Weight of the Trailer

How heavy can a trailer safely be?

For a vehicle with a V6 engine, it should never weigh more than 454 kg (1,000 lbs). But even that can be too heavy.

It depends on how the rig is used.

For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature, and how much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can depend on any special equipment on the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry.

See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this section for more information.

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers, and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.

Ask your dealer for trailering information or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.

See Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada) or Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico) for more information.

    See also:

    Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine Running
    WARNING! It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. And, ...

    Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
    On vehicles with an automatic dimming inside rearview mirror the automatic dimming reduces the glare from the headlamps of the vehicle behind you. Vehicles with OnStar have three control bu ...

    Power Reclining Seatbacks
    The front seats have power reclining seatbacks. Use the vertical power seat control located on the outboard side of the seat to operate them. • To recline the seatback, press the control ...