weight HUMMER H2 2009 User Guide

Using heavier suspension components to get
added durability might not change your weight
ratings. Ask your dealer to help you load
your vehicle the right way.
If you put things inside your vehicle — like
suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else — they
go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or
turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will keep
going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some
of them are above the tops of the seats.
Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.There is also important loading information for
off-road driving in this manual. See “Loading Your
Vehicle for Off-Road Driving” underOff-Road
Driving on page 4-15.
Add-On Equipment
When you carry removable items, you may need
to put a limit on how many people you can
carry inside your vehicle. Be sure to weigh your
vehicle before you buy and install the new
equipment.
Notice
:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) of the front or rear axle.
The Cargo Weight Rating (CWR) is the maximum
weight of the load your vehicle can carry. It does not
include the weight of the people inside. But you can
gure about 150 lbs (68 kg) for each seat.
The total cargo load must not be more than your
vehicle’s CWR.
4-49

The system includes a compressor, two height sensors
and two air springs supporting the vehicle.
The system is activated when the engine is started
and deactivated when the ignition is returned to OFF.
The engine must be running for the rear of the vehicle to
be raised and the doors must be closed to enable a
transition between Normal Ride Height and Extended
Ride Height.
The compressor may be heard while the system is
active and the release of air similar to a hissing sound
may also be heard. This is normal.
Load leveling will not function normally with the inater
hose attached to the inator outlet. Remove the
hose from the outlet when it is not in use. See
Accessory Inflator on page 5-78.Overload and Overheat Protection
Overload protection is designed to protect the air
suspension system and is an indication to the driver that
the vehicle is overloaded.
If the rear suspension remains at a low height, the rear
axle load has exceeded GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating). When the overload protection mode is activated,
the compressor operates for about 30 seconds to one
minute without raising the vehicle depending on the
amount of overload. This will continue each time the
ignition is turned on until the rear axle load is reduced
below GAWR. The system may reactivate without cycling
the ignition if some of the excess load is removed.
If the total rear GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) is
reached, the suspension may be slightly less than level.
This is normal and does not mean there is a problem
with the air suspension.
In some instances the compressor may stop working
due to being overheated. This is normal. In the instance
of an abnormal overheat condition though the
compressor will stop working and the SERVICE
SUSPENSION SYSTEM will be displayed on the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56for
more information.
4-54

Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well — or
even at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle.Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage the
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by the vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,
follow the advice in this section and see your
dealer/retailer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read the
information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears
later in this section.
Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe
trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used
properly.
The following information has 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 pulling a
trailer.
4-55

Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
the rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later
in this section.
Do not tow a trailer at all during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission
to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions. See
“Tow/Haul Mode” following.Three important considerations have to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer
The weight of the trailer tongue
The weight on the vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how
much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. It can depend on any special equipment on
the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in
this section for more information.
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.
4-56

Use the following chart to determine how much the vehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle model and options.
Engine Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight **GCWR
6.2L V8 (SUV) 3.73 8,200 lbs (3 720 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.2L V8 (SUT)* 3.73 8,200 lbs (3 720 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
*Sport utility truck (SUT) models are neither designed nor intended to tow 5th wheel or gooseneck trailers.
**The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) in the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices. See
Customer Assistance Offices on page 7-6for more information.
4-57

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total gross weight of the
vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and the
people who will be riding in the vehicle. If there are a lot of
options, equipment, passengers or cargo in the vehicle, it
will reduce the tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow.
If towing a trailer, the tongue load must be added to the
GVW because the vehicle will be carrying that weight,
too. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-44for more
information about the vehicle’s maximum load capacity.The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to
15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B), up to a
maximum of 600 lbs (272 kg) with a weight carrying hitch.
The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to
15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B), up to a
maximum of 1,000 lbs (454 kg) with a weight distributing
hitch.
4-58

Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for the vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension that
will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight on the
rear axle.
The spare tire carrier is behind the tailgate. If the hitch
extension is too short, the spare tire may interfere with
trailer coupling or trailer tongue jack operation on some
types of trailers.
After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
If they are not, adjustments might be made by moving
some items around in the trailer.
Trailering may be limited by the vehicle’s ability to
carry tongue weight. Tongue weight cannot cause the
vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating). The effect of additional weight may reduce the
trailering capacity more than the total of the additional
weight.Consider the following example:
A vehicle model base weight is 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg);
2,800 lbs (1 270 kg) at the front axle and 2,700 lbs
(1 225 kg) at the rear axle. It has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs
(3 266 kg), a RGAWR of 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) and a
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) of
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). The trailer rating should be:
Expect tongue weight to be at least 10 percent of trailer
weight (850 lbs (386 kg)) and because the weight is
applied well behind the rear axle, the effect on the rear
axle is greater than just the weight itself, as much as
1.5 times as much. The weight at the rear axle could be
850 lbs (386 kg) X 1.5 = 1,275 lbs (578 kg). Since the
rear axle already weighs 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg), adding
1,275 lbs (578 kg) brings the total to 3,975 lbs (1 803 kg).
This is very close to, but within the limit for RGAWR as
well. The vehicle is set to trailer up to 8,500 lbs
(3 856 kg).
4-59

If the vehicle has many options and there is a front seat
passenger and two rear seat passengers with some
luggage and gear in the vehicle as well. 300 lbs (136 kg)
could be added to the front axle weight and 400 lbs
(181 kg) to the rear axle weight. The vehicle now weighs:
Weight is still below 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) and you
might think 700 additional pounds (318 kg) should be
subtracted from the trailering capacity to stay within
GCWR limits. The maximum trailer would only be
7,800 lbs (3 538 kg). You may go further and think the
tongue weight should be limited to less than 1,000 lbs
(454 kg) to avoid exceeding GVWR. But the effect on the
rear axle must still be considered. Because the rear axle
now weighs 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg), 900 lbs (408 kg) can be
put on the rear axle without exceeding RGAWR. The
effect of tongue weight is about 1.5 times the actual
weight. Dividing the 900 lbs (408 kg) by 1.5 leaves only
600 lbs (272 kg) of tongue weight that can be handled.
Since tongue weight is usually at least 10 percent of total
loaded trailer weight, expect that the largest trailer the
vehicle can properly handle is 6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).It is important that the vehicle does not exceed any of
its ratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Maximum Trailer
Rating or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it
is not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the vehicle and trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper limit
for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the
Certication label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or
seeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-44for more
information. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for
the vehicle, or the GAWR, including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight distributing hitch,
make sure not to go over the rear axle limit before
applying the weight distribution spring bars.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is needed.
4-60

Weight-Distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
A:Body to Ground Distance
B:Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must
be adjusted so the distance (A) remains the same both
before and after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.If a step-bumper hitch will be used, the bumper could be
damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is ample room
when turning to avoid contact between the trailer and the
bumper.
If the loaded trailer being pulled 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 driving. Always use a
sway control if the trailer will weigh more than these
limits. Ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and the
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. If
the trailer being towed weighs up to the vehicle’s trailer
rating limit, safety chains may be attached to the
attaching point on the hitch platform. Always leave just
enough slack so the rig can turn. Never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
4-61

Tow/Haul Mode
Pressing this button at
the end of the shift lever
turns on and off the
tow/haul mode.
This indicator light on the
instrument panel cluster
comes on when the
tow/haul mode is on.
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. SeeTow/Haul Mode
on page 2-36for more information.Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when the
vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent
of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “Weight of the Trailer” later in the 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 benet 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.
4-62