1997 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 208

If You Do DecideTo Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some importantpoints: 0 Three important considerations have to do with weight: the weight of the trailer, the weight of the trailer tongue 0 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 orprovincial police. Consider using a sway control if your trailer will 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. 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 bedamaged. Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 kmh) 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 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 buildup and extend the life of your transmission. 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 useyour 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. The following chart shows how much your trailer can weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options. 0 0 0 Vehicle Two-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive Axle Ratio 3.23 3.42 3.73 Max. Trailer Wt. 4,500 lbs. (1 8 16 kg) 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) 5,500 lbs. ( 2 497 kg) 4,500 lbs. (1 8 16 kg) 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) 0 3.42 3.73 4-32