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 in ated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll nd these numbers on the
Certi cation label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or
see Loading Your Vehicle for more information. Then,
be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
or the GAWR, 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
distribution spring bars.
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.
Weight Distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must
be adjusted so the distance (A) remains the same both
before and after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.
If you use a step-bumper hitch, the bumper could
be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is ample
room when turning to avoid contact between the
trailer and the bumper.(A) Body to Ground Distance, (B) Front of Vehicle
4-59
If you will be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 5,000 lbs (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 driving. Always use a sway control if the trailer
will weigh more than these limits. You can ask a
hitch dealer about sway controls.
Safety Chains
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.
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.
Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,500 lbs. (680 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.
Your trailer’s brake system can tap into the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system only if:
The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
The trailer’s brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of uid from your vehicle’s
master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems
won’t work well. You could even lose your brakes.
If everything checks out this far, then make the brake
uid tap at the port on the master cylinder that
sends uid to the rear brakes. But don’t use copper
tubing for this. If you do, it will bend and nally break off.
Use steel brake tubing.
4-60
Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
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 not see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. SeeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-34. 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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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 climate control setting for maximum
air because it only recirculates the air
inside your vehicle. SeeDual Climate
Control System on page 3-22.
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.
4-61
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter
“R” means radial ply construction; the letter “D” means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a tire.
The load index can range from 1 to 279. Speed ratings
range from “A” to “Z”. The light truck tire size example
above shows dual or single tire con gurations.
Tire Terminology and De nitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold In ation Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat from
driving. SeeIn ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with
the U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle
safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identi cation Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.
5-61
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-49.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-49.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-49.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging from
1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity
of a tire.
Maximum In ation Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be in ated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at
the maximum permissible in ation pressure for that tire.Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of occupants
a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150
pounds (68 kg). SeeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-49.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of a asymmetrical
tire that has a particular side that faces outward
when mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand and or model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on passenger
cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.
Recommended In ation Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire in ation pressure
and shown on the tire placard. SeeIn ation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-64andLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-49.
5-62
Radial Ply tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
Speed Rating:An alphanumeric code assigned to a
tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire
can operate.
Traction:The friction between the tire and the road
surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread:The portion of a tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimes
called “wear bars,” that show across the tread of a tire
when only 2/32 inch of tread remains. SeeWhen It
Is Time for New Tires on page 5-66.UTQGS:Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards,
a tire information system that provides consumers with
ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature and treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are molded
into the sidewall of the tire. SeeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-68.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-49.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
occupant weight and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:A label permanently attached to
a vehicle showing the original equipment tire size and
recommended in ation pressure. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-49.
5-63
T
Tachometer....................................................3-37
Taillamps
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-52
Testing the Alarm............................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-119
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-17
Passlock
®...................................................2-19
Throttle, Adjustable..........................................2-22
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP......................................3-63
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-56
Tire Size.......................................................5-59
Tire Terminology and De nitions........................5-61
Tires.............................................................5-55
Buying New Tires........................................5-67
Chains.......................................................5-71
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-74
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-73
In ation - Tire Pressure................................5-64
Inspection and Rotation................................5-65
Spare Tire..................................................5-87
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-68
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-69
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-69
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-66
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-23Top Strap......................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-39
Torque Lock...................................................2-32
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-59
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-45
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-55
Your Vehicle...............................................4-45
Traction
Assist System (TAS)...................................... 4-9
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-60
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-66
Transfer Case................................................5-49
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-22
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-24
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case
Unit Repair Manual......................................7-12
Transportation Options...................................... 7-9
Travel Note Recorder......................................2-47
Traveling to Remote Areas...............................4-18
Trip Information..............................................3-51
Trip Odometer................................................3-37
Turn and Lane Change Signals.......................... 3-8
TURN SIGNAL ON.........................................3-61
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-63
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles................................4-46
14
U
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-120
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-68
United States................................................... 7-5
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-70
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-89
Using HomeLink
®...........................................2-45
Using Song List Mode...................................3-103
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-49
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders...........................................7-10
Vehicle Identi cation
Number (VIN).............................................5-95
Service Parts Identi cation Label...................5-96
Vehicle Personalization
Memory Seat..............................................2-53
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-42
Video Screen................................................3-109
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-17Visors...........................................................2-17
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-40
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-35
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-60
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-91
Weight Distributing Hitches and
Weight Carrying Hitches...............................4-59
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-56
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-58
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-17
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-20
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-69
Replacement...............................................5-69
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-17
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)...................................5-19
When to Check Lubricant.................................5-48
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-37
15