1996 CHEVROLET S10 Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Here is an example of proper truck and camper match:
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A. Camper Center of Gravity
B. 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 glove box 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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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. The GAWR and
GVWR are found on the Certification/Tire label located
on the driver’s door edge, above the door latch.
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.”

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.)
Towing a Trailer
1 A CAUTION:
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If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example,
if the trailer is too heavy, the
brakes may not work well
-- or even at all. You
and your passengers could be seriously injured.
Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the
steps in this section.
Ask your GM dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
Every vehicle is 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 Ydu Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
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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 lbs. (900 kg) or less. You should always
use a sway control
if your trailer will weigh more
than
2,000 lbs. (900 kg). You can ask a hitch dealer
about sway controls.
Don’t tow
a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the first
500 miles (800 km) that you
tow
a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 kmh) and
don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 If you haw a11 automatic transmission, you should Vehicle Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
use DRIVE (D) (or, as you need to, a lower gear)
when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in 2-Wheel Drive,
DRIVE (D) when towing a trailer will minimize heat 2.Z Engine 3.73 2,000
lbs. (908 kg)
4.10 2,000 lbs. (908 kg)
buildup and extend the life
of your transpission. If 2-Wheel Drive, 3.08 5,000 lbs.(2 270 kg)
you have a manual transmission and you are towing
“VORTEC” 4300 3.42 6,000 lbs.(2 724 kg)
a trailer, it’s better not to use
FIFTH (5) gear. Just Auto. Trans.
drive in
FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a -
lower gear). pi,. 2-Wheel Drive,
“-“‘VORTEC” 4300 3.08 4,000 lbs.( 1 816 kg)
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
Man. Trans. ,I+, : = . -
the weight of the trailer,
0 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? 4-Wheel Drive,
3.08 4,500
lbs.(2 043
kg)
“VORTEC” 4300 3.42
5,500 lbs.(2 497 kg)
Auto. Trans. 3.73
5,500 lbs.(2
497 kg)
4-Wheel Drive, 3.08 3,500
lbs.( 1 589 kg)
“VORTEC” 4300 3.42
4,000 lbs.( 1 816
kg)
Man. Trans. 3.73
4,500 lbs.(2 043 kg)
It depends
on how you plan to use your rig. For
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
temperature and how Your vehicle is used to Pull a
’ has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of
trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any
agditional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum
The following chart shows how much your trailer can trailer weight. Two-wheel-drive models
with a GVWR
weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options. of
4,200 lbs.
(1 907 kg) and four-wheel-drive models
JT”;’ ,-p?? , ,- -&-I:. , * with the ZR2 suspension package are limited to a 2,000
’ , :-qqg$+. r *? *. F:. rr I‘
ty+ : ‘ -.. 4 I lbs. (908 kg) trailer rating.
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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
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 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.
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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
CertificatiodTire 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 use a step-bumper hitch, your bumper could
be damaged
in sharp turns. Make sure you have
ample room when turning to avoid contact between
the trailer and the bumper.
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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.
If your vehicle has the bumper delete option, do not
bolt any type
of hitch to the close-out panel. The
close-out panel will not support a hitch.
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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
-- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for
the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Your trailer’s brake system can tap into the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system only if
a
a
The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
The trailer’s brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s
master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems
won’t work well. You could even lose your brakes.
If everything checks
out this far, then make the brake
fluid tap at the port on the master cylinder that sends
fluid
to the rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubing for
this. If
you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use
steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal.
Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well
in
advance.
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