1996 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 177

I f 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 buildup 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: the weight of the trailer, 0 Vehicle 2-Wheel Drive, 2.2L Engine 2-Wheel Drive, 4.3L Auto. Trans. 2-Wheel Drive, 4.3L Man. Trans. 4-Wheel Drive, 4.3L Auto. Trans. 4-Wheel Drive, 4.3L Man. Trans. AxleRatioMax.TrailerWt. 3.73 4.10 3.08 3.42 3.08 3.08 3.42 3.73 3.08 3.42 3.73 2,000 lbs. (908 kg) 2,000 lbs. (908kg) 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) 6,000 Ibs. (2 724 kg) 4,000 lbs. ( I 8 16 kg) 4,500 Ibs. (2 043 kg) 5,500 Ibs. (2 497 kg) 5,500 Ibs. (2 497 kg) 3,500 Ibs. ( I 589 kg) 4,000 Ibs. ( 1 8 16 kg) 4,500 lbs. (2 043 kg) 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. The following chartshows how much your trailer can weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options. Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight. Two-wheel-drive models with a GVWR of 4,200 Ibs. ( I 907 kg) and four-wheel-drive models with the ZR2 suspension package are limited to a 2,000 lbs. (908 kg)trailer rating. 4-49