1995 Chevrolet S10 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 177

Don't tow a trailer at all during thefirst 500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or otherparts could be damaged. Then, during the first miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don't 500 drive over50 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. If you have an automatic transmission, you should use DRIVE (D) (or, as you need to, a lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in DRIVE (D) when towing a trailer will minimize heat build-up and extend the life of your transmission. If you have a manual transmission and you are towing a trailer, it's better not to use FIFTH (5) gear. Just drive in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear)Three important considerations have to do with weight: Weight of the Trailer How heavy can atrailer safely be? It depends onhow you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature how much your vehicle is used to pull and 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 addresslisted in your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet. In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Assistance Center 1908 Colonel SamDrive Oshawa, OntarioL1H 8P7 Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load of any trailer is an important weight to measure (A) because itaffects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The gross vehicle weight (GVW) includes the curbweight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the peoplewho will be riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load 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. 4-44