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Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Notice:If you tow your vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed
with all four wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive transmissions have no provisions
for internal lubrication while being towed.
All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with
all four wheels on the ground. To properly
tow these vehicles, they should be placed on a
platform trailer with all four wheels off the ground.
Notice:Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground, or even
with only two of its wheels on the ground, will
damage drivetrain components. Do not tow
an all-wheel-drive vehicle if any of its wheels
will be on the ground.
Dolly Towing
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle
from the rear:
1. Drive the vehicle onto the dolly.
2. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking
Brake on page 128for more information.
3. Put the automatic transmission in PARK (P).
4. Follow the dolly manufacturer’s instructions
to attach and secure the vehicle being
towed to the dolly and then the loaded dolly to
the tow vehicle. Make sure the wheels are
straight before towing.
Use an adequate clamping device to ensure
that the front wheels are locked into the
straight position.
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Page 272 of 452
G3500 Passenger Van
2WD Short WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
6000 V83.73
4.107,700 lbs (3 483 kg)
9,700 lbs (4 400 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) 17,000 lbs (7 711 kg)
G3500 Passenger Van
2WD Long WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
6000 V83.73
4.107,400 lbs (3 357 kg)
9,400 lbs (4 264 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6600 V8 Diesel 3.73 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) 17,000 lbs (7 711 kg)
*The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded
vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo equipment and conversion. The GCWR for your
vehicle should not be exceeded.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering
information or advice, or you can write us at our
Customer Assistance Offices. SeeCustomer
Assistance Offices on page 422for more
information.
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Page 279 of 452

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’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.
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’re turning with a trailer, make wider
turns than normal. Do this so your trailer
won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs,
trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
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Page 309 of 452
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant
on hot engine parts. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the
engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the
radiator. For information on how to add coolant to
the radiator, seeCooling System on page 311.
Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator pressure cap is located near the
center of the engine compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 296for more
information on location.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
You will find an engine coolant temperature gage
on your vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 178for more
information.
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Page 351 of 452

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 353
andWheel Replacement on page 357for
more information.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push,
pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it
moves, use the ratchet/wheel wrench to tighten the
cable. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 360.
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, also seeDual
Tire Operation on page 350.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The
first rotation is the most important. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 399.If your vehicle has single rear wheels, always use
the correct rotation patterns shown here when
rotating your vehicle’s tires. Do not include
the spare tire in the tire rotation, if the spare
tire/wheel assembly does not match your vehicle’s
road tires and wheels in size and type.
Single Rear Wheels
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Page 359 of 452

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has dual wheels or P245/
75R16 or LT245/75R16 size tires, do not
use tire chains. They can damage your
vehicle because there is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of clearance
can cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle and you or others may be injured
in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for use
on your vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer’s instructions. To help avoid
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
damage to your vehicle, drive slowly,
readjust, or remove the device if it is
contacting your vehicle, and do not spin
the vehicle’s wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the rear tires.
Notice:If your vehicle does not have dual
wheels and has a tire size other than P245/
75R16 or LT245/75R16, use tire chains only
where legal and only when you must. Use
chains that are the proper size for your tires.
Install them on the tires of the rear axle. Do not
use chains on the tires of the front axle. Tighten
them as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop
and retighten them. If the contact continues,
slow down until it stops. Driving too fast or
spinning the wheels with chains on will
damage your vehicle.
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Page 362 of 452
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
If you have a cargo van or a passenger van,
the equipment you will need is located in
the passenger side rear corner of the vehicle.
Remove the retaining
wing bolt and lift it off of
the mounting bracket.
If you have a van with the 15-passenger seating
arrangement, the equipment you will need is
secured on the rear floor of the passenger side
of the vehicle.To access the equipment, remove the retaining
wing bolt and lift it out of the mounting bracket.
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Page 375 of 452
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment
in the passenger compartment of the
vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden
stop or collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in the
proper place.
1. Put the tire on the ground at the rear of the
vehicle with the valve stem pointed down.2. Pull the retaining bar through the center of the
wheel, making sure it is properly attached.
3. Pull the wheel toward the rear of the vehicle,
keeping the cable tight.
4. With the UP side facing you, attach the
ratchet to the wheel wrench.
5. Put the flat end of the wheel wrench on an
angle through the hole in the rear door
frame, above the bumper.
6. Raise the tire fully against the underside of
the vehicle. Continue turning the ratchet until
the tire is secure and the cable is tight.
The spare tire hoist cannot be overtightened.
375