1998 CHEVROLET EXPRESS weight

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
0 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 vehicle model and options. GlOOOO
4.3L
5 .OL
5.7L
G20000 4.3L
Model Engine Axle
Ratio
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.42 3.73
3.42
4.10
5 .OL 3.42
5.7L 3.42
3.73
4.10
3.73
4.10 3.73
4.10
3.42
3.73
4.10
G30000 5.7L
6.5L
7.4L
Max. Trailer Weight (lbs.)
(kg)
4000 (1 816)
4500 (2043) 5000 (2270)
5500 (2497)
6500 (295
1)
4000 (1816)
4000 (1816)
5000 (2270)
5500 (2497) 5500 (2497)
7000 (3
178)
5500 (2497)
7000 (3 178)
6000 (2724)
7500 (3405)
6500 (295 1)
8000 (3632)
10,000 (4540)
4-30

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and
one passenger are in the towing vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment.
The weight of
additional equipment, passengers and cargo
in the
towing vehicle must be subtracted from
the above
maximum trailer weights.
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
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 your platform hitch as a weight-carrying
hitch,
the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight
(B). If you’re using your
platform hitch as 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1 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.
witches
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:
1 The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for
hitches.
Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the
bumper.
Do not use a ball hitch, because it could pull
the bumper loose.
0 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.
0 Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when
you install a trailer hitch?
If you’re using the wiring provided by the
factory-installed hitch, you should not need to make
any holes in the body of your vehicle. However, if
you have an aftermarket hitch installed, you may
need to make holes in the body.
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.

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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Rear Towing
I NOTICE:
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear with loads
approaching rated
GVW as the weight transfer will
cause the front suspension to become overloaded.
I
NOTICE:
Do not tow with the sling-type equipment or the
rear bumper will be damaged. Use wheel lift or
car-carrier equipment. Additional ramping may
be required for car-carrier equipment. Use safety
chains and wheel straps.
Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage a vehicle.
To help avoid damage, install
a towing dolly and raise the vehicle until
adequate clearance is obtained between the
ground and/or wheel-lift equipment.
Engine Overheating (Gasoline Engine)
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s
instrument panel.
If you have a diesel engine, you will also
find a low coolant light on your instrument panel.
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Engine
Overheating” in the Diesel Engine Supplement.
5-11

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If your vehicle has a 7.4 liter engine and air
conditioning, your vehicle will have a auxiliary
engine fan in addition to
the belt driven fan.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps
are on properly.
Then lift the hood to relieve pressure
on the hood prop.
Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and
return the prop to its retainer. Then just let the hood
down and close it firmly.
Noise Control System
The following information relates to compliance with
Federal noise emission standards for vehicles with a
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) of more than
10,000 lbs. (4 536 kg). The Maintenance Schedule
provides information on maintaining the noise control
system
to minimize degradation of the noise emission
control system during the life
of your vehicle. The
noise control system warranty is given in your
Warranty booklet.
These standards apply only
to vehicles sold in the
United States.
Tampering With Noise Control
System Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof
1.
2.
The removal or rendering inoperative by any person,
other than for purposes
of maintenance, repair or
replacement, of any device or element of design
incorporated into any new vehicle for the purpose
of noise control, prior
to its sale or delivery to the
ultimate purchaser or while it is in use; or
The use of the vehicle after such device or element
of design has been removed or rendered inoperative
by any person.
Among
those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
Insulation:
Removal of the noise shields or underhood insulation.
Engine:
Removal or rendering engine speed governor (if
equipped) inoperative
so as to allow engine speed to
exceed manufacturer specifications.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine ....................................... 6-10
Coolant
..................................... 6-21
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-38
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-57
Cooling System
.............................. 5- 14
Exhaust
...................... 2.29.2.30.2.33 .4.26
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-65
Identification
........................... 6.60. 6.67
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-38
Overheating
................................. 5-11
Running While Parked ......................... 2-30
Starting Your
................................ 2- 18
EngineOil
.................................... 6-12
Adding
..................................... 6-13
Additives
................................... 6-15
Checking ................................... 6-13
Pressure Gage
................................ 2-60
Used
....................................... 6-16
Whentochange
.............................. 6-15
Exhaust, Engine
................. 2-29.2-30,2-33, 4-26
Engine Coolant Heater
........................... 2-20
Engine Oil (Continued)
Exterior Lamps
................................. 2-40
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-52
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .................... 6-7
FillingYourTank
................................ 6-5
Filter. Air
..................................... 6-16
Finish Care
.................................... 6-55
Finish Damage
................................. 6-57 First Gear. Automatic Transmission
................ 2-23
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-2
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-22
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-44
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-5
French Language Manual
11
Front Parkingnurn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .... 6-35
Front Storage Area
.............................. 2-48
FrontTowing
.................................. 5-10
Fuel .......................................... 6-3
Canada ...................................... 6-3
Filling
a Portable Container ...................... 6-7
FillingYourTank
.............................. 6-5
Gage
....................................... 2-63
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-5
Tankcapacity
............................... 6-69
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-61
.. ...........................
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-57
Engine Oil Pressure
........................... 2-60
Fuel
....................................... 2-63
Speedometer
................................. 2-52
Voltmeter
................................... 2-55
GAWR
....................................... 4-27
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission
............. 2-21
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-27
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-27
Guide en Franpis
11
GVWR ....................................... 4-27
.. .................................
9-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TorqueLock ................................... 2-27
Torque. Wheel Nut
......................... 5.33. 6.67
Towing a Trailer
................................ 4-28
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-8
Trailer
Brakes
..................................... 4-33
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-35
Drivingwith
................................. 4-33
Hitches
..................................... 4-32
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-36
Parking on Hills
.............................. 4-36
Safety Chains
................................ 4-33
Tongueweight
............................... 4-31
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-32
Towing
..................................... 4-28
Turnsignals
................................. 4-35
Weight
..................................... 4-30
Wiring Harness
............................... 4-37
Transmission Fluid. Automatic
.................... 6- 17
Transmitters. Keyless Entry
........................ 2-6
Transportation. Courtesy
.......................... 8-8
Trip Odometer ................................. 2-52
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-4
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals
............... 2-35
Turn SignalNultifunction Lever
................... 2-34
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-35
Underbody Maintenance
........................ 6-58
UnderhoodLamp
............................... 2-44 Vehicle
Control
...................................... 4-5
Damage Warnings
.............................. iv
Identification Number ......................... 6-60
Loading
.................................... 4-27
Storage
..................................... 6-31
Ventilation System
............................... 3-6
Visor Vanity Mirrors
............................ 2-49
Visors. Sun
.................................... 2-49
warning Devices
............................... 5-2
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators
............... 2-53
Washer Fluid. Windshield
........................ 6-26
Weatherstrips
.................................. 6-54
Wheel Alignment
.................................. 6-48
Nut Torque ............................. 5-33. 6.67
Replacement
................................. 6-49
Wrench
..................................... 5-24
Windows
..................................... 2-31
Power
...................................... 2-31
SideLatches
................................. 2-32
Swing-Out
.................................. 2-32
Windshield Washer
............................. 2-37
Fluid
....................................... 6-26
Fluid Level Check
............................ 7-38
Washing Your Vehicle
........................... 6-55