GMC JIMMY 2001 Owner's Manual

4-50 Dinghy Towing
When towing your vehicle, turn the ignition off.
To prevent your battery from draining while towing,
remove the IGN 0 fuse from the instrument panel
fuse block. Be sure to reinstall the fuse when you reach
your destination. See ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in
the Index.
Tw o
-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Tw o
-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. To properly tow these vehicles, they
should be placed on a platform trailer with all four
wheels off the ground.In rare cases when it's unavoidable that a
two
-wheel-drive vehicle is to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the propeller shaft to axle yoke
orientation should be marked and the propeller shaft
removed following the applicable service manual
removal/installation procedure.
Dust or dirt can enter the back of the transmission
through the opening created by removing the propeller
shaft if proper protection is not provided. Also, check
the transmission fluid level before driving the truck.

4-51
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle:
1. Firmly set the parking brake.
2. Shift an automatic transmission to PARK (P), or a
manual transmission to FIRST (1).3. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the
tow vehicle.
4. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See
ªFour
-Wheel Driveº in the Index for the proper
procedure to select the NEUTRAL position for
your vehicle.
5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle.
6. Turn the ignition off.
CAUTION:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's transfer
case into NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to
roll even if the transmission is in Park (P). You or
others could be injured. Make sure the parking
brake is firmly set before you shift the transfer
case to NEUTRAL.

4-52 Dolly Towing (Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles)
Two±Wheel±Drive Vehicles
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. To properly tow these vehicles, they
should be placed on a platform trailer with all four
wheels off the ground.
In rare cases when it's unavoidable that a two±wheel
drive vehicle is to be towed with the rear wheels on
the ground, the propeller shaft axle yoke orientation
should be marked and the propeller shaft removed
following the application service manual
removal/installation procedure.
Dust or dirt can enter the back of the transmission
through the opening created by removing the propeller
shaft if proper protection is not provided. Also, check
the transmission fluid level before driving the truck.
When the vehicle is properly attached to the tow vehicle
and is ready to be towed,turn the ignition to LOCK.
Clamp the steering wheel in a straight±ahead position
with a clamping device designed for towing.Four±Wheel±Drive Vehicles
Four±wheel drive vehicles are not designed to be
dolly towed.
If you need to tow a four±wheel drive vehicle see
ªDinghy Towingº earlier in this section.
NOTICE:
Dolly towing a four-wheel-drive vehicle will
damage drivetrain components. Don't dolly tow a
four
-wheel-drive vehicle.

4-53
Loading Your Vehicle
The Certification/Tire label is found on the rear edge of
the driver's door or in the Incomplete Vehicle Document
in the cab.
The label shows the size of your original tires and the
inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on
your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh
station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help
you with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally
on both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the
GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
The Certification/Tire label also contains information
about your Front Axle Reserve Capacity. See ªFront
Axle Reserve Capacityº later in this section.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.

4-54
CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life
of your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
The label will help you decide how much cargo and
installed equipment your truck can carry.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask
your dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.If you put things inside your vehicle
-- like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else
-- they go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if
there is a crash, they'll keep going.
CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in
a crash.

Put things in the cargo area of your vehicle.
Try to spread the weight evenly.

Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.

Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.

When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.

Don't leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.

4-55
There's also important loading information for off-road
driving in this manual. See ªLoading Your Vehicle for
Off
-Road Drivingº in the Index.
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the Cargo
Weight Rating (CWR) for your vehicle. CWR is the
maximum weight of the load your vehicle can carry.
It doesn't included the weight of the people inside.
But you can figure about 150 lbs. (68 kg) for each seat.
The total cargo load must not be more than your
vehicle's CWR.
Weigh your vehicle with the trailer attached, so that you
won't go over the GVWR or GAWR. If you are using a
weight
-distributing hitch, weigh the vehicle without the
equalizer bars in place.
You'll get the best performance if you spread out the
weight of your load the right way, and if you choose the
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information, see ªTrailer Towingº in
the Index.
Towing a Trailer
CAUTION:
If you don't 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. Pull a trailer only if you have followed
all the steps in this section. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.

4-56
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by
your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Additional rear axle maintenance is
required for a vehicle used to tow a trailer. See
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for
your vehicle, you should read the information in
ªWeight of the Trailerº that appears later in this section.
If yours was built with trailering options, as many are,
it's ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in 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 if your trailer will
weigh less than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg). You should
always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh
more than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg). You can ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.

Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.

Then, during the first 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.

4-57

You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift
the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a
lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too
often (e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions). If you have a manual transmission and
you are towing a trailer, it's better not to use the
highest gear. See ªTow/Haul Modeº in the Index.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:

the weight of the trailer,

the weight of the trailer tongue

and the weight on your vehicle's tires.
Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/haul is a feature that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. The purpose of the
tow/haul mode is to:

Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability
of transmission shifts when pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load.

Provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when the
vehicle is unloaded.

Improve control of vehicle speed while requiring less
throttle pedal activity when pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load.Your vehicle is equipped with a button at the end of the shift
lever which, when pressed, enables tow/haul. Your vehicle
may be equipped with Autoride
 which further improves
your vehicle's ride while towing. See ªAutorideº in the
Index for more information. When the button is pressed,
a light on the instrument panel will illuminate to indicate that
tow/haul has been selected. Tow/haul may be turned off
by pressing the button again, at which time the indicator light
on the instrument panel will turn off. The vehicle will
automatically turn off tow/haul every time it is started.
Tow/haul is designed to be most effective when
the vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See ªWeight of the Trailerº later in this
section. Tow/haul is most useful under the following
driving conditions:

When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
through rolling terrain.

When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in stop and go traffic.

When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in busy parking lots where improved low speed
control of the vehicle is desired.

4-58
Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded or with
no trailer at all will not cause damage. However, there is
no benefit to the selection of tow/haul when the vehicle is
unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded may result in
unpleasant engine and transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy. Tow/haul is recommended only
when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.
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. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.Use one of the following charts to determine how much
your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle model
and options.
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.
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.

4-59
C-1500 (2WD)*
Engine Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4800 V8 3.42 5,800 lbs. (2 633 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
3.73 6,800 lbs. (3 087 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 6,800 lbs. (3 087 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
3.73 7,800 lbs. (3 541 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
5300 V8 (Suburban/Yukon XL) 3.73 7,700 lbs. (3 495 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
4.10 8,700 lbs. (3 949 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) maximum.