1995 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 178

0 Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or otherparts could be damaged. Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you 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. 0 0 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 extendthe 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 importantconsiderations have to do with weight: Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It depends on how 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 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, OntarioLl H 8P7 Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load(A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects total or grossweight of your vehicle. The gross vehicle the 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 tongue load to the GVWbecause your vehicle will be carrying thatweight, too. See "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index for moreinformation about your vehicle's maximum load capacity. 4-44