1999 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 197

yellowblue D Consider using a sway control if your trailer will Three important considerations have to do with weight: weigh 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) or less. You should always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (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. 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. use THIRD (3) (or, as you need to, a lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in THIRD (3) 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). D Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles D the weight of the trailer, D the weight of the trailer tongue D 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. D Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you D If you have an automatic transmission, you can 4-47