trailer CHEVROLET S10 1996 2.G User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the CWR
for your vehicle. Weigh your vehicle
with your trailer
attached,
so that you won’t go over the GVWR or
the GAWR.
You’ll get the best performance
if you spread out the
weight of your load the right way, and
if you choose the
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information, see “Towing a Trailer”
in
the Index.
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
General Motors is aware that some vehicle owners may
consider having the pickup box removed and a
commercial or recreational body installed. However, we
recommend that conversions of this type not be done to
pickups. Owners should be aware that, as manufactured,
there are differences between a chassis cab and
a pickup
with the box removed which may affect vehicle safety.
For specific information on
this pickup, contact the GM
Zone Office for your area. (See the “Warranty and
Owner Assistance” booklet for Zone Office.)
Towing a Trailer
1 A CAUTION:
I
If you don’t 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 GM dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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
GM dealer
for important information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
Every vehicle is ready for some trailer towing. If yours
was
built with trailering options, as many are, it’s ready
for heavier trailers.
But trailering is different than just
driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes
in handling, 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.
If Ydu Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
0
0
0
0
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 if your trailer will
weigh
2,000 lbs. (900 kg) or less. You should always
use a sway control
if your trailer will weigh more
than
2,000 lbs. (900 kg). You can ask a hitch dealer
about sway controls.
Don’t tow
a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the first
500 miles (800 km) that you
tow
a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 kmh) and
don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 If you haw a11 automatic transmission, you should Vehicle Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
use DRIVE (D) (or, as you need to, a lower gear)
when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in 2-Wheel Drive,
DRIVE (D) when towing a trailer will minimize heat 2.Z Engine 3.73 2,000
lbs. (908 kg)
4.10 2,000 lbs. (908 kg)
buildup and extend the life
of your transpission. If 2-Wheel Drive, 3.08 5,000 lbs.(2 270 kg)
you have a manual transmission and you are towing
“VORTEC” 4300 3.42 6,000 lbs.(2 724 kg)
a trailer, it’s better not to use
FIFTH (5) gear. Just Auto. Trans.
drive in
FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a -
lower gear). pi,. 2-Wheel Drive,
“-“‘VORTEC” 4300 3.08 4,000 lbs.( 1 816 kg)
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
Man. Trans. ,I+, : = . -
the weight of the trailer,
0 the weight of the trailer tongue
0 and the weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be? 4-Wheel Drive,
3.08 4,500
lbs.(2 043
kg)
“VORTEC” 4300 3.42
5,500 lbs.(2 497 kg)
Auto. Trans. 3.73
5,500 lbs.(2
497 kg)
4-Wheel Drive, 3.08 3,500
lbs.( 1 589 kg)
“VORTEC” 4300 3.42
4,000 lbs.( 1 816
kg)
Man. Trans. 3.73
4,500 lbs.(2 043 kg)
It depends
on how you plan to use your rig. For
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
temperature and how Your vehicle is used to Pull a
’ has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of
trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any
agditional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum
The following chart shows how much your trailer can trailer weight. Two-wheel-drive models
with a GVWR
weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options. of
4,200 lbs.
(1 907 kg) and four-wheel-drive models
JT”;’ ,-p?? , ,- -&-I:. , * with the ZR2 suspension package are limited to a 2,000
’ , :-qqg$+. r *? *. F:. rr I‘
ty+ : ‘ -.. 4 I lbs. (908 kg) trailer rating.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ~
~ ~~ ~ ~~~ ~~ You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice,
or you can write us at the address listed in your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Assistance Center
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
LlH 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 “Loading
Your Vehicle”
in the Index for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
A B
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 have 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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the limit
for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers
on the
CertificatiodTire label on the driver’s door edge,
above the door latch or see “Tire Loading” 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:
0 If you use a step-bumper hitch, your bumper could
be damaged
in sharp turns. Make sure you have
ample room when turning to avoid contact between
the trailer and the bumper.
0
0
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.
If your vehicle has the bumper delete option, do not
bolt any type
of hitch to the close-out panel. The
close-out panel will not support a hitch.
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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
-- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for
the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Your trailer’s brake system can tap into the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system only if
a
a
The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
The trailer’s brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s
master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems
won’t work well. You could even lose your brakes.
If everything checks
out this far, then make the brake
fluid tap at the port on the master cylinder that sends
fluid
to the rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubing for
this. If
you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use
steel brake tubing.
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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra
wiring and a heavy-duty turn signal flasher (included
in
the optional trailering package).
The green arrows on your instrument panel will flash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other
drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on
the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers
behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down,
you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well, On
a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around
45 mph (70 kdh) to reduce the
possibility of engine
and transmission overheating.
If you have an automatic transmission, you should use
DRIVE (D) when towing a trailer. Operating your
vehicle in DRIVE (D) when towing a trailer will
minimize heat buildup and extend the life of your
transmission. Or, if you have a manual transmission, it’s
better not to use FIFTH
(5), just drive in FOURTH (4)
(or, as you need to, a lower gear).
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil
at a
lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn
your engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep
uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission in PARK
(P) (or the
manual transmission out of gear and the parking brake
applied) for
a few minutes before turning the engine off.
If you do get the overheat warning, see “Engine
Overheating’’
in the Index.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer
attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig
could start to move. People can be,injured, and both
your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
--
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK
(P) yet, or into gear for a manual
transmission. When parking uphill, turn your
wheels away from the curb. When parking downhill,
turn your wheels into the curb.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Thenapply your
parking brake, and then shift into PARK (P), or
REVERSE (R) for a manual transmission.
5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a
manual transfer case shift lever, be sure the transfer
case is. in a drive gear
-- not in NEUTRAL, (N).
6. Release the regular brakes.
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehiclt: if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly.
You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, ev
‘en
when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow.
If you have €our-wheel drive with a manual
transfer case shift lever and your transfer case
is
in NEUTRAL (N), your vehicle will, be free to
roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So; be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear
-- not in
NEUTRAL
(N).
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while
you:
Start your engine;
0 Shift into a gear; and
0 Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system
and brake adjustment. Each
of these is covered in this
manual, and the Index will help
you find them quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s
a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The eight-wire harness is stored under your vehicle
along
the rear frame crossmember. This harness has a
30-amp feed wire with an inline fuse located in the
instrument panel fuse block and no connector. It should
be wired by a qualified electrical technician. The
technician can use
the following color code chart when
connecting the wiring harness to your trailer.
0 DARK BLUE: Use for electric trailer brakes or
0 RED: Use for battery charging; it connects to the
LIGHT GREEN: Back-up lamps.
0 BROWN: Taillamps and parking lamps.
0 YELLOW Left stoplamp and turn signal.
0 DARK GREEN: Right stoplamp and turn signal.
0 WHITE (Heavy Gage): Ground wire.
0 WHITE (Light Gage): Auxiliary stoplamp.
Securely attach the harness to the trailer, then tape or
strap it to your vehicle’s frame rail. Be sure
you leave
it loose enough
so the wiring doesn’t bend or break,
but not so
loose that it drags on the ground. Store the
harness in its original place. Wrap the harness together
and tie
it neatly so it won’t be damaged.
auxiliary wiring.
starter solenoid.
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