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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly
attached to the tow vehicle.
6. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch and turn it one notch
forward of the
LOCK position. This places the key into the OFF
position, which unlocks the steering column while preventing battery
drain. Unlocking the steering column will allow for proper movement
of the front wheelshires during towing.
NOTICE:
You should exercise extra care whenever towing another vehicle.
Loading Your Vehicle
PAYLOAD =I-1
The Certificatioflire label is found on the driver’s door lock pillar. 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 of
the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, cargo and trailer tongue weight, if pulling a
trailer.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The CertificatiodTire 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.
Similar appearing vehicles may have different GVWR’sLPayloads. Please
note the Certificatioflire label of your truck or consult your dealer for
additional details.
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.
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.
NOTICE:
Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail
because
of overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle - like suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else
- they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine There’s also important loading information for off-road driving in this
manual. See “Loading Your Vehicle”
in the Index.
Two-Tiered Loading
By positioning four 2” x 6” wooden planks across the width of the pickup
box,
you can create an upper load platform. The planks must be inserted in
the pickup box depressions. The length
of the planks must allow for at least
3/4“ bearing surface on each end of the plank.
When using this upper load platform, be sure the load
is securely tied down
to prevent it from shifting. The load’s center of gravity should be positioned
in a zone over the rear axle. The zone is located in the area between the
front
of each fenderwell and the rear of each fenderwell. The center of
gravity height must
not extend above the top of the pickup box flareboard.
Any load that extends beyond the vehicle’s taillamp area must be properly
marked according to local laws and regulations.
Remember
not to exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of the rear
axle. See “Loading Your Vehicle”
in the Index.
Payload
The Payload Capacity is shown on the CertificatiodTire label. This is the
maximum load capacity that your vehicle can carry. Be sure to include
the
weight of the people inside as part of your load. If you added any
accessories or equipment after your vehicle
left the factory, remember to
subtract the weight
of these things from the payload. Your dealer can help
you with
this.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Trai/ering Package
If your vehicle comes with the Trailering Package, there is also a load rating
which includes the weight
of the vehicle and the trailer it tows. This rating
is called the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).
When you weigh your trailer, be sure to include the weight
of everything
you put in it. And, remember to figure the weight
of the people inside as
part of your load.
Your dealer can help you determine your GCWR.
Add-on Equipment
When you carry removable items, you may need to put a limit on how many
people you carry inside your vehicle. Be sure to weigh your vehicle before
you buy and install the new equipment.
NOTICE:
Your warranty doesn’t cover parts or components that fail
because
of overloading.
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Page 173 of 354
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Truck-Camper Loading Information
Open your glove box and look for this label:
GM 31
This label will tell you if your vehicle can carry a slide-in camper, how
much of a load your vehicle can carry, and how to spread out your load the
right way. Also, it will help
you match the right slide-in camper to your
vehicle.
When you carry a slide-in camper, the total cargo load
of your vehicle is the
weight of the camper, plus
everything else added to the camper after it left the factory;
everything in the camper; and
all the people inside.
The Cargo Weight Rating
(CWR) is the maximum weight of the load your
vehicle can carry. It doesn’t include the weight
of the people inside. But,
you can figure about 150 pounds for each seating position.
The total cargo load must
not be more than your vehicle’s CWR.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Truck Loading Information
1. Recommended location for cargo
center
of gravity
for cargo weight
rating. This is the
point where the
mass of a body is
concentrated and,
if suspended at
that point, would
balance front and
rear.
Refer to Truck Camper Loading Information label in the glove box for
Use rear edge of load floor for measurement purposes.
“”’and
“B” dimensions.
Example of Proper Truck and Camper Match
1. Camper center of
gravity.
2. Recommended
center
of gravity
location zone.
The camper’s center of gravity should fall within the center\
of gravity zone
for your vehicle’s cargo load.
Campers can only be installed
in a long box pickup. Check your
Truck-Camper Loading Label
in your glovebox to determine if your vehicle
can carry a slide-in camper.
You must weigh any accessories, trailer hitches or other equipment you add
to your vehicle. Then, subtract this extra weight from the CWR. This extra
weight may shorten the center
of gravity zone for your vehicle. Your dealer
can help you with this.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If your slide-in camper and its load weigh less than the CWR, the center of
gravity zone for your vehicle may be larger.
Your dealer can help you make a good vehicle-camper match. He’ll also
help you determine your CWR.
After you’ve loaded your vehicle and camper, drive to a weigh station and
weigh on the front and rear wheels separately. This will tell you the loads on
your axles. The loads on the front and rear axles shouldn’t be more than
either
of the GAWRs. The total of the axle loads should not be more than
the GVWR.
Open your driver’s door and look at the door lock pillar for the
Certificatiomire label to find out your GAWR and GVWR.
If you’ve gone over your weight ratings, move or take
out some things until
all the weights fall below the ratings. Of course, you should always tie down
any loose items when
you load your vehicle or camper.
When you install and load your slide-in camper, check the manufacturer’s
instructions.
If you want more information
on curb weights, cargo weights, cargo weight
rating and the correct center of gravity zone for your vehicle, your dealer
can help you. Just ask for a copy of “Consumer Information, Truck-Camper
Loading.”
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the CWR for your vehicle. Weigh
your vehicle with your trailer attached,
so that you won’t go over the
GVWR or the GAWR.
You’ll get the best performance if you spread out the weight of your load
the right way, and if you choose the correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
General Motors is aware that some vehicle owners may consider having the
pickup box removed and a commercial or recreational body installed.
However, we recommend that conversions of this type not be done to
pickups. Owners should be aware that, as manufactured, there are
differences between
a chassis cab and a pickup with the box removed which
may affect vehicle safety. For specific information
on this pickup, contact
the GM Zone Office for your area. (See the “Warranty and Owner
Assistance” booklet for Zone Office.)
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing a Trailer
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result\
in costly repairs not covered by your warranty.
To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this part, and see your
GM dealer
for important information about towing a trailer with your
vehicle.
Most vehicles are ready for some trailer towing. If yours was built with
trailering options, as many are, it’s ready for heavier trailers. But trailering
is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes
in handling, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has
to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important
trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety
and that
of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you
pull a trailer.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points.
There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions,
having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only
where you live but also where you’ll be driving.
A good source for this
information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control if your trailer will weigh 2,000 pounds
(900 kg) or less. You should always use a sway control if your trailer
will weigh more than
2,000 pounds (900 kg). You can ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
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