load capacity CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1999 1.G Owners Manual

yellowblue
2-75
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard your vehicle is
working. During a majority of the operation, the gage
will read 210
F (100
C) or less. If you are pulling a
load or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to
fluctuate and approach the 250
F (122
C) mark. If the
gage reaches the 260
F (125
C) mark, it indicates that
the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.The ªProblems on the Road,º section of this manual
shows what to do. See ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
Transmission Temperature Gage
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle has a heavy
duty automatic
transmission, you will have
a transmission temperature
gage.
When your ignition is on, the gage shows the
temperature of the transmission fluid. The normal
operating range is from 100
F (38
C) to about
265
F (130
C).

yellowblue
4-46
Loading Your Vehicle
The Certification/Tire label is found on the rear edge of
the driver's door.
The label shows the size of your original tires and the
inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on
your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh
station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help
you with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on
both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the
GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
The Certification/Tire label also contains information
about your Front Axle Reserve Capacity. See ªFront
Axle Reserve Capacityº later in this section.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.CAUTION:
In the case of a sudden stop or collision, things
carried in the bed of your truck could shift
forward and come into the passenger area,
injuring you and others. If you put things in the
bed of your truck, you should make sure they are
properly secured.

yellowblue
4-50
For example, adding a 700 lb. ( 318 kg) snow plow
adds more than 700 lb. ( 318 kg) to the front axle.
Using the formula, if the snow plow is 4 ft. (122 cm)
in front of the front axle and the wheel base is
10 ft. (305 cm), then:
W= 700 lb. ( 318 kg), A= 4 ft. (122 cm) and W.B.=
10 ft. (305 cm)
(W x (A+W.B.)) / W.B. = (700 x (4ft. + 10 ft.)) /
10 ft. = 980 lbs.
So, if your truck's front axle reserve capacity is more
than 980 lbs. (445 kg), you could add this snow plow
without exceeding the front GAWR.
You can add heavier equipment on the front of the
vehicle if you compensate for it by carrying fewer
passengers, less cargo or by positioning cargo more
towards the rear. This has the effect of reducing the load
on the front. However, the front GAWR, rear GAWR
and the GVWR must never be exceeded.Total Vehicle Reserve Capacity
This is the difference between your GVWR and the
weight of your truck with full fuel and passengers. It is
the amount of weight you can add to your vehicle before
reaching your GVWR.
The reserve capacity numbers are intended as a guide
when selecting the amount of equipment or cargo your
truck can carry. If you are unsure of your truck's front,
rear or total weight, go to a weigh station and weigh
your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this.
Truck-Camper Loading Information
This label is inside your glove box. It will tell you if
your vehicle can carry a slide
-in camper, how much of a
load your vehicle can carry, and how to correctly spread
out your load. Also, it will help you match the right
slide
-in camper to your vehicle.
When you carry a slide
-in camper, the total cargo load
of your vehicle is the weight of the camper, plus

everything else added to the camper after it left
the factory,

everything in the camper and

all the people inside.

yellowblue
4-54
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. 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 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 if your trailer will
weigh less than the capacity stamped on your step
bumper. You should always use a sway control if
your trailer will weigh more than the capacity
stamped on your step bumper. 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 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.

If you have an automatic transmission, 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 ªTow/Haul Modeº in the Index. If you have a
manual transmission and you are towing a trailer, it's
better not to use FIFTH (5) gear. Just drive in
FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear).
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.

yellowblue
4-59 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 ªLoading
Your Vehicleº in the Index for more information about
your vehicle's maximum load capacity.
If you're using a weight-carrying or a
weight
-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A)
should be 10 percent to 15 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B). Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for your vehicle.
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 inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the
Certification label at the rear edge of the driver's door or
see ªTire Loadingº in the Index. Then be sure you don't
go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the
weight of the trailer tongue.

yellowblue
4-60 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:

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.

If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than the capacity stamped on your step
bumper, 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.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting
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. For
trailers up to 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) you may attach the
safety chains to the attaching points on the bumper. Forheavier trailers, follow the trailer or hitch manufacturer's
recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always
leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig.
Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. (900 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 brake system can tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system only if:

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, make the brake tap at
the port on the master cylinder that sends the 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.

yellowblue
6-52
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load
-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make
you lose control. You could have a collision in
which you or others could be injured. Always
use the correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index for
more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can't know how it's been used or
how far it's been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.

yellowblue
9-11
Treadwear 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-30, 6-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Vehicle Reserve Capacity 4-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow/Haul Light 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow/Haul Mode 2-23, 4-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing
Trailer 4
-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle 4-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer
Brakes 4
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with 4-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 4-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring Harness 4-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trans Fluid Hot Message 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trans Hot....Idle Engine Message 2
-83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case, Automatic 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case Lubricant 6-26, 7-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case, Manual 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Fluid
Automatic 6
-19, 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual 6-22, 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Temperature Gage 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Keyless Entry 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip Odometer 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Flushing Service 7-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Maintenance 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood Electrical Center 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle
Control 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage Warnings iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Number 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation System 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visors, Sun 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .