2008 GMC CANYON Owner's Manual

2WD Extended Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine **3.42 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 2,200 lbs (998 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 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.
**With the ZQ8 Suspension Package.
2WD Crew Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
3.7L Engine3.73 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine **3.42 3,800 lbs (1 724 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 2,100 lbs (953 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 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.
**With the ZQ8 Suspension Package.
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4WD Regular Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
3.7L Engine3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 2,100 lbs (953 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine4.10 2,100 lbs (953 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 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.
4WD Extended Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 2,900 lbs (1 315 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine4.10 2,900 lbs (1 315 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
3.7L Engine3.73 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 9,800 lbs (4 445 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
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4WD Extended Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 1,900 lbs (861 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine4.10 1,900 lbs (861 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 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.
4WD Crew Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
3.7L Engine3.73 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 9,800 lbs (4 445 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 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.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at our Customer Assistance
Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-5for 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. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-32for 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 500 lbs (226 kg) with a weight carrying hitch.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’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 of the 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.
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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).But let’s say your specic vehicle is equipped with some
of the latest options and you have a front seat passenger
and two rear seat passengers with some luggage and
gear in the vehicle as well. 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.
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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’ll nd these numbers on
the Certication/Tire label located at the bottom of
the center pillar on the driver’s side of the vehicle, or
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-32. Then be sure
you don’t go over the GVWR limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
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
You can use your step bumper hitch for trailers up to
2,000 lbs (907 kg) total weight, and 200 lbs (90 kg)
tongue weight.
Notice:If you use a step-bumper hitch, your
bumper could be damaged in sharp turns. Make
sure you have ample room when turning to avoid
contact between the trailer and the bumper.
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.
For trailers up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) you may attach the
safety chains to the attaching points on the bumper. For
heavier trailers, 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.
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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’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.
Driving with a Trailer
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.
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.
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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.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra
wiring and a heavy-duty turn signal asher.
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’re 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’s
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 don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer work well.
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