1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO weight

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
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 LlH
8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total or 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 B
If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B). If you’re using a weight-distributing
hitch,
the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent 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.
4-31

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 “Tire
Loading” in the Index. Then be sure
you don’t go over
the
GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of
the trailer tongue.
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 you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
2,000 lbs. (900 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.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle
when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide”
in the Index). Dirt
and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if
it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do
not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack
so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
4-32

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road,
you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the
feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of
the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before
you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
lowing Distance
>ray at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing
a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer,
you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer
to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,
if
possible, have someone guide you.
4-34

Finish Damage ................................. 6-56
First Gear
..................................... 2-20
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-23
Fluid Capacities
................................ 6-67
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-47
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-4
French Language Manual
11
Front Axle .................................... 6-24
Front Storage Area
.............................. 2-40
Front Towing
.............................. 5-9. 5- 10
Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .......... 6-40
Fuel
.......................................... 6-3
Canada
...................................... 6-3
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-5
Gage
....................................... 2-63
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-4
Regulator
................................... 2-16
Fuses
and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-61
Gages
.. ...........................
Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 2-62
Engine Oil Pressure
........................... 2-60
Fuel
....................................... 2-63
Garage Door Opener
............................ 2-43
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission
............. 2- 18
GloveBox .................................... 2-40
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-26
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-26
Guide en FranGais
11
GVWR ....................................... 4-26
GAWR
....................................... 4-26
.. .................................
Halogen
Bulbs ................................ 6-36
Hatch Release
.................................. 2-11
Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-1
Head Restraints ................................. 1-5
Headlamps .................................... 2-35
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-36
Highkow Beam Changer
...................... 2-30
OnReminder
................................ 2-36
Wiring
..................................... 6-60
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-3
Heating ........................................ 3-5
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-30
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-20
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-32
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-7
Prop
....................................... 6-10
Release
...................................... 6-8
Horn
......................................... 2-29
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-16
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2-14
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-43
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-38
Inspections
.................................... 7-45
Brakesystem
................................ 7-46
Drive Axle
.................................. 7-46
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-45
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-45
Steering
.................................... 7-45
Suspension
.................................. 7-45
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-45
9-4

Tire Loading ............................... 4-26
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-47
Buying New
................................. 6-45
Chains
..................................... 6-49
Changing a Flat
.............................. 5-23
Cleaning
.................................... 6-56
Compact Spare
............................... 5-36
Inflation
.................................... 6-43
Inflation Check
............................... 7-41
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-44
Loading
.................................... 4-26
Pressure
.................................... 6-43
Temperature
................................. 6-47
Traction
.................................... 6-47
Treadwear
................................... 6-46
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-46
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-45
When It's Time for New
....................... 6-45
TopStrap
..................................... 1-42
TorqueLock
................................... 2-24
Tire-Loading
Information Label
................... 4-26
Tires
......................................... 6-42
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-47
Torque. Wheel
Nut ......................... 5-33. 6-67
Towing
a Trailer ................................ 4-29
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-6
Driving on Grades ............................ 4-35
Trailer
Brakes
..................................... 4-33
Drivingwith
................................. 4-33
Hitches
..................................... 4-32
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-36
Parking
on Hills .............................. 4-36 Safety
Chains
................................ 4-32
Tongueweight
............................... 4-31
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-32
Towing
..................................... 4-29
Turnsignals
................................. 4-35
Weight
..................................... 4-30
Wiring Harness
............................... 4-37
Transmission Fluid. Automatic
.................... 6-20
Transmitters. Keyless Entry
........................ 2-7
Transportation. Courtesy
.......................... 8-6
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-53
TTY Users
..................................... 8-3
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals
............... 2-30
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
................... 2-29
Turn Signals When Towing
a Trailer ................ 4-35
Two-way Manual Seat
........................... 1-2
Underbody 'Maintenance ....... ........... 6-56
Underhood Electrical Center
...................... 6-64
Vehicle Control
...................................... 4-5
Damage Warnings
.............................. iv
Dimensions ................................. 6-69
Identification Number
......................... 6-59
Loading .................................... 4-26
Storage
..................................... 6-36
Ventilation System
............................... 3-6
Visor Vanity Mirrors
............................ 2-49
Visors. Sun
.................................... 2-49
Voltmeter
................................. 2-55
9-9