Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2014 Information Manual

File in Section: 00 - General Information

Bulletin No.: 13-00-89-007

Service Bulletin

Date: June, 2013

INFORMATION

Subject: Information on Recreational, Dinghy or Flat Towing Procedure

Models: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 2-Speed Transfer Case RPO Codes NQG, NQH

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 with 2-Speed Transfer Case RPO Codes NQG, NQH

Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires on the ground. This is referred to as flat, dinghy towing or even as a “toad” (slang for towed vehicle).

Towing in this manner is acceptable only on certain 4WD trucks depending on the transfer case option. The vehicle should be properly equipped and prepared as described below.

The information contained in this bulletin supplements the Owner’s Manual.

Please provide a copy of this bulletin to customers that want to dinghy tow their truck.

Towing Set Up Procedure

Notice: Use extra care whenever towing another vehicle. Do not exceed the towing vehicle's ratings such as the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) by adding the weight of the dinghy towed vehicle or vehicle damage may result.

Recreational/Dinghy tow basic setup procedures

Four wheel drive pick-ups with a two speed transfer case (that have a neutral and a 4 low position):

1. Tow only in forward direction. Position the vehicle to be towed behind the towing vehicle.

2. Securely attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle.

3. Firmly apply the parking brake, start the engine and shift the transmission to neutral.

Caution: Shifting the transmission to neutral can cause the vehicle to roll and may cause personal injury.

4. Shift the transfer case to neutral.

Caution: Shifting the transfer case to Neutral can cause the vehicle to roll, even if the transmission is in park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual), and may cause personal injury.

5. Check for transfer case neutral by shifting transmission to reverse then drive and verify there is no engagement.

6. While the transmission is in drive, turn the ignition key to Accessory.

7. Shift the transmission to Park.

8. Depower the vehicle by removing the negative cable at the battery. This procedure must be followed or the steering column could be damaged.

• Cover the negative battery post with a nonconducting material and prevent any contact between the negative battery terminal and the negative battery cable.

Notice: If power is provided by accidental contact of the cable and terminals, damage to the towed vehicle may result, which would not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

9. Verify the steering column is unlocked.

10. Release the park brake only after verifying the towed vehicle is attached to the towing vehicle.

11. The ignition key must remain in the towed vehicle. Manually lock the doors and use 2nd key for access.

Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle

1. Leave the truck connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Connect the battery.

3. Set the parking brake and place transmission in Park.

4. Shift the transfer case to 2 HI.

5. Disconnect the truck from the towing vehicle.

6. Reset any lost presets.

Additional Information

• Any towing wiring, electronics, controls, lighting or any other system cannot be tied into the towed vehicle electronic system or serious damage may result.

• There may be a loss of various memory presets.

• Installation and/or damage caused by equipment

installed or flat towing the truck is not covered under the terms of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Page 2 June, 2013 Bulletin No.: 13-00-89-007

All relevant laws and safety procedures regarding towing vehicles must be followed including but not limited to:

• Use of the appropriate running, stopping and signal lights.

• Use of an appropriate auxiliary/break-away braking system in the towed vehicle.

• Use of the appropriate towing equipment (including safety chains/cables) rated for the weight of the towed vehicle.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your

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