If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer - Chevrolet 2005 Astro Owner's Manual

To identify the trailering capacity of your vehicle, you
should read the information in "Weight of the Trailer" that
appears later in this section.
If yours was built with trailering options, as many are,
it's ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, acceleration, braking, durability
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be used properly.
That's the reason for this part. 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 Decide To 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 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.
•
Consider using a sway control. See "Hitches" later
in this section.
•
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 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.
•
See "Driving on Grades" later in this section for
more information.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
•
the weight of the trailer
•
the weight of the trailer tongue
•
and the weight on your vehicle's tires
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