weight GMC SAFARI 2003 User Guide

Tow/Haul Mode
The tow/haul mode is a feature that assists when pulling
a heavy trailer. The purpose of the tow/haul mode is:
to reduce the frequency of shifts when pulling a
heavy trailer.
to provide the same shift feel when pulling a heavy
trailer as when the vehicle is unloaded.
to reduce the need to change throttle position when
pulling a heavy trailer.
This feature is turned on or off by pressing a button on
the column shift lever. When the feature is on, a
light on the instrument panel will illuminate to indicate
that the tow/haul mode has been selected.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-35. The tow/haul
mode is automatically turned off each time the vehicle is
started.
The tow/haul mode is most effective when the vehicle
and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the maximum
trailer weight rating for the vehicle.The tow/haul mode for hauling a heavy trailer is most
useful under the following conditions:
When driving through hilly terrain at speeds below
55 mph (88 km/h).
When driving in low speed or stop and go traffic
below 55 mph (88 km/h).
When driving in parking lots.
Operating in the tow/haul mode when not pulling a
heavy trailer will not cause damage to the vehicle, but
you may experience reduced fuel economy and
undesirable performance from the engine and
transmission. The tow/haul mode should be used only
when pulling a heavy trailer.
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.
The following chart shows how much your trailer can
weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
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Vehicle Axle RatioMax. Trailer Wt. (lbs)
(kg) GCWR (lbs) (kg)
Two-Wheel Drive (Cargo)3.42
3.735,300 (2406)
5,800 (2633)9,500 (4313)
10,000 (4540)
Two-Wheel Drive (Passenger)3.42
3.734,900 (2225)
5,400 (2452)9,500 (4313)
10,000 (4540)
All-Wheel Drive (Cargo)3.42
3.735,100 (2315)
5,600 (2542)9,500 (4313)
10,000 (4540)
All-Wheel Drive (Passenger)3.42
3.734,600 (2088)
5,100 (2315)9,500 (4313)
10,000 (4540)
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are 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.
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
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. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-29for more information about your vehicle’s
maximum load capacity.
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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 inated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You’llnd these numbers on the
Certication/Tire label at the rear edge of the driver’s
door or seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
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:
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.
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. Dirt and water can, too.
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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“Engine
Exhaust”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“Climate Controls”in the Index.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.
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T
Taillamps.......................................................5-54
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-46
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-18
Passlock
®...................................................2-18
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-33
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-5
Tire Inflation Check.........................................6-27
Tires.............................................................5-57
Buying New Tires........................................5-60
Chains.......................................................5-64
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-65
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-75
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-64
Inflation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-58
Inspection and Rotation................................5-58
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-61
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-63
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-63
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-60
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-22
Top Strap
......................................................1-48Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-50
Torque Lock...................................................2-29
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-35
Tow/Haul Mode Button.....................................2-25
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-35
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-29
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-31
Your Vehicle...............................................4-28
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-36
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-40
Trailering Package..........................................4-31
Transfer Case................................................5-48
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-22
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-23
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-10
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometer................................................3-25
Turn and Lane Change Signals.......................... 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-6
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-38
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U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-31
Underhood Fuse Block....................................5-89
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-49
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-61
United States................................................... 7-4
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a
Power Loss................................................3-48
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-64
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-77
Using HomeLink
®...........................................2-36
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-29
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).............................................5-84
Service Parts Identification Label...................5-85
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-42
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-17
Visors...........................................................2-17
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-27
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
................3-23
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers
............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices
.................................. 3-5
Safety and Symbols
......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage
.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle
......................................5-79
Weatherstrip Lubrication
...................................6-28
Weight of the Trailer
........................................4-33
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
.............................4-34
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
........................5-15
What to Do with Used Oil
................................5-17
What to Use
..................................5-26, 5-37, 5-49
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance
..........................5-63
Replacement
...............................................5-63
When to Add Engine Oil
..................................5-14
When to Change Engine Oil
.............................5-16
When to Check
..............................................5-58
When to Check and Change
............................5-22
When to Check Lubricant
.................................5-49
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
................5-37
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