1996 GMC Safari Owner's Manual - Page 184

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: 0 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 orprovincial police. Consider using a sway control if your trailer will weigh 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) or less. You should always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more than 2,000 Ibs. (900 kg). You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls. (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. Three important considerations have to do with weight: the weight of the trailer, the weight of the trailer tongue and the weight on your vehicle's tires. 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 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. 0 a Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles The following chart shows how much your trailer can weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options. Vehicle Two-Wheel Drive Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. 3.23 3.42 3.73 0 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. 4,500 Ibs. (1 8 16 kg) 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) 5,500 Ibs. (2 497 kg) 4,500 lbs. ( 1 8 I6 kg) 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) All-Wheel Drive a You should use DRIVE (D) (or, asyou need to, a lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in DRIVE (D) when towing a trailer will minimize heat buildup and extend the life of your transmission. 3.42 3.73 4-30