trailer GMC SIERRA 1998 User Guide

If your slide-in camper and its load weighs less than the
CWR, the center
of gravity zone for your vehicle may
be larger.
Your dealer can help you make a good vehicle-camper
match. He’ll also help
you determine your CWR.
After you’ve loaded your vehicle and camper, drive to a
weigh station and weigh the front and rear wheels
separately. This will tell you
the loads on your axles.
The loads on the front and rear axles shouldn’t be more
than either of
the GAWRs. The total of the axle loads
should
not be more than the GVWR.
Open your driver’s door and look at the
CertificatiodTire label to find
out your GAWR
and GVWR.
If you’ve gone over your weight ratings, move or take
out some things until all the weight falls below the
ratings.
Of course, you should always tie down any
loose items when you load your vehicle or camper. When you
install and load your slide-in camper, check
the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you want more information
on curb weights, cargo
weights, Cargo Weight Rating and the correct center of
gravity zone for your vehicle, your dealer can help
you.
Just ask for a copy of “Consumer Information,
Truck-Camper Loading.”
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the CWR for
your vehicle. Weigh your vehicle with the trailer attached,
so that you won’t go over the GVWR or 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 “Trailer Towing”
in the Index.
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Towing a Trailer
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 dealer for advice
and information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.
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 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.
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If You 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 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 kdh) and
don’t make starts at
full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts
of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
0 If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow
in OVERDRIVE
(a). 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). 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:
0 the weight of the trailer,
0 the weight of the trailer tongue
0 and the weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Weigl- - 3e 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.
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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 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.
Above the
2,000 lbs. (908 kg) trailer rating, the engine
oil cooler
is required on C/K- 1500 and C/K-2500
models with gas engines. Refer
to the Trailering Guide
for oil cooler recommendations.
Above the
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) trailer rating,
heavy-duty or gas shock absorbers are required
on
C- 1500 models, and heavy-duty shock absorbers
or the off-road chassis package are required on
K- 1500 models.
C-1500 (2WD)
Engine (Trans.)
4.3L (Auto.)
4.3L (Manual)
5.0L (Auto.)
5.0L (Manual)
5.x
Axle Ratio 3.08
3.42
3.08
3.42
3.73
3.08
3.42
3.73
3.08
3.42
3.08
3.42
3.73
Max. Trailer Wt.
4,000 lbs. (1 800 kg)
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
2,000 lbs.
(908 kg)
2,500 lbs.
(1 135 kg)
3,000 lbs.
(1 362 kg)
4,500 lbs.
(2 043 kg)
5,500 Ibs. (2 497 kg)
6,500 Ibs. (2 951 kg)
2,000 lbs.
(908 kg)
3,000 Ibs. (1 362 kg)
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
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1 K-1500 (4WD)
~ Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio 4.3L
(Auto.) 3.73
1 4.3L
(Manual)
i 5.0L (Auto.)
5
.OL (Manual)
5.7L 6.5L Diesel 3.73
3.42
3.73
3.42 3.73
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
Max. Trailer Wt.
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
2,500 lbs. (1 135 kg)
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
2,500 lbs. (1 135 kg)
3,500 lbs. (1 589 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
6,500 lbs. (2 951 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg) 5 .OL (Manual)
5.7L
6.5L Diesel
7.4L
C-2500 (2WD) Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio
5.0L (Auto.) 3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.73
4.10
3.42 3.73
4.10 3.73
4.10
Max. Trailer Wt.
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
6,500 lbs. (2 951 kg)
3,000 lbs. (1 362 kg)
4,000 lbs. (1 800 kg)
6,000 lbs.
(2 724 kg)
7,000 lbs.3' (3 178 kg)
8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
6,500 lbs. (2 951 kg)
7,500 1bs.T (3
405 kg)
8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
11,OOO lbs.* (4 994 kg)
?Vehicles with
8600 GVWR subtract 500 lbs. (227 kg).
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg).
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K-2500 (4WD)
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 3.73 6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
3.73 6,500 Ibs.
(2 95 1 kg)
3.73
8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg)
4.10 10,500 lbs.* (4 767 kg)
4.10 7,500
lbs. (3 405 kg)
4.10 8,000 Ibs. (3 632 kg)
6.5L
Diesel
7.4L
*'Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to 10,000 Ibs. (4 540 kg).
C-3500 (2WD)
6.5L Diesel
7.4L
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg)
4.56 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
4.10
8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
4.10 10,500 lbs." (4 767 kg)
4.56 12,500 Ibs."
(5 675 kg)
"Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited
to 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg).
K-3500 (4WD)
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
7.4L 4.10 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)
6.5L
Diesel 4.10 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg)
4.56 12,000 lbs.* (5
448 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to 10,000 Ibs. (4 540 kg).
C-3500 Crew Cab (2WD)
6.5L Diesel
7.4L
Engine (Trans.) Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
5.7L 4.10 7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg)
4.56 8,500 lbs.
(3 859 kg)
4.10 8,000 lbs.
(3 632 kg)
4.10 10,500
lbs." (4 767 kg)
4.56 12,500 lbs."
(5 675 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to 10,000 Ibs. (4 540
kg).
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K-3500 Crew Cab (4WD)
Engine (Trans.)
5.7L
6.5L Diesel
7.4L
Axle
Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
4.10 6,500 Ibs. (2 95 I kg)
4.56 8,000 lbs.
(3 ti32 kg)
4.10 7,500 Ibs.
(3 405 kg)
4.10
10,000 Ibs. (4 540 kg)
4.56 12,000
Ibs.'% (5 448 kg)
*Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited to
10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg).
C-3500 HD Chassis Cab
Engine (Trans.)
6.5L Diesel (Auto.)
7.4L
Axle
Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
4.63 9,000 lbs. (4 084 kg)
5.1
3 10,OOO Ibs. (4 540 kg)
4.63
12,000 Ibs.'': (5 448 kg)
5.1
3 12,000 Ibs." (5 448 kg) 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
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1 H 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 mot-e information about
your vehicle's maximum load capacity.
"Fifth wheel hitch rating; weight distributing hitch
rating is limited
to 10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg).
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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 j. If you’re using 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.
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 ”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:
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 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.
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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.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 Ibs. (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 brake system can tap into the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system only if
0 The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
0 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.
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.
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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
I 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 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 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.
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