2001 GMC SONOMA weight

4-42
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.
Try 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.
There's also important loading information for off-road
driving in this manual. See ªLoading Your Vehicle for
Off
-Road Drivingº in the Index.
Payload
The payload capacity is shown on the Certification/Tire
label. This is the maximum load capacity that your
vehicle can carry. If you are using E85 ethanol fuel the
maximum payload should not exceed 1000 lbs (454 kg).
Be sure to include the weight of the occupants 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. Your dealer
can help you with this.
2-Tiered Loading
By positioning four 2, x 6, wooden planks across the
width of the pickup box, you can create an upper load
platform. The planks must be inserted in the pickup box
depressions. The length of the planks must allow for at
least a 3/4 inch (2 cm) bearing surface on each end of
the plank.
When using this upper load platform, be sure the load is
securely tied down to prevent it from shifting. The
load's center of gravity should be positioned in a zone
over the rear axle. The zone is located in the area
between the front of each wheel well and the rear of
each wheel well. The center of gravity height must not
extend above the top of the pickup box flareboard.

4-43
Any load that extends beyond the vehicle's taillamp
area must be properly marked according to local laws
and regulations.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) of the rear axle. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº
in the Index.
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.
NOTICE:
Your warranty doesn't cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
Truck-Camper Loading Information
The Truck-Camper Loading label is located on the
passenger's door near the latch. It will tell you if your
vehicle can carry a slide
-in camper, how much of a load
your vehicle can carry, and how to correctly spread out
your load. Also, it will help you match the right slide
-in
camper to your vehicle.
When the truck is used to carry a slide
-in camper, the
total cargo load of the truck consists of the
manufacturer's camper weight figure, the weight of
installed additional camper equipment not included in
the manufacturer's camper weight figure, the weight of
camper cargo, and the weight of passengers in the
camper. The total cargo load should not exceed the
truck's cargo weight rating and the camper's center of
gravity should fall within the truck's recommended
center of gravity zone when installed.
The Cargo Weight Rating (CWR) is the maximum
weight of the load your vehicle can carry. It doesn't
include the weight of the people inside. But, you can
figure about 150 lbs. (68 kg) for each seating position.
The total cargo load must not be more than your
vehicle's CWR.

4-44
Refer to the Truck-Camper Loading Information Label
on the passenger's door for dimensions A and B as
shown in the following illustration.
Use the rear edge of the load floor for measurement
purposes. The recommended location for the cargo
center of gravity for the Cargo Weight Rating (C) is
the point where the mass of a body is concentrated
and, if suspended at that point, would balance the
front and rear.Here is an example of proper truck and camper match:
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 on the
passenger's door to determine if your vehicle can carry a
slide
-in camper.

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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.
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.
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts that could
affect the balance of your vehicle. When the truck camper
is loaded, drive to a scale and weigh on the front and on
the rear wheels separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed either of the
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR). The total of the
axle loads should not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). These ratings are given on the vehicle
certification label that is located on the rear of the
passenger's door. If weight ratings are exceeded, move
or remove items to bring all weights below the ratings.
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 ªConsumer Information,
Truck
-Camper Loading.º
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch load 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 ªTowing a Trailerº later in
this section.
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 Customer Assistance Office for your area. See the
ªWarranty and Owner Assistanceº booklet for Customer
Assistance Office.

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Towing a Trailer
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 information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
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. Additional rear axle
maintenance is required for a vehicle used to tow
a trailer. See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº
in the Index.
Your vehicle may be able to tow a trailer. To identify
what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle,
you should read the information in ªWeight of the
Trailerº that appears later in this section.
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.

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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 You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:

If you have the 2200 L4 (Code 5) engine, use regular
gasoline (without ethanol) when pulling a trailer.
See ªFuelº in the Index.

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 km/h) 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
use THIRD (3) (or, as you need to, a lower gear)
when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in
THIRD (3) when towing a trailer will minimize heat
buildup and extend the life of your transmission.
If you have a manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it's better not to use FIFTH (5) gear.
Just drive in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a
lower gear).
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.

4-48 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*Axle
Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
2WD Regular Cab
2.2L L4/Manual Trans. #3.73 1,800 lbs. (817 kg)
2.2L L4/Auto.Trans. # 4.10 3,200 lbs. (1 453 kg)
4.3L V6/Manual Trans. 3.08 4,000 lbs. (1 816 kg)
4.3L V6/Auto.Trans. 3.08
3.425,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)Vehicle*Axle
Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
2WD Extended Cab
2.2L L4/Manual Trans. #4.10 2,100 lbs. (953 kg)
2.2L L4/Auto.Trans. # 4.10 3,000 lbs. (1 362 kg)
4.3L V6/Manual Trans. 3.08 3,800 lbs. (1 725 kg)
4.3L V6/Auto.Trans. 3.08
3.424,800 lbs. (2 179 kg)
5,800 lbs. (2 633 kg)
2WD Long Box
2.2L L4/Manual Trans. #3.73
4.101,700 lbs. (772 kg)
2,200 lbs. (999 kg)
2.2L L4/Auto.Trans. # 4.10 3,100 lbs. (1 407 kg)
4.3L V6/Manual Trans. 3.08 3,900 lbs. (1 771 kg)
4.3L V6/Auto.Trans. 3.08
3.424,900 lbs. (2 225 kg)
5,900 lbs. (2 679 kg)

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Vehicle*Axle
Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
4WD Regular Cab
4.3L V6/Manual Trans. 3.42 4,200 lbs. (1 907 kg)
4.3L V6/Auto. Trans. 3.42
3.735,700 lbs. (2 588 kg)
5,700 lbs. (2 588 kg)
4WD Extended Cab
4.3L V6/Manual Trans. 3.42 4,000 lbs. (1 816 kg)
4.3L V6/Manual Trans.
w/ZR23.73 4,400 lbs. (1 998 kg)
4.3L V6/Auto. Trans. 3.42
3.735,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
4.3L V6/Auto. Trans.
w/ZR23.73 4,900 lbs. (2 225 kg)
4WD Crew Cab
4.3L V6/Auto. Trans. 3.42
3.735,200 lbs. (2 361 kg)
5,200 lbs. (2 361 kg)* If your vehicle is equipped with RPO V4A
(Xtreme
Sport Appearance Package), your vehicle
can tow a maximum of 800 lbs. (363 kg). For more
information on RPO codes, see ªService Parts
Identification Labelº in the Index.
#If your vehicle is equipped with a code 5 engine you
must use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher when towing.
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. The weight of the trailer tongue also
affects trailering capacity. See ªWeight of the Trailer
Tongueº later in this section.
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, 163
-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7