1996 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 165

0 Don't tow a trailer atall during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could damaged. be Then, during the first miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don't 500 drive over50 mph (80 k d 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. 0 0 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 build-up and extend the life of your transmission. Three important considerations have to do with weight: 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 how much your vehicle is used to pull and a trailer areall 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 the addresslisted in your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet. In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Assistance Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario LlH 8P7 Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects thetotal or grossweight of your vehicle. The gross vehicle weight (GVW) includesthe curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you will because your tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW vehicle will be carrying thatweight, too. See "Loading Your Vehicle"in the Index for more information aboutyour vehicle's maximum load capacity. 4-27