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.
Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering
Notice:Pulling a fth-wheel trailer with a vehicle
that is equipped with the SS trim package could
damage the vehicle. Do not pull a fth-wheel trailer
with a vehicle equipped with the SS trim package.
Fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers can be used with
many pickup models. These trailers place a larger
percentage of the weight (kingpin weight) on the tow
vehicle than conventional trailers. Make sure this weight
does not cause the vehicle to exceed GAWR or GVWR.
Fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15 to 25 percent of the trailer weight up to the maximum
amount speci ed in the trailering chart for your vehicle.
See “Weight of the Trailer” in this section for more
information.
The hitch should be located in the pickup bed so that
it’s centerline is over or slightly in front of the rear
axle. Take care that it is not so far forward that it will
contact the back of the cab in sharp turns.This is especially important for short box pickups.
Trailer pin box extensions and sliding fth wheel hitch
assemblies can help this condition. There should
be at least six inches of clearance between the top of
the pickup box and the bottom of the trailer shelf
that extends over the box.
Make sure the hitch is attached to the tow vehicle frame
rails. Do not use the pickup box for support.
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. If you are towing a trailer up to 5,000 lbs
(2 271 kg) with a factory-installed step bumper, you
may attach the safety chains to the attaching points on
the bumper. If you are towing a trailer up to your
vehicle’s trailer rating limit you may attach the safety
chains to the attaching point on the hitch platform. If you
are towing with an aftermarket hitch follow the trailer
or hitch manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains. Always leave just enough slack so
you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
4-85
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-62
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-62
Headlamps..................................................5-62
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps.........................................5-64
Roof Marker Lamps......................................5-66
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp.......................................5-67
Pickup Box Identi cation and Fender
Marker Lamps...........................................5-69
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-69
License Plate Lamp......................................5-71
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-72
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-73
Tires..............................................................5-74
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-75
Tire Terminology and De nitions.....................5-78
In ation - Tire Pressure.................................5-81
Dual Tire Operation.......................................5-83
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-83
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-86
Buying New Tires.........................................5-87Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-88
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-89
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-90
Wheel Replacement......................................5-90
Tire Chains..................................................5-92
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-93
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-94
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-95
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire..........................................5-99
Secondary Latch System..............................5-109
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...........5-112
Spare Tire.................................................5-116
Appearance Care..........................................5-116
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle...............5-116
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-118
Leather......................................................5-118
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-119
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-119
Weatherstrips.............................................5-119
Washing Your Vehicle..................................5-120
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-120
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2