
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you have an automatic transmission, you should
use DRIVE
(D) (or, as you need to, a lower gear)
when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle
in
DRIVE (D) when towing a trailer will minimize heat
buildup and extend the life of your transmission. If
you have a manual transmission and you are towing
a trailer, it’s better not to use FIFTH (5) gear. Just
drive in FOURTH
(4) gear (or, as you need to, a
lower gear).
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
the weight of the trailer,
the weight of the trailer tongue
0 and the weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
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 are all important. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have
on your vehicle. The
following chart shows how much your trailer can
weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
Vehicle
2-Wheel Drive, Auto. Trans.
2-Wheel Drive,
Manual Trans.
4-Wheel Drive, Auto. Trans.
4-Wheel Drive, Manual Trans.
Axle Ratio Trailer Wt.
3.08
3.42
3.42 4,500
lbs. (1 816 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
4,500 Ibs. (1 8 16 kg)
3.08
. 4,000 Ibs. (1 8 16 kg)
3.42
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
3.73
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
3.42
4,000 lbs. (1 8 16 kg)
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.
4-48

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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
L 1 H 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 have 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.
4-49

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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
Certificationmire label
on the driver’s door edge,
above the door latch, 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:
0 If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
2,000 Ibs. (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.
4-50

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
Following Distance
Stay 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.
4-52

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil ..................................... 6-9
Adding 6-9
Additives
.. ................................. 6-1 1 .
. Checking ..................................... -6-9
Kind to Use 6-10
Pressure Gage 2-72
Whentochange
.............................. 6-12
Exhaust. Engine
................................ 2-31
.......................................
.................................
................................
Used ....................................... 6-12
'Express-Down Window
.......................... 2-34
Exterior Metal Parts. Protecting
.................... 6-54
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-49
Fifth Gear. Manual Transmission
................... 2- 19
Filling Your Tank
................................. 6-5
Filter
Air
........................................ 6-13
Remote Oil
................................... 6- 12
Finishcare
........ ............................ 6-53
Finish Damage ................................. 6-55
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-21
Fluids and Lubricants
....................... 6-64. 7-53
Fog Lamp Switch
............................... 2-45
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-4
. Fourth Gear. Manual Transmission ................. 2- 19
Front Map'Lamps
............................... 2-46
First Gear
Automatic Transmission
........................ 2- 18
Manual Transmission
........................... 2- 19
Four-wheel Drive
.......................... 2-21. 6-20
French Language Manual
11
FrontAxle ..................................... 6-21
.. ............................
Front Reading Lamps ............... .. .. 2.45.2.49. 6.37
Front Storage Area
.......................... 2-53. 2-54
Front Towing 5-9
Fuel
........................................... 6-3
Front Sidemarker
Lamp Bulb Replacement
........... 6-36
Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement
.. ., ....... 6-35
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-5
Foreign Countries
.............................. 6-4
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-59
...................................
Gage ....................................... 2-74
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-69
Engine Oil Pressure
............................ 2-72
Fuel
....................................... 2-74
Garage Door Opener
............................. . 2-49
GasCap
........................................ .. 6-5
Gear Positions
.................................. 2-16
GloveBox
.................................... 2-48
GAWR
........................................ 4-44
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-44
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-44
Guide en Frangais
1 11 .. ............................... .
GWR' ........................................ 4-44
Halogen Bulbs
...... ., ........................ 6-32
Hazard Warning Flashers'
.' ......................... 5-1
High/Low Beam Changer ...................... 2-37
Head Restraints
.................................. 1-5
Headlamps .................................... 2-43
Bulb Replacement
............................. 6-33
OnReminder
................................ 2-44
Wiring
..................................... 6-58
9-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Tachometer ................................ 2-64
Taillamp Bulb Replacement
....................... 6-36
TapePlayerCare
............................... 3-18
Temperature and Compass Display
................. 2-5 1
Theft ......................................... 2-10
Theft-Deterrent Feature. CD Player
................ 3- 14
Thermostat
.................................... 6-25
Third Gear, Manual Transmission
.................. 2- 19
Tilt Steering Wheel
.................. ....... 2-35
Time. Setting
................................... 3-5
Tire Chains
......................... ....... 6-48
Tires Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-46
Buying New
................................. 6-44
Changing
a Flat .............................. 5-21
Cleaning
.................................... 6-54
Inflation
.................................... 6-41
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-42
Pressure
.................................... 6-41
Temperature
................................. 6-46
Traction
.................................... 6-45
Treadwear
................................... 6-45
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-45
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-44
When It’s Time for New
....................... 6-44
TopStrap
..................................... 1-35
TorqueLock
................................... 2-30
Torque. Wheel
Nut ......................... 5-29. 6-63
Towing
a Trailer ................................ 4-46
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-53
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-56
Parking on Hills
.............................. 4-54
Safety Chains
................................ 4-50
Driving
with a Trailer ..................... : .... 4-5 1
Total Weight on Tires .......................... 4-50
Turnsignals
................................. 4-53
Towing. Recreational Vehicle
..................... 4-43
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-7
Trailer Brakes
..................................... 4-51
Hitches
..................................... 4-50
Towing
..................................... 4-46
Weight
..................................... 4-48
Wiring Harness
............................... 4-56
Transfercase
.................................. 6-20
Electronic
................................... 2-24
Manual
............................... 2-22
Automatic
................................... 6-14
Manual
..................................... 6-17
Transmitters. Keyless Entry
........................ 2-5
Tongueweight
............................... 4-49
Transmission Fluid
Transportation, Courtesy
.......................... 8-6
Trip, Before Leaving
............................ 4-36
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-64
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
................... 2-36
Turn Signals When Towing
a Trailer ................ 4-53
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-3
Underbody Maintenance
........................ 6-55
Vanity Mirror Lamp Bulb Replacement
.......... 6-38
Underhood Lamp Bulb Replacement
................ 6-37
Used Replacement Wheels
........................ 6-47
Vehicle Control
................................. 4-5
Vehicle Damage Warnings
.......................... iv
9-9