1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE load capacity

Both outside mirrors can be folded forward or rearward.
In the rearward position, they will fold almost flush with
the vehicle. This feature is particularly useful
in
automatic car washes.
Your mirrors have
a blue tint to reduce glare while
driving at night.
Convex Outside Mirror
Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved
so you can see more from
the driver’s seat.
A CAUTION: I
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
Storage Compartments
Your vehicle’s large carrying capacity can store many
items. If you have the extended wheelbase version, you
can carry things as large as a
4’ x 8’ piece of plywood.
You can also use the floor pins that are used to attach the
seats, to secure larger loads. This section also describes
storage areas for specific items like sunglasses and cups.
Glove Box
Your vehicle has a glove box below the instrument panel.
To open the glove box, lift the latch release. Use the key
to lock or unlock the glove box.
The glove box door has a detent to prevent the door
from lowering too far. Open the
glove box until the door
is partway open, then pull the door down if you need it
fully open.
To close the glove box, the door must be
pushed up past the detent.
In the door of the glove box, you will find a tissue pack
holder and clip for
a pen or pencil.
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The cargo net has a maximum capacity of 100 lbs.
(45 kg). It is not designed to hold larger, heavier loads.
Store such loads on the floor of your vehicle, as far
forward as you can.
When not in use, it
is recommend that you take down
the cargo net to extend its life and retain its elasticity,
and to keep the rear exit clear. Store the
net in the
pouch behind either front seat.
Side Convenience Nets
The side convenience nets are designed to hold smaller
items (about
8 lbs. (4 kg.)) than the large cargo net.
Attach the loops to the posts on the rear side panels,
near the jack storage area.
When not in use, it
is recommend that you take down
ihe convenience nets
to extend their life and retain
their elasticity.
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NOTICE:
Loading cargo that weighs more than 150 lbs.
(68 kg) on the luggage carrier may damage
your vehicle.
When you carry cargo
on the luggage carrier of a
proper size and weight, put it on the slats, as
far
forward as you can. Then slide the crossrail up
against the rear
of the load, to help keep it from
moving.
You can then tie it down. Don't exceed the
maximum vehicle capacity when
loading your vehicle. For more information on vehicle
capacity and loading, see "Loading Your Vehicle" in
the Index.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you're driving,
check now and then to make sure the luggage carrier
and cargo are still securely fastened.
Your luggage carrier has
release knobs set in the
ends of each crossrail.
Turn the release knobs to the left to unlock the
crossrails. Slide the crossrails forward or back, as
needed,
to accommodate loads of various sizes.
After repositioning the crossrails, be sure
to tighten
the release knobs by turning them to the right.
This
will lock the crossrails in place.
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Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the
battery charged.
You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long
as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
Loading Your Vehicle
COLD TIRE PRESSURE
00
00
on
The Certificationire label is found on the rear edge of
the driver’s door.
The label shows the size of your original tires and the
inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle. This
is called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
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Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in
a crash.
0 Put things in the cargo area of your vehicle.
0 Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
Try to spread the
weight evenly.
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.
0 When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure
it whenever you can.
0 Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
Payload (Cargo Van Only)
The payload capacity is shown on the Certificatioflire
label. This is the maximum load capacity that your
vehicle can carry. Be sure to include the weight of the people inside as part
of your load.
If you added any
accessories or equipment after your vehicle left the
factory, remember to subtract the weight
of these things
from the payload. You should never exceed the
GVWR
or the GAWR. Your dealer can help you determine
your payload.
Electronic Level Control (Option)
On vehicles equipped with the optional electronic level
control, the rear of the vehicle is automatically kept
level as you load or unload your vehicle. However, you
should still not exceed the
GVWR or the GAM.
You may hear the compressor operating when you load
or unload your vehicle, and periodically as the system
self-adjusts.
This is normal.
The compressor should operate for brief periods of time.
If the sound continues for an extended period of time,
your vehicle needs service. To keep your battery from
being drained, you may want to remove the ELC fuse in
the fuse control panel until you can get your vehicle
serviced (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index)\
.
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.
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Towing a Trailer
A CAUTION:
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 informatinn about towing a trailer with
your vehicl-
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 dealer for
important information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle. Your
vehicle can tow a trailer.
To identify what the
vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you
should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer”
that appears later in this section. 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 section. 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.
Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle,
wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder
against the drag of the added weight. The engine is
required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under
greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more, the
trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing
the pulling requirements.
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You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at:
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Department
P.O. Box 7047
Troy,
MI 48007-7047
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 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’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.
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IT T ~1 Alignment and Tire Balance
me wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory
to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are
not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear
or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the
alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer if any
of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need. Each
new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your
Chevrolet model.
I
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control. You could have a
collision in which you or others could be injured.
Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts and
wheel nuts for replacement.
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