Towing equipment, Towing equipment -55, Task of driving – GMC 2012 Savana User Manual

Page 263

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GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11

Driving and Operating

9-55

Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires

Be sure the vehicle tires are inflated
to the upper limit for cold tires.
These numbers can be found on the
Certification label at the rear edge of
the driver door, or see Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑10
. 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.

Towing Equipment

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.

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 2 270 kg
(5,000 lbs), 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.

Will any holes need to be made in
the body of the vehicle when a
trailer hitch is installed?

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