weight GMC YUKON 2002 User Guide

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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). If you have a manual transmission and
you are towing a trailer, it's better not to use the
highest gear. See ªTow/Haul Modeº in the Index.
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.
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 is equipped with a button at the end of the shift
lever which, when pressed, enables tow/haul. Your vehicle
may be equipped with Autoride
 which further improves
your vehicle's ride while towing. See ªAutorideº in the
Index for 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 ªWeight of the Trailerº 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.

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Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded or with
no trailer at all will not cause damage. However, there is
no benefit 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.
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.
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.

4-59
C-1500 (2WD)*
Engine Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4800 V8 3.42 5,800 lbs. (2 633 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg)
3.73 6,800 lbs. (3 087 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 6,800 lbs. (3 087 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
3.73 7,800 lbs. (3 541 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
5300 V8 (Suburban/Yukon XL) 3.73 7,700 lbs. (3 495 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
4.10 8,700 lbs. (3 949 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) maximum.

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K-1500 (4WD)*
Engine Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
4800 V8 3.73 6,600 lbs. (2 996 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg)
4.10 7,600 lbs. (3 450 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
5300 V8 3.73 7,600 lbs. (3 450 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
4.10 8,200 lbs. (3 722 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
5300 V8 (Suburban/Yukon XL) 3.73 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
4.10 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
5300 V8 (BPH package) 3.73 7,300 lbs. (3 314 kg) 13 000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
4.10 8,200 lbs. (3 722 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
5300 V8 (Suburban BPH package) 3.73 7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg) 13 000 lbs. (5 902 kg)
4.10 7,800 lbs. (3 722 kg) 14,000 lbs. (3 541 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight 1,200 lbs. (544 kg) maximum.

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C-2500 (2WD)*
Engine Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR**
6000 V8 (Suburban/Yukon XL)
3.73 8,200 lbs. (3 722 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
4.10 10,200 lbs. (4 630 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)**
8100 V8 3.73 10,500 lbs. (4 767 kg) 17,000 lbs. (7 718 kg)
(Suburban/Yukon XL)
4.10 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 14,000 lbs. (8 626 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight 1,500 lbs. (681 kg) maximum.
**GCWR limited to 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) on vehicles with Z83 suspension.

2500 Suburban/Yukon XL (2WD) equipped with Z83 base suspension limited to 8,200 lbs. (3 722 kg) trailer.
K
-2500 (4WD)*
Engine Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR
6000 V8 (Suburban/Yukon XL)
3.73 7,900 lbs. (3 586 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
4.10 9,900 lbs. (4 494 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)**
8100 V8 3.73 10,500 lbs. (4 585 kg) 17,000 lbs. (7 718 kg)
4.10 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) 19,000 lbs. (8 626 kg)
* Weight
-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight 1,500 lbs. (681 kg) maximum.
**GCWR limited to 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) on vehicles with Z83 suspension.

2500 Suburban/Yukon XL (4WD) equipped with Z83 base suspension limited to 7,900 lbs. (3 586 kg) trailer.

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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. 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.

4-63 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.
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 ªCarbon Monoxideº in the
Index. Dirt and water can, too.
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. For
heavier trailers, follow the trailer or hitch
manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety
chains. With a factory
-installed trailering package, for
vehicles equipped to pull a trailer up to 12,000 lbs.
(5 448 kg), you may attach the safety chains to the
attaching point on the hitch platform. Always leave just
enough slack so you can turn with your rig. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.

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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.