2006 GMC Savana Van Owner's Manual - Page 234

Trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in acceleration, braking, handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That's the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. • 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. • See also "Driving on Grades" later in this section. Three important considerations have to do with weight: If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: • the weight of the trailer • the weight of the trailer tongue • and the weight on your vehicle's tires • 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 or provincial police. Tow/Haul Mode Tow/haul is designed to assist while your vehicle is pulling a large or heavy load or trailer. Tow/haul is most useful while pulling such a load in rolling terrain, in stop-and-go traffic, or when you need improved low-speed control, such as when parking. The purpose of the tow/haul mode is to: • Consider using a sway control. See "Hitches" later in this section. • Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. • Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability of transmission shifts, • provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a heavy load as when the vehicle is unloaded, • improve control of vehicle speed while requiring less throttle pedal activity. 4-38