2007 CHEVROLET UPLANDER Owners Manual

You may add 300 lbs (136 kg) to the front axle
weight and 400 lbs (181 kg) to the rear axle
weight. Your vehicle now weighs:
Weight is still below 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) and you
may think that you should subtract 700 additional
pounds (318 kg) from your trailering capacity
to stay within GCWR limits. Your maximum trailer
would only be 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg). You may
go further and think you must limit tongue weight
to less than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) to avoid
exceeding GVWR. But, you must still consider the
effect on the rear axle. Because your rear axle
now weighs 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg), you can only put
900 lbs (408 kg) on the rear axle without
exceeding RGAWR. The effect of tongue weight is
about 1.5 times the actual weight. Dividing the
900 lbs (408 kg) by 1.5 leaves you with being able
to handle only 600 lbs (272 kg) of tongue weight.Since tongue weight is usually at least 10 percent
of total loaded trailer weight, you can expect
that the largest trailer your vehicle can properly
handle is 6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).
It is important that you make sure your vehicle
does not exceed any of its ratings — GCWR,
GVWR, RGAWR, Maximum Trailer Rating
or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure you
are not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
your vehicle and trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inated to the
upper limit for cold tires. You will nd these
numbers on the Certication/Tire label at the rear
edge of the driver’s door or seeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 404. Then be sure you do not go
over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.
417

Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough
roads are a few reasons why you will need
the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow:
The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended
for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or
other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do, remember to seal the holes later
when you remove the hitch. If you do not seal
them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your
exhaust can get into your vehicle. SeeEngine
Exhaust on page 163. Dirt and water can, too.
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 1,000 lbs (450 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 will be
able to install, adjust, and maintain them properly.
Because your vehicle may have anti-lock
brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If you do, both brake systems will not
work well, or at all.
418

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 cannot see or smell CO. It
can cause unconsciousness or death. See
Engine Exhaust on page 163. 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. SeeClimate Control System
on page 217orDual Climate Control
System on page 220.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience. Before setting out for the open road,
you will 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.
419

Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts 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
as you would when driving your vehicle without
a trailer. This can help you avoid situations
that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You will need more passing distance up ahead
when you are towing a trailer. And, because
you are a good deal longer, you will need to go
much farther beyond the passed vehicle
before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one
hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move
that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right,
move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly
and, if possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to come in
contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When you are turning with a trailer, make wider
turns than normal. Do this so your trailer will
not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
420

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have
extra wiring.
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
ash, telling other drivers you are about to turn,
change lanes, or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your
instrument panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs
on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think
drivers behind you are seeing your signal when
they are not. It is important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before
you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you
do not shift down, you might have to use your
brakes so much that they would get hot and
no longer work well.
If you are towing a trailer that weighs more than
1,000 lbs (450 kg), you may prefer to drive in
THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D) or, as you need
to, a lower gear. This will minimize heat build-up
and extend the life of your transaxle.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle,
with a trailer attached, on a hill. If
something goes wrong, your rig could
start to move. People can be injured, and
both your vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, do
the following:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift
into PARK (P).
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release
the regular brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake, and shift into PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
421

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you do the following:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the
chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you are pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance
Schedule for more on this. Things that are
especially important in trailer operation are
automatic transaxle uid, engine oil, belts, cooling
system, and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help
you nd them quickly. If you are trailering, it is a
good idea to review these sections before you
start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Your vehicle may have a trailer wiring harness
package located in the glove box. It can be
connected from the rear of your vehicle to your
trailer. Contact your dealer for more information.
422

Service........................................................ 426
Accessories and Modications................... 426
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 427
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 427
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 428
Fuel............................................................. 428
Gasoline Octane........................................ 429
Gasoline Specications.............................. 429
California Fuel........................................... 429
Additives................................................... 430
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)............................ 431
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 432
Filling the Tank......................................... 433
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 435
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 436
Hood Release........................................... 437
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 438
Engine Oil................................................. 439
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 442
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 444Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 445
Engine Coolant.......................................... 448
Radiator Pressure Cap.............................. 451
Engine Overheating................................... 451
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 453
Cooling System......................................... 454
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 459
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 460
Brakes...................................................... 462
Battery...................................................... 465
Jump Starting............................................ 466
Bulb Replacement....................................... 471
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 471
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps........... 471
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL)........................... 473
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps...................................... 473
License Plate Lamp................................... 475
Replacement Bulbs................................... 475
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
423

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 476
Tires............................................................ 477
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 478
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 482
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 485
High-Speed Operation............................... 486
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 487
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 489
Buying New Tires...................................... 490
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 492
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 493
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 494
Wheel Replacement.................................. 494
Tire Chains............................................... 496
Accessory Inator...................................... 496
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 499
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 500
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 501
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire............................................. 504
Secondary Latch System........................... 511
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 513
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 516Appearance Care........................................ 517
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 517
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 518
Leather...................................................... 519
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 520
Child Restraint Pad................................... 520
Care of Safety Belts and Built-in Child
Restraint Harness.................................. 520
Weatherstrips............................................ 521
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 521
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 521
Finish Care............................................... 522
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper
Blades................................................... 522
Aluminum Wheels...................................... 523
Tires......................................................... 523
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 524
Finish Damage.......................................... 524
Underbody Maintenance............................ 524
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 524
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 525
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
424