1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO weight

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Trailering Package
If your vehicle is equipped 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.
Tc--lir - a Y-dr
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 dealer
for advice
and information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.
4-28

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Three important considerations have to do with weight:
e 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.
The following chart shows how much your trailer can
weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
Vehicle
Two-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Axle Ratio
3.23
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
Max. Trailer Wt.
4,500 lbs. ( 1 8 16 kg)
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
4,50Olbs.(l816kg)
5,000 lbs. (2 270 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.
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 Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario LlH
8P7
4-30

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.
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 upper
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.
4-31

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:
Safety Chains
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.
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.
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.
4-32

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.
4-34

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil (Continued)
Used
....................................... 6-14
When
to Change .............................. 6- 14
Exhaust. Engine
....... 2- 13.2.27.2.30.4.25.4.32. 4.33
Express-Down Window
.......................... 2-29
Exterior Lamps
................................. 2-37
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-52
Filling
a Portable Fuel Container .................... 6-7
FillingYourTank
................................ 6-5
Air Cleaner Replacement
....................... 6-69
Engineoil
.................................. 6-69
Finish Care
.................................... 6-55
Finish Damage
................................. 6-57
FirstGear
..................................... 2-21
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-2
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-23
Fluid Capacities
........................... 6-67. 6-68
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-47
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-5
French Language Manual
11
Front
Axle
....................................... 6-24
Towing
................................. 5-9. 5-10
Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement ............. 6-40
Fuel
.......................................... 6-3
Filling
a Portable Container ...................... 6-7
Filter
.. ...........................
Storage
Area ................................. 2-41
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-5
Gage
....................................... 2-66
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Regulator ................................... 2-18
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-61
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-61
Fuel
....................................... 2-66
Voltmeter
................................... 2-59
Engine Oil
Pressure
........................... 2-64
Speedometer
................................. 2-57
Garage Door Opener
............................ 2-44
GAWR
....................................... 4-26
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission
............. 2-19
GloveBox
.................................... 2-41
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-26
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-26
Guide en Franpis
11
GVWR ..................................... 4-26
.. .................................
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-36
Hatch Release 2-13
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
v ..................................
Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-2
Headlamps
.................................... 2-37
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-37
High/Low Beam Changer
...................... 2-32
OnReminder
................................ 2-37
Wiring
..................................... 6-60
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-4
Heating
........................................ 3-6
9-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Starting Your Engine ............................ 2-17
Steam
........................................ 5-13
Steering ....................................... 4-8
In Emergencies
................................ 4-9
Power
....................................... 4-8
Tips
......................................... 4-9
Wheel, Tilt
.................................. 2-30
Storage Compartments
........................... 2-41
Storage, Vehicle
................................ 6-36
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
.................. 5-37
Sunvisors
.................................... 2-49
Sunglasses Storage
.............................. 2-47
Symbols, Vehicle
.................................. v
Taillamp Bulb Replacement ...................... 6-41
TapePlayerCare
............................... 3-29
Temperature
& Compass Display .................. 2-45
Theft
......................................... 2-14
Theft-Deterrent Feature
.......................... 3-26
THEFTLOCK"
................................ 3-26
Thermostat
.................................... 6-29
Third Gear
...... : ............................. 2-21
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-30
Time, Setting ................................... 3-9
Tirechains
.................................... 6-50
TireLoading
................................... 4-26
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-26
Tires
.......................................... 6-42
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-48
BuyingNew
................................. 6-46
Chains
..................................... 6-50
ChangingaFlat
.............................. 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
................................. 6-48
Traction
.................................... 6-47
Treadwear
................................... 6-47
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-47
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-45
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-48
When It's Time for New
....................... 6-45
Top Strap
..................................... 1-58
Torque, Wheel Nut
......................... 5-33, 6-67
Towing a Trailer
................................ 4-28
Towing from the Front
....................... 5-9, 5-10
Towing from the Rear
...................... 5-1 1, 5-12
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-7
Trailer Brakes
..................................... 4-32
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-35
Driving with
................................. 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
.......................... 4-31
Towing ..................................... 4-28
Turnsignals
................................. 4-35
TorqueLock
................................... 2-25
9-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Trailer (Continued)
Weight
..................................... 4-30
Wiring Harness
............................... 4-37
Transmission Fluid. Automatic
.................... 6-20
Transmitters. Keyless Entry
........................ 2-7
Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-8
Trip Odometer ................................. 2-57
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-4
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals
............... 2-3 1
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ................... 2-3 1
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-35
Two-way Manual Seat
........................... 1-2
Underbody Maintenance
........................ 6-57
Underhood Electrical Center
...................... 6-64
Universal Transmitter
............................ 2-50
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
..................................... 2-59 warning
Devices
............................... 5-2
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators
............... 2-57
Warranty Information ............................. 8-10
Washer Fluid. Windshield ........................ 6-30
Washing Your Vehicle
........................... 6-55
Weatherstrips
.................................. 6-55
Wheel Alignment
.................................. 6-48
Replacement
................................. 6-48
Wrench
..................................... 5-25
Windows
..................................... 2-29
Express-Down
............................... 2-29
Power
....................................... 2-29
Swing-Out
.................................. 2-29
Windshield Washer
............................. 2-33
Fluid
....................................... 6-30
Fluid Level Check
............................ 7-41
Rear
....................................... 2-33
Windshield Wipers
.............................. 2-32
Blade Replacement ........................... 6-54
Cleaning the Blades
........................... 6-42
Fuses
...................................... 6-60
Winter Driving
................................. 4-22
WiperBladeCheck
............................. 7-42
Wiper Blades. Cleaning
.......................... 6-54
Wiring. Headlamp
.............................. 6-60
WreckerTowing ................................. 5-7
Wrench, Wheel
................................. 5-25
9-10