weight CHEVROLET TRACKER 2003 2.G User Guide

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
on page 4-51for 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 tire-loading information label at the rear edge of
the driver's door or see
Tires on page 5-59. Then
be sure you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
4-55

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.
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.
4-57

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone.
Store all these in the proper place.
1. Store your vehicle's ¯at or spare tire by mounting it
on the tailgate.
Notice:Ensure that the wheel balance weight is on
the lower left section of the tire in order to allow
proper installation of the spare wheel cover.
2. Put the top two wheel nuts back on with the wheel
wrench.
3. Put the spare tire cover back on, if equipped. Using
the wheel wrench, put the wheel cover nut back on.
5-77

Top Strap......................................................1-41
Torque Lock...................................................2-29
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-55
Towing..........................................................4-47
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-47
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-53
Your Vehicle...............................................4-47
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-56
Transfer Case........................................2-25, 5-53
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-19
Transmission Operation, Manual........................2-23
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-11
Transmission..................................................5-23
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-23
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-26
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Traveling to Remote Areas...............................4-18
Trip Odometer................................................3-26
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-5
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-58
U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-27
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-42
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-63
United States ± Customer Assistance.................. 7-4Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-65
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-80
Using the Rear Door Security Lock...................2-10
Using the Recovery Hooks...............................4-45
V
Vehicle Identi®cation........................................5-88
Number (VIN).............................................5-88
Service Parts Identi®cation Label...................5-88
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-46
Vehicle............................................................ 4-7
Control........................................................ 4-7
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Design......................................................... 4-3
Loading......................................................4-51
Parking Your...............................................2-31
Symbols......................................................... iv
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-21
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-14
Visors...........................................................2-14
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-24
Warnings......................................................... 3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-4
13

Warnings (cont.)
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-82
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-25
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-55
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-54
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-18
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-20
What to Use..........................5-28, 5-40, 5-41, 5-52
Wheels..........................................................5-64
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-64
Replacement...............................................5-64
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-17
When to Change Engine Oil.............................5-19
When to Check and Change Lubricant...............5-52
When to Check and Change....................5-23, 5-26
When to Check and What to Use.....................5-27
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-40
When to Check..............................................5-60When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter........5-21
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill.........................................4-59
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-40
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-12
Window Lock.................................................2-14
Windows.......................................................2-12
Manual......................................................2-13
Power........................................................2-13
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................6-24
Windshield Washer........................................... 3-8
Fluid..........................................................5-41
Windshield Wipers............................................ 3-7
Winter Driving................................................4-40
Wiper Blade Check.........................................6-25
Y
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle............. 4-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14