1993 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN loading

NOTICE
Don’t exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when loading your \
vehicle. For
more information on vehicle capacity and loading, see “Loadin\
g Your Vehicle”
in the Index.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re driving, check now and then to
make sure the luggage carrier and cargo are still securely fastened.
Be sure the cargo is properly loaded.
If small heavy objects are placed on the roof, place the load in the area
over the rear wheels (behind the rear side door on wagon mod\
els).
If
you need to, cut a piece of 3/8 inch plywood to fit inside the cross rails
and side rails to spread the load.
If plywood is used, tie it to the side
rail supports.
Tie the load to the cross rails or the side rail supports. Use the cross
rails only to keep the load from sliding.
If you need to carry long items, move the cross rails as far\
apart as
they will go. Tie the load to the cross rails and the side \
rails or side rail supports. Also tie the load to the bumpers.
Do not tie the load so tightly
that the cross rails or side rails are damaged.
After moving the cross rails, be sure to tighten all the slider screws.
To reduce wind noise, the cross rails must be installed with the \
narrow edge
toward the front of the vehicle.
Also, the front cross rail should be about 8 inches (200 mm) behind the front
anchor on Utility models.
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Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
There are some important things to remember about how to load \
your
vehicle.
The heaviest things should be on the load floor and forward of your rear
axle. Put heavier items as far forward as you can.
Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on the off-road terrain
doesn’t toss things around.
rn CAUTION
m m
Cargo on the load floor piled higher than the seatbacks can be
thrown forward during
a sudden stop. You or your passengers
could
be injured. Keep cargo below the top of the seatbacks.
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.
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. Keep
cargo in the cargo area as far
forward and
low as possible. I
You’ll find other important information in this manual. See “Vehicle Loading”,
“Luggage Carrier” and “Tires” in the Index.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going to a \
:emote area.
Know the terrain and plan your route. You are much less likely
to get bad
surprises. Get accurate maps of trails and terrain.
Try to learn of any blocked
or closed roads.
It‘s also a good idea to travel with at least one other vehicle. If something
happens to one of them, the other can help quickly.
Does your vehicle have a winch?
If so, be sure to read the winch
instructions. In a remote area,
a winch can be handy if you get stuck. But
you’ll want to know how to use it properly.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving
It’s a good idea to practice in an area that’s safe and close to home befor\
e
you go into the wilderness. Off-road driving does require some \
new and
different driving skills. Here’s what
we mean.
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Your Driving and the Road
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
For utility vehicles, a trailer should never weigh more than 7,000 pounds
(31 75.2 kg).
For wagon models, a trailer should never weigh more than 10,000
pounds (6125.6 kg).
But even that can be too heavy. It depends on how you plan to use your rig.
For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature, \
and how
much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer all are important\
. And,
it can also
depend on any special equipment that you have
on your vehicle. You can
ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or y\
ou can write us at
the address listed in your Warranty and Owner Assistance Inform\
ation
Booklet.
In Canada, write
to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Assistance Center
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because
it affects the total, gross weight of your vehicle. The gross vehicle weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight
of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it,
and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer,
you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index for more
information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
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A B
AN490002
If you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh \
10%
of the total loaded trailer weight (8). If you have a “weight-distributing” hitch,
the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 12% of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are proper.
If they aren’t, you may be able
to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the limit for cold tires. You’ll find
these numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge of \
the driver’s
door
(or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index). Then be sure you don’t go over
the
GVW limit for your vehicle.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch,
Here are some rules to follow:
If your vehicle has a step bumper and you are going to use a ball-type
hitch, remove the pad and cut holes in it to match the hitch and safety
chain holes in the bumper.
If you’ll be pulling a trailer with a utility model that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
3,000 pounds (1361 kg); or with a wagon model that
when loaded, will weigh more than
4,000 pounds (1 800 kg), be sure to
use a properly mounted weight-distributing hitch and sway control
of the
proper size. This equipment
is very important for proper vehicle loading
and good handling when you’re driving.
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Engine Fan Noise
This vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When the clutc\
h is engaged,
the fan spins faster
to provide more air to cool the engine. In most every day
driving conditions the clutch is not engaged. This improves fuel economy and
reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing \
and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch e\
ngages.
So
you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and sh\
ould not be
mistaken
as the transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the
cooling system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the engine. \
It will go away
as the fan clutch disengages.
If a Tire Goes Fiat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,\
especially if you
maintain your tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to
leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips
about what
to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward
that side. Take your foot
off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel
firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, then gently brake
to a stop well out of
the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and may
require the same correction you’d use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove
your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under co\
ntrol by steering
the way you want the vehicle
to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but
you can still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
If your tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your jacking equipment
to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a
level place. Turn
on your hazard warning flashers.
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Service & Appearance Care
Replacing Brake System Parts ........................................................................\
.. 6-33
Other Maintenance Items
........................................................................\
........... 6-34
Lubrication
........................................................................\
.................................... 6-35
Electrical System
........................................................................\
......................... 6-37
Battery
........................................................................\
...................................... 6-37
Bulb Replacement
........................................................................\
.................... 6-37
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................................................................\
.... 6-43
Exhaust System
........................................................................\
........................... 6-45
Loading Your Vehicle
........................................................................\
.................. 6-46
Tires
........................................................................\
.............................................. 6-48
Inflation-Tire Pressure
........................................................................\
........... 6-49
Tire Inspection and Rotation
........................................................................\
.. 6-52
When It’s Time for New Tires ........................................................................\
6-53
Buying New Tires
........................................................................\
.................... 6-53
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
........................................................................\
.. 6-54
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
............................................................... 6-55
Wheel Replacement
........................................................................\
................. 6-55
Tire Chains
........................................................................\
............................... 6-56
Appearance Care
........................................................................\
........................ 6-57
Cleaning the Inside Of Your Vehicle
............................................................. 6-58
Cleaning the Outside
Of Your Vehicle .......................................................... 6-61
Appearance Care Materials
........................................................................\
........ 6-64
Vehicle Identification Number
........................................................................\
..... 6-65
Service Parts Identification Label
...................................................................... 6-67
Specification Charts ........................................................................\
..................... 6-68
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Loading Your Vehicle
MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP L-4
I
. , .. .-. .. ,. . ,FFECT
CROWN ABOVE.
1
TIRE SIZE
-EL XISPEED RIM PSVKPA (COLD)
SPA
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
K2134
The Certificationflire label is found on the rear edge of the driver's door. The
label shows the size of your original tires and the inflation \
pressures needed
to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the weight o\
f the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel and cargo.
The Certificationnire label also tells you the maximum weights for the front
and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the
actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to\
a weigh station
and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure to
spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline. \
Never exceed the GVWR
for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.
And,
if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out.
A
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the I
maximum front and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on your vehicl\
e
can break, or
it can change the way your vehicle handles. These
could cause you
to lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the
life of your vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change your weight ratings. Ask your dealer to help you load your vehicle the
right way.
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Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. Overloading your tires can cause overheating as
a result of too
much friction. You could have an air-out and a serious accident.
See “Loading Your Vehicle”
in the Index.
The resulting accident could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended pressure. Tire pressure
should
be checked when your tires are cold,
0 Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut, punctured, or broken
by sudden impact, such as when you hit a pothole. Keep tires
at the recommended pressure.
0 Worn, old tires can cause accidents, If your tread is badly worn,
or if your tires have been damaged, replace them.
Even if it’s legal, don’t drive over 85 mph (135 kmh) if you
have
16 inch tires.
See “Special Tire Inflation”
in this section for more information on
loading
and inflation pressures at speeds above 65 mph (105 kmh).
Underinflated tires pose the same danger as overloaded tires.
Inflation-Tire Pressure
The Certification/Tire label which is on the rear edge of the driver’s door, or
on the incomplete vehicle document in the cab, shows the correct inflation
pressures for your tires, when they’re cold. “Cold” mea\
ns your vehicle has
been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than a mile.
You can operate some vehicles at reduced inflation pressures only when you’ll
be carrying reduced loads. On those vehicles, the minimum cold \
inflation
pressures for a typical reduced load are printed
on the “Improved Ride Tire
Pressure” label located on the driver’s door. Weigh the v\
ehicle to find the
load on each tire and see the label for the minimum cold inflation pressures
for that load.
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