2002 Cadillac DeVille Owner's Manual - Page 273

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: Three important considerations have to do with weight: D There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you'll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. dealer about sway controls. D the weight of the trailer, D the weight of the trailer tongue D and the total weight on your vehicle's tires. Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg). These are total maximum weights including the load. But even that can be too heavy. The maximum trailer weight for your vehicle can be determined from the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW). The GCVW = curb weight + passenger's weight + cargo weight + trailer weight. The GCVW should never be more than 7,200 lbs. (3 273 kg). 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. D Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch D Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles D Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you (1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. Don't drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear on your vehicle's parts. D Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. 4-35