weight Oldsmobile Bravada 1999 s User Guide

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4-45
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.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg).
But even that can be too heavy.
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.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at:
Customer Assistance Representative
Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Network
16 E. Judson Street
P.O. Box 436006
Pontiac, MI 48343-6006In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 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. See ªLoading
Your Vehicleº in the Index for more information about
your vehicle's maximum load capacity.

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4-46
If you're using a weight-carrying 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 upper
limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the
Certification/Tire label on the driver's door edge, above
the door latch or see ªTire Loadingº 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'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (900 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.

Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don't seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get
into your vehicle (see ªCarbon Monoxideº in the
Index). Dirt and water can, too.

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4-48 Driving with a Trailer
CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide
(CO) could come into your vehicle. You can't see
or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or
death. (See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.) To
maximize your safety when towing a trailer:

Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.

Keep the rear
-most windows closed.

If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
MAX A/C because it only recirculates the
air inside your vehicle. (See ªComfort
Controlsº in the Index.)
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.
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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9-4
Engine (Continued)
Identification 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Compartment Fuse Block 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kind to Use 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Gage 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Filter 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Add 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Window 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-To-Pass 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fluids and Lubricants 6
-51, 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamp Switch 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front
Axle 6
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Area 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block
Engine Compartment 6
-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas Cap 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gate Ajar Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 8-5 . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-9
Steering 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel, Tilt 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Controls 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage, Vehicle 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools 5-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun Visors 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunglasses Storage 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunroof 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols, Vehicle vi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp Bulb Replacement 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-22, 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Display 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THEFTLOCK
3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Gear 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Steering Wheel 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time, Setting 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Chains 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Inflation Check 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Loading 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning 6
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 6-38, 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and Rotation 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure 6-38, 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-25, 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a Trailer 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing Your Vehicle 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer
Brakes 4
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with a Trailer 4-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring Harness 4-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Fluid 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission, Shifting 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Keyless Entry 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .