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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 you can write us at the address listed
in your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information 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 t\
o 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.
A
m
B
AN490002
If you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10%
of the total loaded trailer weight (B). 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.
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Loading Your Vehicle
The CertificationKire label is found on the rear edge of the driver’s door or in
the incomplete vehicle document in the cab. The label shows th\
e 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
GWVR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and
cargo.
The CertificationKire 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+
.. , - :I. -I lrT1 I I -
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.
. -1 r,
In the case of a sudden stop or collision, things carried in the bed of 7
injuring you and others. If you put things in the bed of your truck,
you should make sure they are properly secured.
r! your truck could shift forward and come into the passenger are\
a,
-
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Service & Appearance Care
When to Check: Check your tires once a month or more. Also, check the
tire pressure of the spare tire.
How to Check: Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure.
Simply looking at the tires will not tell you the pressure, e\
specially
if you
have radial tires-which may look properly inflated even if they\
’re
underinflated.
If your tires have valve caps, be sure to put them back on. They help
prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Special Tire Inflation
If you have 16 inch tires on your vehicle, and:
- You’ll be driving for very long at speeds of 66 mph (1 05 km/h) to 75
mph (120 kmlh) where legal, inflate tires 10 psi (70 kPa) more than
the recommended cold inflation pressure.
- You’ll be driving for very long at speeds of 76 mph (120 kmlh) to 85
mph (1 35 km/h) where legal, cold inflation pressure should be
increased by
10 psi (70 kPa) and you must also reduce axle load
capacity by
10%. Do not drive over 85 mph (135 kdh) even if
it’s legal.
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- Inflation pressures should never exceed 10 psi (70 kPa) above the
inflation specified for the maximum load of the tire.
If you have 19.5 inch radial tires on your vehicle, and:
- You’ll be driving for very long at speeds of 66 mph (105 km/h) to 70
mph (110 km/h) where legal, inflate tires- to 5 psi (35 kPa) more than
the recommended cold inflation pressures and reduce axle load
capacity by 4%.
- You’ll be driving for very long at speeds of 71 mph (1 15 km/h) to 75
mph (120 kmlh) where legal, cold inflation pressures should be
increased by
5 psi (35 kPa) and you must also reduce axle load
capacity by
12% Do not drive over 75 mph (120 kmh) even if it’s
legal.
inflation specified for the maximum load of the tire.
- Inflation pressures should never exceed 20 psi (140 kPa) above the
For special operating conditions, such as carrying a slide-in c\
amper,
increase recommended cold tire pressures
by 10 psi (70 kPa).
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Wheel Replacement
Re'place any' wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep
coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be\
replaced.
If
the wheel leaks air out,, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can
sometimes be repaired). See your GM dealer
if any of these conditions
exists. Your dealer will know what kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should' have the same load carrying capacity, d\
iameter,
width, offset, and be mounted the same way as the one it' replaces.
If you need to replace any of'your wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts,
replace them only with
new GM original equipm-ent parts. This way, you will
be sure to have the right ,wheel, wheel bolts, .and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
1 CAUTION
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 redacement.
I
NnTICF
I
Used Replacement Wheels
* Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You can't know
1 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
I a new GM original equipment wheel.
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