
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.
4-59
ProCarManuals.com

Problems on the Road
Storing the Jack and Tire
Storhg the Jack
Put the tools into the storage box and close it tightly, Fit the storage box into
the bracket with the bolt through the box. Put the jack onto the
box. Be sure
the jack points in the right direction as shown for your mode\
l. Secure the
emergency gloves,
if your vehicle has them, to the jack using the provided
strap.
Slide the retainer over the bolt onto the jack and put the w\
ing nut on. Turn
the nut clockwise until it is tight against the retainer.
Replace the jack storage cover,
if your vehicle has one, by simply reversing
the removal procedure described earlier.
Storing the Tire
Be sure the J-bolt is hooked properly for your model or tire size as shown.
n
I - BOLT
J - BOLT
,ADAPTER
ADAPTER
NOTE: Use lower hole
for 8 lug rim only.
L
PO21 3
If you have a wagon model, use these locations.
5-30
ProCarManuals.com

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.
6-46
ProCarManuals.com

When It’s Time for New Tires
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
K1656
One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear when your tires have only
2/32 inch (1,6 mm) or
less of tread remaining.
You need a new tire if:
You can see the indicators at three places around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show
The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
cord
or fabric.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that can’t be repaired well
because of the size or location of the damage,
Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Certificationnire
label. The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new ha\
d a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) number on each t\
ire’s sidewall.
When you get new tires, get ones with that same TPC Spec num\
ber. That
way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that are designed to give proper
endurance, handling, speed rating, traction, ride and other thin\
gs during normal service
on your vehicle. If your tires have an all-season tread design,
the TPC number
will be followed by a “MS” (for mud and snow).
6-53
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a TPC Spec number,
make sure they are the same size, load range, speed rating an\
d construction
type (bias, bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.
I CAUTION
A
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix
tires
of different sizes or types (radial and bias-belted tires) the
vehicle may not handle properly, and you could have a crash. Be
sure
to use the same size and type tires on all wheels.
I
Uniform Tire Quarity Grading
The following information relates to the system developed by the United
States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which grade\
s tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This applies o\
nly to
vehicles sold in the United States.)
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear \
rate of the
tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance
of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to var\
iations
in
driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction-A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowesr are: A, 8, and C. They represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A
tire marked
C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking
(straight-ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering \
(turning) traction.
Temperature-A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s
resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laborat\
ory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle \
Safety
6-54
ProCarManuals.com

I CAUTION I
A Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts on
your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and
handling
of your vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose
control. You could have an collision in which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts, and wheel nuts
for replacement.
I
I
I The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometerlodometer calibration, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire
or tire chain clearance to the body and chassis.
A Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You can't know
how it's been used or how many miles it's been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause an accident. If you have to replace a wheel, use
a new GM original equipment wheel,
I
Tire Chains
rNOTICE 'If put vehicle has LT265/75R16 size tires, don't use tire chams; they i can!
damage your vehicle.
6-56
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
Appearance Care Materials
PART I I I
NUMBER SIZE DESCRIPTION USAGE
1050172 16 02. Tar and Road Removes old waxes, polishes, tar
1050173 16
oz. Chrome Cleaner Removes rust and corrosion on
I0501 74 16
02. White Sidewall Cleans white and black tires
(0.473L)
Oil Remover and road oil
(0.473L) and Polish chrome and stainless steel
(0.473L) Tire Cleaner
1050214 32
oz. VinvVLeather Spot and stain removal on leather
(0.946L) Cleaner or vinyl
(0.473L) and fabric
1050244 16 02. Fabric Cleaner Spot and stain removal on cloth
I050427 23
02. Glass Cleaner Glass cleanina and sDot cleaning I
(0.680L)
"
on vinyls
-
1050429 6 Ibs. Multi-PurDose Cleans vinvl and cloth on door tr\
im,
(2.72 kg) Powder cleaner seats, and'carpet-also tires and
mats
1050729 8
02. Vinyl Top
Cleaning of vinyl tops
1051
055 16 02. Preservatone Vinyl top dressing
IO51
398 8 02. Spot Lifter Spot and stain removal on cloth
1052870 16
02. Wash-Wax Exterior wash
(0.237L) Cleaner
(0.473L)
(0.237L)
and fabric
(0.473L) (conc.)
1050201 16
02. Magic Mirror Exterior cleaner and
I (0.473L) I Cleaner-Polish 1 polish
TO077
6-64
ProCarManuals.com