1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The CertificationRire 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.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the
GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
A CAUTION:
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Do not load your vehicle'any heavier than the '
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAM. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, .
or it can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you
to lose control. Also,
overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
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.
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If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else
-- they 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 A CAUTION:
--
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in
.a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
Put things in the cargo area of your vehicle.
lky to spread the .weight evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle
so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.
Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
When-you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
There’s also important loading information for off-road
driving in this manual. See “Loading Your Vehicle’’ in
the Index.
Towing a Trailer
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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 trailerr dorrectly, 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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If You 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
4,000 lbs. (1 800 kg) or. less. You should
always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh
more than
4,000 lbs. (1 800 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 kmk) and
don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow
in OVERDRIVE
(OD). You may want to shift the
transmission to DRIVE (D) or,
if necessary, a lower
gear selection
if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions). Three important
considerations have to do with weight:
the weight of the trailer,
the weight
of the trailer tongue
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.
Use the following chart to determine how much your
vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle model
and options.
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.
Above the 2,000 lbs.
(908 kg) trailer rating, the
engine oil cooler is required on C/K-
1500 models with
5.7L engine and C/K-2500 Suburban models with
5.7L engine and 3.73 axle ratio.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Vehicle
C-1500 (2WD)
Utility
K- 1500 (4WD)
Utility
C-1500 (2WD)
Suburban
K- 1500 (4WD)
Suburban
C-2500 (2WD)
Suburban
K-2500 (4WD) Suburban
Axle Ratio
3.08
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
3.42 3.73
3.73 3.73
3.73
4.10
4.10
Max. Trailer Wt. You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write
us at the address listed in your
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg) In Canada,
write to:
7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg) 1908 Colonel Sam Drive
6,500 lbs. (2 951 kg) Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
General
Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Assistance Center
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
6,500 lbs.
(2 95 1 kg)
5,000 lbs.
(2 270 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724
kg)
7,500.1bs. (3 405 kg)
7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
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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.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the 1imit.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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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:
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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.
If you’ll be pulling
a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
4,000 lbs. (1 800 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine nailer 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 brake system can tap into the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system only
if,
0 The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
0 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, make the brake tap at
the port on the master cylinder that sends the 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.
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide
(CO) could come into your vehicle. You can’t see
or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness or
death. (See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.) To
maximize your safety when towing a trailer:
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Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
Keep the rear-most windows closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle.
Do not use
MAX because it only recirculates the air
inside your vehicle. (See “Comfort
Controls’’ in the Index.)
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