User manual GMC SIERRA 1994

[. . . ] I 191 O w n e r ' sM a n u a l INTRODUCTION 1994 GMC Sierra Owner's Manual Welcome This manual was prepared to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance of your 1994 GMC Sierra and to provide important safety information. There is also a GMC Truck Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet. In some vehicles, there can be information manuals from other manufacturers like body builders or special equipment companies. This will help you enjoy safe and trouble-free operation of your vehicle. [. . . ] So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. I You Do DecideTo Pull A Trailer f If you do, here are some important points. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you'll be driving. Consider using a sway control if your trailer will weigh 4, 000 pounds (1 800 kg) or less. You should always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more than 4, 000 pounds ( I 800 kg). You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls. 0 Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 k d h ) and don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your engineand other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. Three important considerationshave to do with weight: Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be?For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperatureand 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. 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 Assistance Center, 1908 Colonel Sam Drive, Oshawa, Ontario L l H 8P7. 4-39 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 tongueload to the GVW because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index for more information about your vehicle's maximum load capacity. A B If you're using a "dead-weight" hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have a "weight-distributing" hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12% 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 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 foryour vehicle. 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 somerules to follow: 0 If you use a step bumper hitch, and your trailer tongue has a V-shaped foot, your bumper could be damaged in sharp turns. Check the distance 4-40 from the front edge of the foot tothe middle of the hitch ball socket. If the distance is less than 12 inches, take the foot off the trailer tongue. 0 If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will weigh more than 4, 000 pounds (1 8 14 kg) be sure to use a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the proper size. [. . . ] 2-51 2-74 Service Engine Soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-72 6-58 SideMarker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-98 6-59 RoofMarker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-51 Constant Velocity Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ]