weight CADILLAC DEVILLE 2003 8.G User Guide

If you're using a weight-carrying hitch or a
weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should
weigh 10 ± 15 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 in¯ated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You'll ®nd these numbers on the
Tire-Loading Information label at the rear edge of the
driver's side rear door or see
Loading Your Vehicle on
page 4-32. 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:
·The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
·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
Engine Exhaust on page 2-38. Dirt and water
can, too.
Safety Chains
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.
4-37

Trailer Brakes
Because you have anti-lock brakes, don't try to tap into
your vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you do,
both brake systems won't work well, or at all. If you tow
more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg), use trailer brakes.
Be sure to follow the instructions that come with the
trailer or from the brake manufacturer.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you'll be able to maintain them properly.
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 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.
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.
4-38

Tire In¯ation Check........................................... 6-9
Tire Pressure Display......................................3-78
Tires.............................................................5-60
Buying New Tires........................................5-66
Chains.......................................................5-70
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-72
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-83
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-71
In¯ation Ð Tire Pressure..............................5-61
Inspection and Rotation................................5-64
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-67
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-68
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-69
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-65
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-26
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-41
Top Strap......................................................1-39
Torque Lock...................................................2-37
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-37
Towing..........................................................4-31
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-31
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-34
Your Vehicle...............................................4-31Traction.........................................................4-10
Continuous Variable Road Sensing Suspension
(CVRSS).................................................4-10
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light.......................3-48
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-38
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-27
Transaxle.......................................................5-21
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-11
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Computer................................................3-79
Oil Life Indicator..........................................3-79
Trip Odometer................................................3-43
Trunk Lid Tie Down.........................................2-12
Trunk Lock Release........................................2-12
Trunk............................................................2-11
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-9
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-8
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-39
Twilight Sentinel
ž............................................3-17
16

U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............3-25
Umbrella Holder..............................................2-53
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-12
Underhood Fuse Block....................................5-94
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-105
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-67
United States ± Customer Assistance.................. 7-4
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-70
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-85
Using Digital Signal Processing (DSP)...............3-92
Using HomeLink
ž...........................................2-50
V
Valet Lockout Switch.......................................2-20
Vehicle Identi®cation........................................5-92
Number (VIN).............................................5-92
Service Parts Identi®cation Label...................5-93
Vehicle Personalization....................................3-67
DIC ...........................................................3-67
Memory Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel......2-55
Vehicle Speed Limiter......................................3-44
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-42Vehicle............................................................ 4-5
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-32
Symbols......................................................... iv
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-33
Visors...........................................................2-18
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-40
Warnings.......................................................3-60
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-60
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-7
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-88
Weather Band..............................................3-106
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-10
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-36
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-36
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-16
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-18
What to Use..................................5-24, 5-36, 5-37
17