trailer CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2007 2.G User Guide

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle.... 352
Defensive Driving...................................... 352
Drunken Driving........................................ 353
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 356
Braking...................................................... 356
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 357
Braking in Emergencies............................. 359
Locking Rear Axle..................................... 359
StabiliTrak
®System................................... 359
Steering.................................................... 363
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 365
Passing..................................................... 365
Loss of Control.......................................... 367
Off-Road Driving........................................ 368
Driving at Night......................................... 385
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 387
City Driving............................................... 390
Freeway Driving........................................ 391Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 392
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 393
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 394
Winter Driving........................................... 396
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow ................................. 400
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 400
Recovery Hooks........................................ 401
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 402
Truck-Camper Loading Information............ 407
Towing........................................................ 408
Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 408
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 408
Level Control............................................. 413
Towing a Trailer........................................ 414
Trailer Recommendations.......................... 428
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
351

The Tire and Loading Information label also shows
the size of the original equipment tires (C) and
the recommended cold tire ination pressures (D).
For more information on tires and ination see
Tires on page 492andInation - Tire Pressure
on page 500.
There is also important loading information on the
vehicle Certication/Tire label. It tells you the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axles. See “Certication/Tire Label”
later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your
vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.4. The resulting gure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs and there will be
ve 150 lb passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs
(1400−750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 414for important information
on towing a trailer, towing safety rules and
trailering tips.
403

Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle
towed. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 588.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind
a motorhome), see “Recreational Vehicle
Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your
vehicle behind another vehicle — such as behind
a motorhome. The two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known as “dinghy
towing” (towing your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground) and “dolly towing” (towing
your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”).With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See
“Dinghy Towing” and “Dolly Towing,” following.
Here are some important things to consider before
you do recreational vehicle towing:
What’s the towing capacity of the towing
vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehicle
manufacturer’s recommendations.
How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they
can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
you would prepare your vehicle for a long
trip, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving
on a Long Trip on page 392.
408

{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL
can cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or
someone else could be seriously injured.
Be sure to set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL.
SeeParking Brake on page 138.
6. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL (N).
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 132for
the proper procedure to select the neutral
position for your vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake only after the
vehicle being towed is rmly attached to
the tow vehicle.
If the tow vehicle will not be started or driven
for six weeks or more, remove the battery
cable from the negative terminal (post) of
the battery to prevent your battery from
draining while towing.
Level Control
The self-adjusting rear suspension may come
as part of the premium smooth ride suspension
package.
This type of level control will provide a leveled
riding position as well as improved handling
under a variety of passenger and loading
conditions. A hydraulic pump inside each rear
shock absorber raises the rear of the vehicle to
the proper height, based on inputs from the
road surface, while the vehicle is being driven.
It take approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) of driving
for the leveling to complete, depending on the
road surface conditions.
If the loaded vehicle is not moved for
approximately 12 hours, the leveling system
may bleed down to a lower height. This can be
especially apparent if a trailer is left attached to
a parked vehicle for long periods of time. The
vehicle must be driven to re-level the vehicle.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being used, the
vehicle should be driven approximately 2 miles
(3.2 km) with the trailer prior to adjusting the hitch.
413

Towing a Trailer
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeNew
Vehicle Break-In on page 122for more information.
{CAUTION:
If you do not 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.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.
To identify the trailering capacity of your vehicle,
you should read the information in “Weight of
the Trailer” that appears later in this section.
Trailering is different than just driving your vehicle
by itself. Trailering means changes in handling,
acceleration, braking, 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.
414

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. See “Hitches”
later in this section.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your
engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 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.
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).
See “Tow/Haul Mode” later in this section.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 designed to assist while your vehicle
is pulling a large or heavy load or trailer.
Tow/haul is most useful while pulling such a load
in rolling terrain, in stop-and-go traffic, or when
you need improved low-speed control, such
as when parking. The purpose of the tow/haul
mode is to do the following:
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.
415

Tow/haul is designed to be most effective when
the vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least
75 percent of the vehicle’s Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR). See “Weight of the
Trailer” later in this section.
Press the button at the end of the shift lever to
enable/disable the tow/haul mode.
A light on the instrument
panel will illuminate to
indicate that tow/haul
mode has been
selected.
The vehicle will automatically turn off tow/haul
every time it is started.
Driving with tow/haul activated without a heavy
load or with no trailer will cause reduced fuel
economy and unpleasant engine and transmission
driving characteristics, but will not cause
damage.Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly
loaded or with no trailer at all will not cause
damage. However, there is no benet 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. It can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on
your vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the
vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” later in this section for more information.
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.
416

Use the following chart to determine how much your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle
model and options.
Notice:Using a fth-wheel or goose-neck hitch device on your vehicle could damage the vehicle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Do not use a fth-wheel or goose-neck hitch
device on your vehicle.
Vehicle Axle RatioMaximum Trailer
Weight*GCWR
C-1500 (2WD)
5300 V83.73 7,100 lbs (3 220 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
4.10 8,100 lbs (3 674 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
C-1500 (2WD)
6000 V84.10 8,200 lbs (3 719 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
K-1500 (4WD)
5300 V83.73 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
4.10 8,000 lbs (3 629 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
K-1500 (4WD)
6000 V84.10 8,000 lbs (3 629 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
*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.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at our
Customer Assistance Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 586for more information.
417

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. If you
have a lot of options, equipment, passengers
or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight your vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow.
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. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 402for more information
about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B),
up to a maximum of 600 lbs (272 kg) with a weight
carrying hitch. The trailer tongue weight (A) should
be 10 percent to 15 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B), up to a maximum of 1,000 lbs
(454 kg) for the 1500 series and up to a maximum
of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for the 2500 series with a
weight distributing hitch.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue
weight for your vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch
extension that will position the hitch ball closest
to the vehicle. This will help reduce the effect
of trailer tongue weight on the rear axle.
418

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.
Trailering may be limited by the vehicle’s ability
to carry tongue weight. Tongue weight cannot
cause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear
Gross Axle Weight Rating). The effect of additional
weight may reduce your trailering capacity more
than the total of the additional weight.
Consider the following example:
A vehicle model base weight is 5,500 lbs
(2 495 kg); 2,800 lbs (1 270 kg) at the front
axle and 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg) at the rear axle.
It has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg), a
RGAWR of 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) and a
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
of 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg).The trailer rating should be:
You can expect tongue weight to be at least
10 percent of trailer weight (850 lbs (386 kg)) and
because the weight is applied well behind the
rear axle, the effect on the rear axle will be greater
than just the weight itself, as much as 1.5 times
as much. The weight at the rear axle could
be 850 lbs (386 kg) X 1.5 = 1,275 lbs (578 kg).
Since the rear axle already weighs 2,700 lbs
(1 225 kg), adding 1,275 lbs (578 kg) brings the
total to 3,975 lbs (1 803 kg). This is very close to,
but within the limit for RGAWR as well. The
vehicle is set to trailer up to 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg).
419