2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN weight

Keep in mind that reserve capacity numbers are
intended as a guide when selecting the amount of
equipment or cargo your vehicle can carry. If you are
unsure of your vehicle’s front, rear, or total weight, go to
a weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your
dealer/retailer can also help you with this.
The total vehicle reserve capacity for your vehicle can
be found in the lower right corner of the Certication/Tire
label as shown previously.
See your dealer/retailer for additional advice and
information about using a snow plow on your vehicle.
Also, seeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-35.
Emergency Roof Lamp Provisions
Vehicles with the RPO VYU snow plow prep package
also have an emergency roof lamp provision package,
RPO TRW. Wiring for the emergency roof lamp is
provided above the overhead console. SeeAuxiliary
Roof Mounted Lamp on page 3-18for switch location.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
To avoid vehicle damage, a platform or atbed trailer
should be used to transport this vehicle. Consult
your dealer/retailer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-8.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing, towing your vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground, and dolly towing,
towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”.
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy
Towing” and “Dolly Towing”, following.
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Dolly Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Notice:If you tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle with
the rear wheels on the ground, the transmission
could be damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Never tow your vehicle
with the rear wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with the
rear wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication
while being towed.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles can be towed on a dolly with
the front wheels on the ground provided that the
wheels are straight.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are not designed to be dolly
towed. If you need to tow your vehicle, see “Dinghy
Towing” earlier in this section.
Level Control
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension is available
on two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive light-duty
vehicles and comes as a part of the Autoride
®
suspension, if equipped.
This type of level control is fully automatic and will provide
a better leveled riding position as well as better handling
under a variety of passenger and loading conditions. An
air compressor connected to the rear shocks will raise or
lower the rear of the vehicle to maintain proper vehicle
height. The system is activated when the ignition key is
turned to RUN and will automatically adjust vehicle height
thereafter. The system may exhaust (lower vehicle
height) for up to ten minutes after the ignition key has
been turned off. You may hear the air compressor
operating when the height is being adjusted.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to inate, thereby
leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the hitch.
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Autoride®
If equipped, the Autoride system is fully automatic and
uses a computer controller to continuously monitor
vehicle speed, wheel to body position, lift/dive and
steering position of the vehicle. The controller then
sends signals to each shock absorber to independently
adjust the damping level to provide the optimum
vehicle ride.
Autoride also interacts with the tow/haul switch that,
when engaged, will provide additional control of
the shock absorbers. This additional control results in
better ride and handling characteristics when the vehicle
is loaded or towing a trailer. SeeTow/Haul Mode
Light on page 3-49for more information.
Towing a Trailer
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeNew Vehicle
Break-In on page 2-24for more information.
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. You may also damage your
vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and
information about towing a trailer with your
vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage
your vehicle and result in costly repairs that would
not be covered by your warranty. Always follow
the instructions in this section and check with your
dealer/retailer for more information about towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of your vehicle, you
should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section.
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Trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by
itself. Trailering means changes in acceleration, braking,
handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful,
safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of
these are important for your safety and that of your
passengers. So please read this section carefully before
you pull a trailer.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later
in this section.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). If the transmission shifts
too often (e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions) you may want to shift the transmission
to a lower gear selection or enable the Tow/Haul
mode, if equipped. See “Tow/Haul Mode” later
in this section.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer
The weight of the trailer tongue
The weight on your vehicle’s tires
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Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle,
and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this
section for more information.Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Use one of the following charts to determine how much
your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle
model and options.
C-1500 (2WD) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight *GCWR
4.8L V83.23
3.734,500 lbs (2 041 kg)
4,800 lbs (2 177 kg)10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
10,300 lbs (4 672 kg)
5.3L V83.42
3.736,500 lbs (2 948 kg)
7,500 lbs (3 402 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 (Extended
Models)3.73
4.107,100 lbs (3 220 kg)
8,100 lbs (3 674 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
6.0L V8 (Extended
Models)4.10 8,100 lbs (3 674 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
6.2L V8 3.42 8,000 lbs (3 629 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
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K-1500 (AWD) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight *GCWR
5.3L V8 without NHT** 3.73 6,200 lbs (2 812 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 with NHT**3.73
4.107,200 lbs (3 266 kg)
8,200 lbs (3 719 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5.3L V8 (Extended
Models)3.73
4.107,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
8,000 lbs (3 629 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
6.0L V8 (Extended
Models)4.10 8,000 lbs (3 629 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
C-2500 (2WD) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight *GCWR
6.0L V8 (Extended
Models)3.73 9,700 lbs (4 400 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 258 kg)
K-2500 (4WD Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight *GCWR
6.0L V8 (Extended
Models)3.73 9,300 lbs (4 218 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 258 kg)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the
total allowable weight of the completely loaded
vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo,
equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle
should not be exceeded.
**NHT is the option code for Enhanced Heavy Duty
Trailering Package. See your dealer/retailer for vehicle
option content.Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or
advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance
Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-6
for more information.
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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 Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. If you have a lot of options, equipment,
passengers or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the
tongue weight your vehicle can carry, which will
also reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow. 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 for more
information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to
15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to
a maximum of 600 lbs (272 kg) with a weight carrying
hitch. The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to a
maximum of 1,000 lbs (453 kg) for the 1500 series
and up to a maximum of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for the
2500 series with a weight distributing hitch.
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Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension
that will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight on
the rear axle.
After you have loaded the trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue separately, to see if the weights
are proper. If they are not, you may be able to get them
right by moving some items around in the trailer.
Trailering may be limited by the vehicle’s ability to carry
tongue weight. Tongue weight cannot cause the
vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating). The effect of additional weight may reduce your
trailering capacity more than the total of the additional
weight.Consider the following example:
A vehicle model base weight is 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg);
2,800 lbs (1 270 kg) at the front axle and 2,700 lbs
(1 225 kg) at the rear axle. It has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs
(3 266 kg), a RGAWR of 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) and a
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) of
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). The trailer rating should be:
You can expect tongue weight to be at least 10 percent
of trailer weight (850 lbs (386 kg)) and because the
weight is applied well behind the rear axle, the effect on
the rear axle will be greater than just the weight
itself, as much as 1.5 times as much. The weight at the
rear axle could be 850 lbs (386 kg) X 1.5 = 1,275 lbs
(578 kg). Since the rear axle already weighs 2,700 lbs
(1 225 kg), adding 1,275 lbs (578 kg) brings the
total to 3,975 lbs (1 803 kg). This is very close to, but
within the limit for RGAWR as well. The vehicle is set to
trailer up to 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg).
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