1997 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 189

If you have an automatic transmission, you can 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, the weight of the trailer tongue and the weight on your vehicle's tires. The following chart shows how much your trailer can weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options. Vehicle 2WD 2.2L Engine 2wD "VORTEC" 4300, Auto. Trans. 2wD "VORTEC" 4300, Man. Trans. 4WD "VORTEC" 4300 Auto. Trans. 4WD "VORTEC" 4300 Man. Trans. Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. 3.73 4.10 2,000 lbs. (908 kg) 2,000 lbs. (908 kg) 3.08 3.42 3.08 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) 6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg) 4,000 lbs. (1 816 kg) Weight of the Trailer How heavy can atrailer 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. 3.OS 3.42 3.73 3.OS 3.42 3.73 4,500 lbs. (2 043kg) 5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg) 5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg) 3,500 lbs. (1 589 kg) 4,000 lbs. (1 8 16 kg) 4,500 lbs. (2 043kg) 4-51