1994 GMC Suburban Owner's Manual - Page 199

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 itemsaround in the trailer. Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sureyour vehicle's tires are inflated the limit for cold tires. to You'll find these numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge driver's door of the 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, trucks large going by, and rough roads are a few reasons you'll need the right hitch. why Here are some rules follow: to 0 If you use a stepbumper hitch, and your trailer tonguehas a V-shaped foot, your bumper could be damaged in sharp turns. Check the distance from the front edge the foot to the of middle of the hitch ball socket.If off the distance is less than 12 inches, take the foot the trailer tongue. If you'll be pulling a trailerwith a utilitymodel that, when loaded, will weigh more than 3,000 pounds (1 361 kg); or with a wagon model that, when loaded, willweigh more than 4000 pounds (1 800 kg), be sure to use aproperly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the proper size. This equipment isvery 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? you do, thenbe sure to seal the holes later Lf when you remove the hitch. If you don't seal them, deadlycarbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle (see "Carbon Monoxide" in the Index). Dirt water can,too. and Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailerso that the tonguewill not drop to the road it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions if about safety chains may be providedby the hitch manufacturer or the by trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer'srecommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leave justenough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag the ground. on 4-39