HITCH This consists of a hitch ball mounted
to a step-bumper or draw bar. Hitch balls are available in a
range of sizes. Make sure that the diameter of your hitch ball
matches your trailer coupler. Also check that the ball meets or
exceeds the gross trailer weight rating.
WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH This hitch type distributes the
trailer tongue load by using spring bars to shift some of the
hitch weight forward onto the tow vehicle's front axle and
rearward to the trailer's axles.
FIFTH-WHEEL AND GOOSENECK HITCHES These are designed
for heavy trailering. Located in the bed of the truck, these
hitches position the trailer's kingpin weight over, or slightly in
front of, the truck's rear axle. Fifth-wheel and gooseneck
hitches are most frequently used with travel trailers, horse
trailers and other large trailers.
Hitch Ball on Draw Bar Weight-Distributing Hitch with Sway Control
HITCHES It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
• If you'll be towing a trailer that requires a weight-distributing
hitch, be sure to use a frame-mounted hitch platform of the
proper size and capacity that is bolted to the frame and sway
control of the proper size
• If you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle
to install a trailer hitch, be sure to seal the holes if you
ever remove the hitch. If they're not sealed, dirt, water
and deadly carbon monoxide from the exhaust can get
into your vehicle
FIFTH-WHEEL TRAILERING Some Silverado models can be
equipped with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer hitch.
• Follow the manufacturer's directions for installation, but note
that the hitch must be attached to the truck frame. Do not use
the pickup bed for additional support. For proper kingpin
tongue load distribution and control of the trailer, the hitch
must be mounted so the kingpin load is placed over, or slightly
ahead of, the rear axle centreline
• Fifth-wheel trailer kingpin loads are higher than conventional
trailer tongue loads, so pay careful attention to the truck's
payload capacity and Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
• Your Chevrolet dealer can help you calculate the maximum
allowable payload and GVWR required for your fifth-wheel
trailering application. The weight of any additional equipment
and all passengers, excluding driver and front passenger,
must be subtracted from the payload weight to determine the
maximum kingpin load available
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
WIRING HARNESS This allows you to connect the electrical
components of your trailer, such as turn signals and brake
lights, to the trailering vehicle. Select Silverado models and all
Suburban and Tahoe models feature a 7-pin wiring harness to
streamline hookup of trailer lighting and brakes, and a bussed
electrical centre makes it easier to connect the integrated
trailer brake controller.
TRAILER BRAKES Please review the vehicle's Owner's Manual
and consult your local road authority for trailer brake
requirements, as they vary by model and by Province or
Territory. The most common trailer braking systems are surge
brakes (found primarily on boat trailers) and electric brakes
(often used on travel trailers, horse trailers and car haulers).
Surge brakes are a self-contained hydraulic brake system on
the trailer, activated during deceleration as the trailer coupler
pushes on the hitch ball. An electric trailer brake system uses
a brake control unit mounted inside the trailering vehicle;
it operates by sensing the vehicle brakes and then applying
the trailer brakes. An integrated electric trailer brake
controller (option code JL1) is standard on Silverado 3500HD
and available on Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500HD, Colorado,
Tahoe and Suburban models.
SILVERADO SERIES In general, a higher series number in a
model indicates a greater load-carrying capacity. In addition, a
truck with a higher series number typically has a stronger
frame, stiffer suspension and higher-capacity brakes,
increasing the truck's ability to trailer heavy loads.
Gooseneck Hitch