1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 198

Load-pulling components such the engine, as are transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies and tires forced towork harder against the drag the added of weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. What's more, the trailer adds considerably wind to resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. 0 Obey speed limit restrictionswhen towing a trailer, Don't drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers (or no more than mph (90 k / )to 55 mh) save wearon your vehicle's parts. the weight of the trailer, the weight of the trailer tongue and the total weight on your vehicle's tires. Three important considerations have to with weight: do 0 0 If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: 0 There aremany different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to with trailering. Make sure do your rig will legal, notonly where you live but be also where you'll be driving. A good source for this information canbe state or provincial police. Consider usinga sway control. You can ask a hitch dealer aboutsway controls. Don't tow a trailer at all during the first miles 1,000 (1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. Then, during the first miles (800 km) that you 500 tow a trailer, don't drive over mph (80 km/h) and 50 don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in atthe heavier loads. Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should neverweigh more than 1,500 pounds (680 kg) under normal driving conditions. should never weigh It more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)when driven on long 90" grades at high ambient temperatures. Above F (32°C).But even that can too heavy. be It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicleused to pulla is trailer are all important. And, can alsodepend on any it special equipmentthat you have on your vehicle. 0 0 0 4-33