2004 Saturn VUE Owner's Manual - Page 236

If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer If you do, here are some important points: • If you have a VTi variable transaxle, you can use Drive (D) or as you need to Intermediate (I). • 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 or provincial police. • If you have a manual transaxle, you should not use fifth gear. Drive in fourth gear or as you need to a lower gear. • Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. Don't drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear on your vehicle's parts. • Consider using a sway control. See "Hitches" later in this section. • Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (805 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. • Don't tow a trailer when the outside temperature is above 100°F (38°C). Three important considerations have to do with weight: • Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that you tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/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. • the weight of the trailer, • the weight of the trailer tongue • and the total weight on your vehicle's tires. Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 1,500 lbs. (680 kg) for the four cylinder and 3500 lbs (1587 kg) for the six cylinder. But even that can be too heavy. • If you have an automatic transaxle, you can use Intermediate (I) or as you need to, a lower gear which will minimize heat buildup and extend the life of your transaxle. 4-56