Trailer Towing - Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2023 Owner's Manual

302 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat.
Disconnect the trailer wiring before backing
the trailer into the water to prevent damage
to the electrical circuits. Reconnect the
wiring to the trailer after removing the
trailer from the water. If the trailer has
electric brakes that can function when the
trailer is submerged, it might help to leave
the electrical trailer connector attached to
maintain trailer brake functionality while on
the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:
1. If equipped, place the vehicle in
Four-Wheel Drive High or Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until
the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the
front wheels of the vehicle.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the
parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer out of the water:
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of
the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and
store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been
driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0 417. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically to see that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0 346.

Trailer Towing

If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.