emergency towing CHEVROLET C/K 2003 Owners Manual

2-44
CAUTION:
If you apply any one of the air brake parking
controls while the vehicle is moving, your rig will
stop suddenly. If you are not ready for this, you
or others could be injured. Don't apply any one
of these controls while you're driving, unless you
have to make an emergency stop.
If the air pressure drops below 60 to 70 psi (413 to
482 kPa), the primary brake light and warning buzzer
will come on. If the air pressure drops to 35 to 45 psi
(241 to 310 kPa), the red trailer air supply knob will
automatically pop out and apply the spring brakes on
the trailer.If the air pressure drops to 35 to 45 psi (241 to 310 kPa),
the yellow park brake knob will automatically pop out
and apply the spring brakes on the truck or tractor.
If you ever have a complete loss of air so that your air
brakes automatically apply, there is a way that the tow
operator can release the parking brakes to tow the
vehicle. See ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.
CAUTION:
If your vehicle is left in gear, the engine can start
if the vehicle starts to roll. This can easily happen
if you have the diesel engine. Shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL (N) before you
leave the vehicle.

5-11
Here are specific towing instructions:
Towing Your Vehicle From the Front
(Front Wheels Off the Ground)
Before Towing
Block the rear wheels of the disabled vehicle. On
vehicles with air brakes, release the emergency brake
system by compressing the brake chamber springs
as outlined in this section. (This is to prevent the
possibility of the emergency brake being applied
during towing.)
On vehicles with hydraulic brakes, release the parking
brake fully by moving the lever to the fully
-released
position.
Disconnect the propshaft at the rear axle (forward axle
on tandem axle models). Secure the propshaft to the
frame or crossmember.
Towing the Vehicle with the Front Bumper Removed
1. Remove the front bumper.
2. Connect and lock the lift chains to the front axle,
outside of the spring anchor plates as shown.
A. Spring Anchor Plate
B. Lift Chain
C. Front Axle
3. Place a 6º x 6º x 5' hardwood beam underneath and
slightly behind the front spring shackle brackets.
4. Connect the lift chains to the tow bar and raise the
tow bar until lift chain slack has been taken up and
the hardwood beam is fully seated against the spring
shackle brackets as shown.

5-14
Single Drive Rear Axle
Disconnect the propshaft at the rear axle. Secure the
propshaft to the frame or crossmember.
Tandem Drive Rear Axles
(Forward Axle Off the Ground)
Raise the front of the vehicle until the forward tandem
axle wheels are off the ground. Remove the rearward
propshaft.Tandem Drive Rear Axle (Both Axles on the Ground
Due to Type of Suspension or Attached Load)
Disconnect the propshaft at the forward tandem axle.
Secure the propshaft to the frame or crossmember.
If there is damage or suspected damage to the axle(s),
remove all axle shafts. Cover the hub openings to
prevent the loss of lubricant or entry of dirt or
foreign objects.
After Towing
1. Block the rear wheels and install axle and propshafts.
2. Check for proper phasing of universal joints.
3. Apply the emergency brake system before
disconnecting from the towing vehicle.

5-15 Towing Your Vehicle From the Front
(All Wheels On the Ground)
Your vehicle may be towed on all wheels provided the
steering is working. Remember that the power brakes
and power steering will not have power assist. Vehicles
with air brakes will not have brakes. There must be a
tow bar installed between the towing vehicle and the
disabled vehicle.
Before Towing
Block the wheels of the disabled vehicle. On vehicles
with air brakes, release the emergency brake system by
compressing the brake chamber springs as outlined in
this section. (This is to prevent the possibility of the
emergency brake being applied during towing.)
On vehicles with hydraulic brakes, release the parking
brake fully by moving the lever to the fully
-released
position.
Disconnect the propshaft at the rear axle (forward axle
on tandem axle models). Secure the propshaft to the
frame or crossmember.
If there is damage or suspected damage to the axle(s),
remove the axle shafts. Cover the hub openings to
prevent the loss of lubricant or entry of dirt or
foreign objects.After Towing
1. Block the rear wheels and install axle and propshafts.
2. Check for proper phasing of universal joints.
3. Apply the parking brake system before
disconnecting from the towing vehicle.
4. Check and fill with oil as required.
Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear
Before Towing
Secure the steering wheel to maintain a straight
-ahead
position. Make certain that the front axle is not loaded
above the front axle Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
as indicated on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) label. See ªGross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)º in the index for more information.
After Towing
Block the rear wheels and release the steering. Apply the
parking brake system before disconnecting from the
towing vehicle.
Refer to the transmission shift label for additional
information.