Advertisement
0
If you have an automatic transmission use
THIRD (3) (or, as you need to, a lower gear) when
towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in
THIRD (3) when towing a trailer will minimize heat
buildup and extend the life of your transmission. If
you have a manual transmission and you are towing
a trailer, it's better not to use FIFTH ( 5 ) gear. Just
drive in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a
lower gear).
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
the weight of the trailer,
0
the weight of the trailer tongue
0
and the weight on your vehicle's tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
The following chart shows how much your trailer can
weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
Vehicle
2WD 2.2L Engine
2WD "VORTEC"
4300,
Auto. Trans.
2WD "VORTEC"
4300,
Man. Trans.
4WD "VORTEC"
4300
Auto. Trans.
4WD "VORTEC"
4300
Man. Trans.
Axle
Ratio
Max. Trailer Wt.
3.73
4.10
2,000 lbs. (908 kg)
2,000 lbs. (908 kg)
3.08
3.42
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
3.08
4,000 lbs. (1 816 kg)
3.08
4,500 lbs. (2 043 kg)
3.42
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
3.73
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
3.08
3.42
3.73
3,500 lbs. (1 589 kg)
4,000 lbs. (1 816 kg)
4,500 lbs. (2 043 kg)
4-48
Advertisement
