CHEVROLET TAHOE 2003 2.G Owners Manual

Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/haul is a feature that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. The purpose of the
tow/haul mode is to:
·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.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a button at the end
of the shift lever which, when pressed, enables
tow/haul. Your vehicle may be equipped with
AutorideŸ
žwhich further improves your vehicle's ride
while towing. SeeAutorideŸ on page 4-64for more
information. When the button is pressed, a light on the
instrument panel will illuminate to indicate that
tow/haul has been selected. Tow/haul may be turned off
by pressing the button again, at which time the
indicator light on the instrument panel will turn off. The
vehicle will automatically turn off tow/haul every time
it is started.Tow/haul is designed to be most effective when the
vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of
the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See Weight of the Trailer later in this section.
Tow/haul is most useful under the following driving
conditions:
·When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load through rolling terrain.
·When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load in stop and go traffic.
·When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load in busy parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is desired.
Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded or
with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no bene®t 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.
4-67

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. And, it can also depend on any special equipment that
you have on your vehicle.
Use one of the following charts to determine how much your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle model and
options.
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.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-1500 (2WD)*
4800 V83.42
3.735,700 lbs. (2 585 kg)
6,700 lbs. (3 039 kg)11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
5300 V83.42
3.736,700 lbs. (3 039 kg)
7,700 lbs. (3 492 kg)12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
5300 V8
(Suburban/Yukon XL)3.73
4.107,400 lbs. (3 356 kg)
8,400 lbs. (3 810 kg)13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of the trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
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Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
KÐ1500 (4 WD)*
4800 V83.73
4.106,400 lbs. (2 902 kg)
7,400 lbs. (3 356 kg)12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
5300 V83.73
4.107,400 lbs. (3 356 kg)
7,400 lbs. (3 356 kg)13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
5300 V8
(Suburban/Yukon XL)3.73
4.107,100 lbs. (3 220 kg)
8,100 lbs. (3 674 kg)13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of the trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
CÐ2500 (2WD)*
6000 V8
(Suburban/Yukon XL)²3.73
4.108,200 lbs. (3 722 kg)
10,200 lbs. (4 630 kg)14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)**
6000 V8 w/4WS3.73
4.107,600 lbs. (3447 kg)
9,600 lbs. (4354 kg)14,000 lbs. (6 350 kg)
16, 000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 3.73 10,400 lbs. (4 717 kg) 17,000 lbs. (7 718 kg)
(Suburban/Yukon XL)² 4.10 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
*Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs. (681 kg) maximum.
**GCWR limited to 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) on vehicles with Z83 suspension.
²2500 Suburban/Yukon XL (2WD) equipped with Z83 base suspension limited to 7,900 lbs. (3 583 kg) trailer.
4-69

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
KÐ2500 (4WD)*
6000 V8
(Suburban/Yukon XL)²3.73
4.107,600 lbs. (3 447 kg)
9,600 lbs. (4 354kg)14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)**
6,000 V8 w/4WS3.73
4.107,300 lbs. (3 311 kg)
9,300 lbs. (4 218 kg)14,000 lbs. (6 350 kg)
16, 000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1010,100 lbs. (4 581 kg)
12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)17,000 lbs. (7 718 kg)
19,000 lbs. (8 626 kg)
*Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs. (681 kg)
**GCWR limited to 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) on vehicles with Z83 suspension.
²2500 Suburban/Yukon XL (4WD) equipped with Z83 base suspension limited to 7,900 lbs. (3 586 kg) trailer.
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 the address listed in
your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
Booklet.In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
4-70

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
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 in¯ated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You'll ®nd these numbers on the
Certi®cation label at the rear edge of the driver's door or
see Tire Loading for more information. Then be sure
you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue. If you use a
weight distributing hitch, make sure you don't go
over the rear axle limit before you apply the weight
distribution spring bars.
4-71

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 5,000 lbs (2 270 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.
·Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don't seal them,
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust
can get into your vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-43. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach safety 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.
If you are towing a trailer up to 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg) with
a factory-installed step bumper, you may attach the
safety chains to the attaching points on the bumper.
If you are towing a trailer up to your vehicle's trailer
rating limit, you may attach the safety chains to
the attaching point on the hitch platform. If you are
towing with an aftermarket hitch, following the trailer or
hitch manufacturer's recommendation for attaching
safety chain. Always leave just enough slack so you can
turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag
on the ground.
4-72

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.
If your vehicle is equipped with Stabilitrak
ž, your trailer
cannot tap into the vehicle's hydraulic brake system.
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 inches (0.3 cc) of ¯uid 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 ¯uid
to the rear brakes. But don't use copper tubing for this.
If you do, it will bend and ®nally break off. Use steel
brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can't see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. See ªEngine
Exhaustº in the Index. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
·Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
·Keep the rear-most windows closed.
·If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main heating
or cooling system on and with the fan on
any speed. This will bring fresh, outside air
into your vehicle. Do not use the climate
control setting for maximum air because it
only recirculates the air inside your vehicle.
See ªClimate Controlsº in the Index.
4-73

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.
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.
If your vehicle is equipped with four-wheel steering and
if you use it while backing your trailer the same rules
apply. However, with four-wheel steering your rig
will respond more quickly and it may take additional
practice to get used to backing up with four-wheel
steering.
4-74

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.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will ¯ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ¯ash, telling other drivers
you're about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ¯ash 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 gearbeforeyou 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.
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).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. See ªTow/Haul Modeº
for more information.
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) for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get
the overheat warning, see
Engine Overheating on
page 5-33.
4-75

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
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 brake, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet.
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. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear and not in
NEUTRAL.
6. Release the regular brakes.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake ®rmly 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,
even when you're on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow.
Always put the shift lever fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake ®rmly set.
If the transfer case on four-wheel-drive
vehicles is in NEUTRAL, 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 Ð not in NEUTRAL.
4-76