weight CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2004 1.G Owner's Guide

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.
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.
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Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-76.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
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Load Index:An assigned number ranging from 1 to
279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity
of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be inated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible ination pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 pounds
(68 kg). SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of a asymmetrical
tire that has a particular side that faces outward
when mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand and or model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on passenger
cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.Recommended Ination Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire ination pressure and
shown on the tire placard. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-76andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
Radial Ply tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
Speed Rating:An alphanumeric code assigned to a
tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire
can operate.
Traction:The friction between the tire and the road
surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread:The portion of a tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimes
called “wear bars,” that show across the tread of a tire
when only 2/32 inch of tread remains. SeeWhen It
Is Time for New Tires on page 5-82.
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UTQGS:Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, a tire
information system that provides consumers with
ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature and treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are molded
into the sidewall of the tire. SeeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-85.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-55.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
occupant weight and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:A label permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the original equipment tire size
and recommended ination pressure. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-55.Ination - Tire Pressure
The tire and loading information label, shows the correct
ination pressures for your tires when they’re cold.
“Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km). See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-55, for the location
of your vehicle’s tire and loading information label.
Notice:Don’t let anyone tell you that underination
or overination is all right. It’s not. If your tires
don’t have enough air (underination), you can get
the following:
Too much exing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Bad wear
Bad handling
Bad fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (overination), you
can get the following:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards
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T
Tachometer....................................................3-35
Tailgate.........................................................2-23
Tailgate Removal............................................2-24
Taillamps.......................................................5-65
Temperature and Compass Display....................2-50
Temperature Display........................................2-53
Testing the Alarm............................................2-28
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-114
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-27
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-27
Passlock
®...................................................2-29
Throttle, Adjustable..........................................2-33
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP......................................3-67
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-68
Tire Size.......................................................5-72
Tire Terminology and Denitions........................5-74
Tires...................................................5-68, 5-116
Buying New Tires........................................5-83
Chains.......................................................5-88
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-90
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-89
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-76
Inspection and Rotation................................5-81
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-77
Spare Tire................................................5-110
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-85
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-86Tires (cont.)
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-86
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-82
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-34
Tonneau Cover...............................................2-83
Top Drain Grates – Removal and Cleaning.........2-79
Top Strap......................................................1-40
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-41
Top-Box Storage.............................................2-82
Torque Lock...................................................2-45
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-74
Tow/Haul Mode...............................................2-37
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-51
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-52
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-68
Your Vehicle...............................................4-52
Traction
Assist System (TAS)...................................... 4-9
Off Light.....................................................3-44
Stabilitrak
®System......................................4-11
TRACTION ACTIVE........................................3-70
Traction Control Operation................................4-13
TRACTION SYS LIMITED................................3-70
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-67
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-75
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-79
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE.............................3-68
Transfer Case................................................5-56
16

W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-33
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-65
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-7
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle....................................5-114
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-71
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-73
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-17
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-20
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-86
Replacement...............................................5-86
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-16
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)...................................5-19
When to Check Lubricant.................................5-55
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-41
When to Inspect.............................................5-21
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking
on a Hill.....................................................4-79Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-38
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-10
Windows.......................................................2-25
Power........................................................2-26
Windshield and Wiper Blades..........................5-116
Windshield Washer.........................................3-10
Fluid..........................................................5-42
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement......................................5-67
Fuses......................................................5-120
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-10
Winter Driving................................................4-44
X
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System..............3-117
XM™ Satellite Radio Service..........3-74, 3-86, 3-115
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
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