towing capacity GMC SONOMA 1999 Owner's Manual

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Dust or dirt can enter the back of the transmission
through the opening created by removing the propeller
shaft if proper protection is not provided. Also, check
the transmission fluid level before driving the vehicle.
When towing your vehicle, turn the ignition to OFF.
To prevent your battery from draining while towing,
remove the RDO BATT fuse from the instrument panel
fuse block. Be sure to replace the fuse when you reach
your destination. See ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in
the Index.
Be sure to use the proper towing equipment designed for
recreational vehicle towing. Follow the instructions for
the towing equipment.Loading Your Vehicle
The Certification/Tire label is found on the driver's door
edge, above the door latch. The label shows the size of
your original tires and the inflation pressures needed to
obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is
called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The
GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
fuel, cargo and trailer tongue weight, if pulling a trailer.

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Towing a Trailer
CAUTION:
If you don't use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the
brakes may not work well
-- or even at all. You
and your passengers could be seriously injured.
Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the
steps in this section. Ask your dealer for advice
and information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by
your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
Your vehicle may be able to tow a trailer. To identify
what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle,
you should read the information in ªWeight of the
Trailerº 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, 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.

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The following chart shows how much your trailer can
weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
VehicleAxle
Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
2WD 2.2L
L4 Engine*#3.73
4.102,000 lbs. (908 kg)
2,300 lbs. (1 044 kg)
2WD ªVORTECº
4300 V6,
Auto. Trans.*3.08
3.425,400 lbs. (2 451 kg)
6,400 lbs. (2 905 kg)
2WD ªVORTECº
4300 V6,
Man. Trans.*3.08 4,200 lbs. (1 906 kg)
4WD ªVORTECº
4300 V6
Auto. Trans.3.08
3.42
3.734,900 lbs. (2 224 kg)
5,900 lbs. (2 678 kg)
5,900 lbs. (2 678 kg)
4WD ªVORTECº
4300 V6
Man. Trans.3.08
3.42
3.733,900 lbs. (1 770 kg)
4,400 lbs. (1 997 kg)
4,900 lbs. (2 224 kg)
* If your vehicle is equipped with RPO V4A
(Xtreme
Sport Appearance Package), your vehicle
was neither intended nor designed to tow a trailer. For
more information on RPO codes, see ªService Parts
Identification Labelº in the Index.# If your vehicle is equipped with a code 5 engine
you must use regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher when towing.
Optional body styles, equipment, passengers or cargo
will reduce trailer rating.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight. The weight of the trailer tongue also
affects trailering capacity. See ªWeight of the Trailer
Tongueº later in this section.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at the address listed in your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7