1996 Pontiac Trans Sport Owner's Manual - Page 212

If You Do DecideTo Pull A Trailer If YOU do, hereare some important points: ...:. . ,- , / . I There are many different laws, including speed imit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make ure your rig will be legal, not only where you live 1 u t also where you'll be driving,A good source f a this information can be state or provincial police. 0 You should use THIRD (D) (or, as you need to, a lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in THIRD (D) when towing a trailer will minimize heat buildup and extend the life of your tsmsde. Three important considerations have todo with weight: the weight of the trailer, the weight of the trailer tongue and the weight on your vehicle's tires. Consider using a sway control if your trailer will weigh 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) orless. You should always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh mdre than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg). You can ask a hitch ddaler about sway controls. .i > ;, ~~ Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a tr'ailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 1,400 lbs. (630 kg) with up to sixoccupants in the vehicle more than or 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) with up to two 'occupants. If you have the o'ptional trailer towing package, your vehicle can tow up to 2,400 lbs. (1 090 kg) with up to six occupants or up to 3,500 lbs. (1 575 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 is temperature and how much your vehicle used to pull a trailer are all important,.And, it can also dependon any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. I ' . Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engibe, axle or other parts could be damaged. ?ti, ii4. : ?- , , Then, during the first 500 miles (800 k ) you m that tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and don't make starts at fullthrottle. This helps yo+ engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in dt the heavier loads. I