trailer GMC SIERRA 1996 User Guide

C-1500 (2WD)
Engine (Trans.)
Axle Ratio
4.3L (Auto.) 3 .os
3.42
4.3L
(Manual j
5.0L (Auto.)
5.0L (Manual)
5.7L
6.5L
Diesel
(Auto)
3 .os
3.42
3.08
3.42 3
.OS
3.42
3 .os
3.42
3.73
3.08
3.42
Max. Trailer Wt.
4,000 Ibs. (1 800 kg)
5,000 Ibs. (2 270 kg)
2,000 lbs. (908 kg)
2,500 lbs. (1 135 kg)
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
6,000 Ibs. (2 724 kg)
2,500 Ibs. (1 135 kg)
3,500 Ibs. (1 589 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
6,500 lbs. (2 95 1 kg)
7,500 Ibs. (3 405 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
7,000 lbs. (3 178
kg)
K-1500 (4WD)
Engine (Trans.)
Axle Ratio
4.3L (Auto.) 3.73
4.3L
(Manual)
5.0L (Auto.)
5 .OL (Manual)
5.7L
6.5L
Diesel
(Auto.)
3.73
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
Max. Trailer Wt.
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
2,500 lbs. (1 135 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
6,500 Ibs. (2 951 kg)
3,000 Ibs. (1 362 kg)
4,000 I bs. ( 1 800 kg)
6,000
lbs. (2 724 kg)
7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
6,500 lbs. (2 95 1 kg)
7,500 Ibs. (3 405 kg)
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C-2500 (2WD) K-2500 (4WD)
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio
Max. Trailer Wt.
4.3L (Auto.) 3.42 4,500 lbs. (2 043 kg)
3.73
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
4.3L (Auto.) 3.73 4,500 lbs. (2 043 kg)
4.3L (Manual) 3.73 2,000 lbs.
(908 kg)
4.3L (Manual)
5.0L (Auto.) 3.42
2,000 lbs. (908 kg) 5.0L (Auto.) 3.42
3.73 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
6,000 lbs.
(2 724 kg)
3
-42 5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
3.73 6,500 lbs.
(2 951 kg) 5 .OL (Manual)
3.42
3.73 2,500 lbs. (1 135 kg)
3,500 lbs.
(1 589 kg) 5 .OL (Manual)
3.42 3,000 lbs. (1 362 kg)
3.73 4,000 lbs.
(1 800 kg)
5.7L 3.42
3.73
4.10 5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
6,500 lbs. (2 95
1 kg)
7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg)
5.7L 3.42 6,000 Ibs. (2 724 kg)
4.10
8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
3.73 7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
6.5L Diesel
(Auto.) 3.42
3.73
4.10 6,000
lbs. (2 724 kg)
7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
6.5L Diesel
(Auto.) 3.42 6,500 lbs. (2 95 1 kg)
4.10
8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
3.73 7,500
lbs. (3 405 kg)
6.5L Diesel
(Manual) 3.73
4.10 6,000 lbs.
(2 724 kg)
7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
6.5L Diesel
(Manual) 3.73 6,500 lbs.
(2 95 1 kg)
4.10
7,500 Ibs. (3 405 kg)
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C-3500 (2WD)
Engine (Tkans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
4.56 9,500 Ibs. (3 363 kg)
4.10
8,500 Ibs. (3 859 kg) 6.5L Diesel
(Auto.)
6.5L Diesel
(Manual)
7.4L 4.10
4.10
4.56 7,500 Ibs. (3 405 kg)
11,000 Ibs."
(4 994 kg)
13,000
Ibs.*
(5 902 kg)
*Fifth wheel
hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating
is limited to 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg).
K-3500 (4WD)
Engine (lkans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg)
6.5L Diesel
(Auto.)
6.5L Diesel
(Manual)
7.4L 4.10
4.10
4.10
4.56
8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
7,000 Ibs. (3 178 kg)
10,500 lbs.*
(4 767 kg)
12,500 lbs.*
(5 675 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited
to 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg).
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C-3500 Crew Cab (2WD)
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg)
4.56 9,000
Ibs. (4 086 kg)
6.5L Diesel
(Auto.)
6.5L Diesel
(Manual)
7.4L
4.10
4.10
4.10
4.56
8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
7,000
Ibs. (3 178 kg)
10,500 lbs.*
(4 767 kg)
12,500
Ibs.*
(5 675 kg)
*Fifth
wheel hitch rating.; weight distributing hitch
rating
is limited to 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg).
K-3500 Crew Cab (4WD)
Engine (Tkans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 7,000 Ibs. (3 178 kg)
4.56 8,500
Ibs. (3 859 kg)
6% Diesel
(Auto.)
6.5L Diesel
(Manual)
7.4L 4.10
4.10
4.10
4.56
8,000 Ibs. (3 632 kg)
7,000
Ibs. (3 178 kg)
10,500
Ibs*
(4 767 kg)
12,500
Ibs?
(5 675 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating
is limited to 10,000 Ibs. (4 540 kg).
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(2-3500 HDiChassis .Cab Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio
Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.63 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
5.13
8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
6% Diesel
(Auto.)
6.5L Diesel
(Manual)
7.4L 4.63
5.13
4.63 5.13
4.63
5.13
8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
10,500 lbs.*
(4 767 kg)
7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
12,500 lbs.*
(5 675 kg)
12,500 lbs.*
(5 675 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg). You
can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at the addreis listed in your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Assistance Center
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario LlH 8P7
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. 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. S&e “Loading
Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
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A B
If you’re using a weight-carryipg hitch, the trailer
tongue
(A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight
(B). If you’re using a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 12 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight
(B).
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 items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the limit for
cold tires.
You’ll find these numbers on the Certification
label at the rear edge
of the driver’s door or see “Tire
Loading” in the Index. Then be sure
you don’t go over
the
GVW 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. Here are
some rules
to follow:
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.
0 If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
4,000 Ibs. (1 800 kg), be sure to use
a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and
sway control
of the proper size. This equipment is
very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
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Y
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross
the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer
so that the tongue will not drop to 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.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
If your trarler 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 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.
0 The trailer’s brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid 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, make the brake tap
at the port
on the master cylinder that sends the fluid to
the rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubing for this.
If
you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel
brake tubing.
rrailer
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 the trailer hitch and platform
(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.
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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 slowlv 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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Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The green arrows on your instrument panel will flash
whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other
drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows
on your
instrument panel will flash 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 be~m 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.
On a long uphill grade,
shift down and reduce your
speed
to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility
of engine and transmission overheating.
If you have an automatic transmission, you should use
THIRD
(3) (or, as you need to, a lower gear) when
towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in THIRD
(3)
when towing a trailer will minimize heat build-up and
extend
the life of your transmission
If
you have a manual transmission and you are towing a
trailer,
it’s better not to use FIFTH (5) gear. Just drive in
FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear).
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a
lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If
you turn
your engine off‘ immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar
to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine
run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission
in PARK (P) (or the
manual transmission out
of gear and the parking brake
applied) for a few minutes before turning
the engine off.
If you do get the overheat warning, see “Engine
Overheating’’
in the Index.
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Parking on Hills
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, here’s
how to do it:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet for an automatic transmission, or into
gear for
a manual transmission.
Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
When
the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift
into PARK (P) for an
automatic transmission, or REVERSE
(R) for a
manual transmission.
If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure
the transfer case
is in a drive gear and not in
NEUTRAL
(N).
Release the regular brakes. It can
be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever
is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured.
To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even
when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow.
If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer
case is in
NEUTRAL (N), your vehicle will be free
to roll, even if your shift lever is in
PARK (P). So,
be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear -- not
in
NEUTRAL (N).
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