1998 GMC Savana Van Owner's Manual - Page 193

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer NOTICE: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this part, and see your dealer for important information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears later in this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That's the reason for this section. 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. If you do, here are some important points: There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig willbe 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. Consider using a sway control if your trailer will weigh 4,000 lbs. (1 800 kg) or less. You should always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more than 4,000 Ibs. (1 800 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 be damaged. 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.