2003 Pontiac Montana Owner's Manual - Page 314

Consider using a sway control if your trailer will weigh 2,000 Ibs. (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. Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your newvehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. 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. You can 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 transaxle. Three important considerations have to do with weight: 0 0 Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 1,400 Ibs. (630 kg) with up to six occupants in the vehicle or more than 2,000 Ibs. (900 kg) with up to two occupants. If you have the optional trailer towing package, your vehicle can tow up to 2,900 Ibs. (1 300 kg) with up to six occupants or up to 3,500 Ibs. (1 575 kg) with up to two occupants. If you have the Thunder, your vehicle can tow up to 2,600 Ibs. (1 180 kg) with up to six occupants or up to 3,200 Ibs. (1 410 kg) with up to two occupants. But even that can be too heavy. 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. You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Dnntirrn I VI I L I U b U l V l V the weight of the trailer, the weight of the trailer tongue and the weight on your vehicle's tires. CRAP Pt~.-tn-nr V U \ ; ) L V I Il'irl I\ddI\;)LUI A ~ . - i . - t ~ n m nPnntnr lbb U b l I L b I P.O. Box 33172 Detroit, MI 48232-51 72 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited CLlstGme: CGmmufiicatiGn Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L I H 8P7 4-37