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 vehicie ‘Weight (GVLiij
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
on page
4-44 for more information about your vehicle’s
maximum load capacity.
A €3
If you’re using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A) should be
10 percent
to
15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
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. for
your
vehicle.
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 Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-44. Then be
sure you don’t go over the GVW and rear axle limits for
your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
If you use a weight distributing hitch, make sure
you don’t go over the rear axle limit before you apply
the weight distributing spring bars.
4-51
Hitches Safety Chains
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:
If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
5,000 Ibs. (2 270 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 Engine Exhaust
on
page 2-29. 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
to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road
if it becomes separated from
the hitch. Always leave just enough slack
so you can
turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 Ibs. (900 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.
Since your vehicle is equipped with the
Stabilitrak@system, your trailer brake system cannot tap
into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.
4-52
Driving with a Trailer
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:
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
the comfort control setting for maximum
air because
it only recirculates the air
inside your vehicle. See “Comfort
1 Controls” in the Index. 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 a5
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.
4-53
Steering in Emergencies ................... .... 4-12
Steering Tips
.................................................. 4-1 1
Steering Wheel Controls. Audio
......................... 3-86
Stereo RCA Jacks
.......................................... 3-78
Storage Areas Center Console Storage Area
.................... 2-42
Convenience Net
..................................... 2-44
Cupholder(s)
........................................... 2-42
Glove Box
.................................................. 2-42
Luggage Carrier
.......................................... 2-42
Rear Storage Area
................................... 2-44
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire. Jack
and Tools .............................
........... 5-73
Stuck in Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow
.................. 4-41
Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-15
Sunroof
.... ...................................... 2-46
Tachometer
.................................................... 3-30
Taillamps
....................................................... 5-52
Temperature and Compass Display
.................... 2-31
Testing the Alarm
.................................... 2-17
Theft-Deterrent, Radio
.................. , ....... 3-85
Theft-Deterrent Systems
................................... 2-1 6
Content Theft-Deterrent
................................ 2-1 6
Passlock@
................................................... 2-1 7
Third Row
...................................................... 1-66
Third
Row - Lap Belt ........................ ~ ~ ....... 1-40 Throttle. Adjustable
.......................................... 2-20
Tilt Wheel
........................................................ 3-6
Tilting the
50/50 Split Bench Seat ..................... 1-13
Tire Inflation Check
......................................... 6-10
Tires
..................................................... 5-55, 5-83
Buying New Tires ........................................
5-58
Chains ....................................................... 5-62
Changing a Flat Tire
.................................... 5-63
If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-63
Inflation
-- Tire Pressure ............................... 5-55
Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-56
Spare Tire
.................................................. 5-77
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
................. 5-61
Wheel Replacement
..................................... 5-61
When
It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-58
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater .................... 2-21
Top of the Instrument Panel
............................. 5-79
Top Strap
...................................................... 1-57
Top Strap Anchor Location
............................... 1-59
Torque Lock
................................................... 2-28
Tilting the
Full Bench Seat ............................... 1-18
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
......................... 5-59
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
.................. 4-51
Tow/Haul Mode
............................................... 2-24
Towing Tow/Haul Mode Light
... ........................ 3-42
Recreational Vehicle
................................. 4-44
Towing a Trailer
.......................................... 4-47
Your Vehicle
............................................... 4-44
14
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ..... ... 3-28
Warnings DIC Warnings and Messages
..... ... 3-52
Other Warning Devices
.. ..... 3-6
Hazard
Warning Flashers
....... ..... 3-5
Safety and Symbols
... .... Ill
Vehicle Damage ........ .... ....... iv
...
Washing Your Vehicle .................................. 5-81
Weatherstrip Lubrication
................................... 6-1 1
Weight of the Trailer ........................................ 4-50
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
...... ............... 4-51
What Kind of Engine Oil
to Use ..... ... 5-1 5
What to Add ........................... ............... 5-37
What
to Do with Used Oil .. ................... 5-17
What to Use ........................
... 5-23, 5-34, 5-48
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance
.......................... 5-61
Replacement
............................................... 5-61
When
to Add Engine Oil .................................. 5-14
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil
Life System)
............................ ....... 5-16
When to Check
.................... ............... 5-56
When to Check and Change ............................ 5-20
When to Check Lubricant
................................. 5-48
When
to Check Power Steering Fluid ......... 5-34 When
You Are Ready
to Leave After
Where
to Put the Restraint ..........................
Why Safety Belts Work ...............................
Windows ..................................................
Power ...................................................
Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades ...
Windshield Washer .............................
Fluid ..............................................
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check ....
Windshield Wiper
Parking on
a Hill .........................
Blade Replacement .................................
Fuses ...................................................
Windshield Wipers .................................
Winter
Driving ........ ...........
Wood Panels ......... ...........
Wiper Blade Check ..... ...........
X
XMTM Satellite Radio Antenna System ....
XMTM Satellite Radio Service ............
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment . .
4-55
. 1-56
. 1-26
. 2-14
. 2-15
. 5-82
.. 3-9
. 5-34
. 6-10
. 5-54
. 5-a7
.. 3-8
. 4-37
. 6-1 1
. 5-80
..... 3-89
..... 3-87
.. 6-2
16